Having life goals was related to reducing the risk of anxiety and depression, and here's how to make you stronger

A key element of growth is determining how to adapt your life goals to what is really happening in your life. It can be very frustrating to have no clear life goals or to feel that your goals are out of reach – and a new study indicates that this could have an impact on your health mental. Having life goals was associated with reduced risk of anxiety, depression, and panic, but if it is not you, there are ways to clarify and strengthen your goals.

The 18-year-old study, published by the American Psychological Association (APA) in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, found that people who were good at achieving their goals or who were more successful in maintaining goals over time had better mental health than those who did not. Having a positive view of these goals was also helpful, while having control on these goals does not have.

"Perseverance cultivates a determination that can create resilience against major depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders and panic disorder, or reduce current levels," said Nur Hani Zainal, lead author of the study, from Pennsylvania State University. "Watching the good side of unhappy events has the same effect because people feel that life is meaningful, understandable and manageable."

"Our findings suggest that people can improve their mental health by increasing or maintaining high levels of toughness, resilience and optimism," Zainal said in a press release. "Aspiring to personal and professional goals, people may feel that their lives make sense. On the other hand, refraining from trying to achieve these goals or having a cynical attitude can result in high costs for mental health. "

"Clinicians can help their clients understand the vicious circle caused by the abandonment of their professional and personal aspirations," Zainal said. "Abandonment may offer temporary emotional relief, but may increase the risk of setbacks, as regret and disappointment install. Stimulating the optimism and resilience of a patient by engaging in specific actions so that his dreams come true, despite obstacles, can generate more positive moods and sense of purpose. "

Achieving the goals of life is not always possible – some types of privilege may be a factor, or life forbids it – but being able to reframe these setbacks was associated with reduced risk of these mental health problems . If you find that clarifying your life goals seems difficult, especially if you are managing depression or anxiety for a while, some tools can help you. Learn how to choose your life goals, how to reach them and follow your plan are skills that everyone can learn, according to zen habits. Think of goals you can pursue that seem interesting to you, then make a list of steps to help you achieve them. If you divide them even further, the process may seem even more manageable – and give you a solid foundation if you need to rotate.

But you do not have to know all your life now. Experiment, try new things and set moderate goals. Working with a therapist can also help you better understand – both what you want to experience and how to remove the obstacles that stand in your way. When you commit to achieving modest and achievable goals in the short term, your long-term dreams can become more and more clear to you. And, with practice, you will have a strategy in place to make these dreams a reality over time.

If you or someone you know is looking for help with mental health issues, visit Website of the National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI)or call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). For confidential treatment recommendations, visit Addiction and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). In case of emergency, contact the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911.