Mental health has become one of the most frequently discussed topics of the past decade, but for all the talk, it still feels like a distant issue for many. We talk about it in broad terms, we know it’s important, but when it comes down to it, most of us still struggle to understand how to actually take care of our mental well-being. The truth is, we’ve all been conditioned to suppress emotions, to ‘get over it,’ to ‘push through.’ But in doing so, we’re not just bottling up feelings—we’re ignoring a fundamental aspect of our well-being that is essential for a thriving life.

In 2025, it’s time to stop pretending that ignoring mental health will somehow make things better. Let’s face it—too many of us go through the motions, thinking that if we can just get through the day, we’ll be fine. But fine isn’t enough anymore. It’s time to make mental health a priority, not just as a reaction to crises, but as an essential part of everyday living.

Suppressing Emotions and the Impact

For years, we’ve been taught to suppress our feelings—whether they are sadness, fear, anger, or anxiety. We’ve been told to ‘stay strong,’ to ‘move on,’ and to ‘keep our chin up.’ But suppression doesn’t resolve anything; it only forces emotions deeper into our subconscious, where they fester and build up over time. As a clinical psychologist, I’ve seen the toll this takes on individuals—patients coming in with a wide range of issues, from anxiety to depression to physical ailments that have no clear medical cause. And when we talk about it, it becomes clear: they’ve been holding it all in for far too long.

What does emotional suppression look like? It’s the person who smiles and says they’re ‘fine’ when they’re struggling. It’s the individual who experiences regular feelings of anxiety but doesn’t know how to talk about them. It’s the parent who feels overwhelmed by the demands of life but doesn’t feel they have the right to express vulnerability. We’ve normalized this behavior to the point where it feels almost shameful to show discomfort or vulnerability. But this silence is costly, and it affects us in ways we don’t always understand.

The Disconnect Between Mental Health Awareness and Action

We’ve come a long way in raising awareness about mental health. Mental health is no longer something we whisper about in hushed tones or avoid entirely. But awareness alone isn’t enough. It’s one thing to know we need to care for our mental health; it’s another to know how to do it.

Most people have a basic understanding of what mental health is. They know it involves things like anxiety, depression, and stress. They may even know that it’s important to address these issues, especially if they start to impact daily life. But here’s the problem: awareness doesn’t always lead to action. In fact, it often leads to confusion. Many people still don’t know where to start when it comes to improving their mental health. And, worse, many don’t know the first thing about what it means to have good mental health in the first place.

So, let’s take a moment to discuss where most of us are. For many people, the mental health journey starts from a place of negative—we’re dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, or depression. But there’s another level we should be aiming for: zero—that state of being where we’re not dealing with these issues, where we’ve found some balance. But here’s the catch: zero isn’t enough. Being at zero means we’re just getting by. We’re not thriving; we’re merely existing.

Moving from Negative to Zero, and Zero to Positive

Most of us start at the negative—grappling with issues that stem from unresolved emotions, trauma, stress, or even the sheer busyness of modern life. We may feel anxious, disconnected, or overwhelmed. For many, it’s about simply surviving the day without crashing under the weight of it all. The goal is to reach zero—a state of mental stability, where there are no active mental health crises. Zero is an important milestone because it means we’ve tackled the worst of the storm. But it’s just the beginning.

Once we’ve achieved that baseline, we move toward positive—the point where mental health is no longer just the absence of illness, but the presence of flourishing. The idea of flourishing is central to positive psychology. It’s about not just surviving but thriving, reaching a place where we can grow, find meaning, and experience fulfillment. In 2025, let’s make this shift from merely existing to truly thriving. Let’s redefine what it means to have good mental health.

Flourishing: The Key to Thriving in 2025

Flourishing isn’t just a feel-good concept; it’s backed by research in the field of positive psychology. In simple terms, flourishing refers to living a life that is rich in positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. It’s the kind of life where you feel not just “okay” but deeply connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Flourishing is about finding joy in the everyday, experiencing a sense of purpose, and navigating challenges with resilience.

Here’s what flourishing looks like in daily life:

1. Positive Emotions: It’s not about being happy all the time—no one is happy 100% of the time—but it’s about experiencing joy, gratitude, and contentment in your life. It’s the ability to feel joy in the little things, like a warm cup of coffee or a good conversation with a friend. It’s knowing that even on bad days, there are moments of light.

2. Engagement: This means being fully involved in activities that you love, whether it’s work, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. It’s about being present, feeling ‘in the zone,’ and losing yourself in something that feels meaningful.

3. Relationships: Flourishing is about connecting with others on a deep, authentic level. It’s having friends, family, and a community you can rely on, and, equally important, offering your support to others. Healthy, nurturing relationships are a cornerstone of good mental health.

4. Meaning: People who flourish often have a strong sense of purpose. They feel that their lives matter, that they are contributing to something greater than themselves. Whether it’s through work, volunteering, or personal projects, finding meaning is essential to thriving.

5. Accomplishment: Finally, flourishing involves feeling a sense of achievement. It’s about setting goals, working toward them, and feeling a sense of pride and fulfillment when they are accomplished. Success isn’t just about external recognition but also about the internal satisfaction that comes from knowing you’ve done your best.

Making 2025 the Year of Flourishing

As we approach 2025, it’s time to make mental health a priority—not just when crises hit but as an ongoing, proactive part of our daily lives. Here’s how we can begin this shift toward flourishing:

1. Start Small: You don’t need to change everything at once. Begin by cultivating small, positive habits—take a walk outside, meditate for a few minutes each day, journal your thoughts, or practice gratitude. These small actions can build up over time and create significant change.

2. Seek Support: Mental health isn’t something we have to navigate alone. Whether it’s through therapy, support groups, or simply talking to friends and family, seeking help is a crucial part of the process. Don’t be afraid to reach out.

3. Prioritize Self-Care: Self-care is more than just bubble baths and face masks—it’s about listening to your body and mind and giving them what they need. That could mean resting when you’re tired, saying no when you’re overwhelmed, or doing something creative just for the joy of it.

4. Build Resilience: Flourishing doesn’t mean avoiding challenges—it means developing the resilience to cope with them effectively. This involves building mental strength, learning coping skills, and developing a growth mindset that allows you to learn from setbacks.

5. Focus on Strengths: Positive psychology emphasizes identifying and building on your strengths. What are you good at? What brings you joy? Lean into these aspects of your personality and use them to fuel your growth.

6. Create Connections: Nurture your relationships. Flourishing happens in the context of connection with others. Take time to build and maintain meaningful relationships, and don’t be afraid to open up about your struggles.

By prioritizing mental health in 2025, we can transform our lives from simply surviving to truly flourishing. It’s time to stop settling for “fine” and aim for something more—something deeper, richer, and more fulfilling. Let’s make 2025 the year where mental health isn’t just a buzzword but a core value that shapes how we live, love, and thrive.

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