As we welcome a new year, it’s important to remember that our well-being deserves just as much attention as our goals and routines. With more than 50 million Americans experiencing a mental health condition each year, it’s clear that these challenges are more common (and more human) than we often realize. Starting the year with awareness creates space for compassion, understanding, and a healthier foundation for everything ahead.
In this month’s Workday Wellness, we’ll be sharing meaningful data, approachable tips, and small daily habits that can make a big difference. Whether you’re looking to better understand your own mental health or support someone you care about, our goal is to keep you informed, encouraged, and empowered. It’s time to take those gentle, realistic steps toward feeling your best. One moment, one insight, one resource at a time.
- More than 1 billion people in the world are living with mental health disorders*
- Approximately 18% of U.S. adults have a diagnosable mental disorder each year**
- Approximately 4% of U.S. adults have a serious mental illness**
- 75% of all mental health issues begin by age 24***
- 50% of U.S. adults will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime***
- 5.9 million annual visits to emergency departments have mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders as the primary diagnosis.****
- Approximately 48,000 suicide deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2025****
Start Your Day with a Mental Health “Check-In”
Before the busyness of the day takes over, take a quiet moment to notice how you’re feeling. Ask yourself simple questions like: Am I feeling energized, overwhelmed, or distracted today? This brief self-scan can help you identify what you’re feeling, which will ultimately help you identify what you may need. Whether it’s extra patience, movement, or a short break later on, starting the day with awareness allows you to approach your tasks with greater clarity and intention—instead of running on autopilot.
Find Reasons to be Grateful
Reminding yourself of the good things in your life can help you keep a positive mental headspace. These moments of gratitude don’t have to be big! Something as small as a good cup of coffee or a chat with a supportive colleague can have a meaningful impact on your day. Writing down or saying aloud a few things you’re grateful for each day can help reinforce this habit, making it easier to revisit on tougher days. Over time, practicing mindful gratitude can help reframe challenges and build emotional resilience.
Keep Yourself Active
Looking after your physical health can directly improve your mental health. By exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, and maintaining a proper sleep schedule, you can reduce feelings of stress or anxiety while keeping your body strong. Physical activity, in particular, can help reduce stress and release built-up tension from the day. Even small, consistent habits (like a daily walk or stretch break) can bring many positive benefits over time so consider what practices may align best with your lifestyle, then work to incorporate them into your everyday life.
Practice Meditation
Mindful meditation can assist with managing emotions and releasing stress. It doesn’t require a lot of time, either. Just a few minutes of focused breathing or guided practice can be beneficial. Free online resources and meditation apps like Insight Timer or Smiling Mind can provide structure and guidance as you build this habit. Once you’ve settled on a resource that feels right for you, find a quiet and comforting space without distractions where you can fully focus on the present moment. Building brief moments of mindful meditation into your day will help you stay grounded and emotionally regulated during times of stress.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
Recognizing when you need additional help and resources is vital for your long-term, overall health. If ongoing stress, anxiety, or depression begin to interfere with your daily life, reaching out for help is a positive and proactive first step. Primary care providers or dedicated mental health professionals are there to assist you in exploring options and identifying resources that fit your needs. It’s important to know that confiding in someone or seeking help from a professional when it comes to your mental well-being is a sign of strength and fortitude.
Prioritizing your mental health isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Small, intentional choices made consistently can create meaningful change over time. By making space for awareness, connection, and self-care, you build stronger foundations for a healthier mindset. Remember: support is always within reach, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. One step at a time, your mental health matters.
Sources:
* https://www.who.int/news/item/02-09-2025-over-a-billion-people-living-with-mental-health-conditions-services-require-urgent-scale-up
** https://www.psychiatry.org/getmedia/bac9c998-5b2d-4ffa-ace9-d35844b8475a/Mental-Health-Facts-for-Diverse-Populations.pdf
*** https://activeminds.org/resource/mental-health-statistics/
**** https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mental-health.htm