New Year’s Resolutions for Mental Health and MS, "A Gentle Approach"

As someone living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and also working as a psychotherapist, I understand how overwhelming a new year can feel. The world is buzzing with “New Year, New You” energy, but for us—those navigating MS and for the caregivers who walk alongside us—it’s not that simple. And that’s okay.

Instead of making grand resolutions that add pressure, let’s focus on something different: small, compassionate goals that prioritize our mental health and emotional well-being. Realistic resolutions don’t have to be flashy; they just need to be meaningful and supportive of you.

Why Mental Health Matters When You Have MS

MS isn’t just physical. The fatigue, chronic pain, and unpredictability of symptoms take a toll on our emotional and mental health too. Anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation are all too common—yet they’re often overlooked. As a therapist, I see how vital it is to give yourself permission to acknowledge these struggles.

Our emotions and mental health deserve as much care as our physical health. Why? Because when we feel emotionally supported, we’re better equipped to handle the unpredictability of MS. For caregivers, prioritizing your own emotional well-being ensures you have the energy to keep showing up without burning out.

Setting Realistic, Therapy-Supported Resolutions

Resolutions don’t have to be about drastic change. Instead, they can be gentle intentions to improve your mental health, step by step. Here are a few resolutions you might consider, rooted in therapeutic principles and real-life compassion:

1. Prioritize Rest Without Guilt

Fatigue is one of the most challenging symptoms of MS. Give yourself permission to rest without feeling guilty. A realistic resolution could be: “I will listen to my body and take a break when I need to, even if that means saying no to plans.”

Caregivers, this applies to you too: your energy matters.

2. Acknowledge Your Emotions

It’s okay to feel frustrated, sad, or angry about living with MS. Suppressing these emotions only intensifies them. Try journaling your thoughts or sharing with a trusted person. A simple goal could be: “I will name my feelings without judgment, even if I can’t fix them right away.”

3. Practice “Small Wins” Gratitude

Living with MS means celebrating small victories—getting out of bed, taking a short walk, or finishing a task. Focus on these wins rather than what you “couldn’t do.” A helpful intention might be: “Every evening, I’ll reflect on one small thing that went well today.”

4. Connect With Others—On Your Terms

MS can feel isolating, but connection can heal. Find support through an MS group, therapy, or trusted loved ones. Caregivers, you also need space to share your challenges. Your goal could be: “I’ll reach out to one person when I feel lonely or overwhelmed, even if it’s just a text.”

5. Embrace Mindfulness—Even for a Minute

Mindfulness isn’t about sitting in silence for an hour. It can be as simple as pausing to breathe deeply or noticing how your feet feel on the ground. Start small: “I’ll spend one minute each day paying attention to my breath or surroundings.” Small moments of mindfulness add up.

6. Seek Support Without Shame

Therapy, support groups, and counseling are not signs of weakness. They’re tools to help us cope. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or caregiver burnout, consider this: “I will reach out to a therapist or support network to help me feel less alone.”

Resolutions Are About Progress, Not Perfection

MS has taught me that life rarely goes as planned. There will be days when you can’t stick to your resolutions, and that’s perfectly okay. Progress doesn’t mean perfection; it means showing up in the ways you can, when you can.

Caregivers, this applies to you too. Your care and patience are deeply valuable, but you also deserve rest, validation, and space for your emotions.

A Final Word: Be Kind to Yourself

Living with MS is hard. It’s okay to acknowledge that. The resolutions we set this year don’t need to change our lives overnight—they just need to support us in feeling seen, heard, and cared for.

Let this new year be a gentle one. Start small. Celebrate small. And remember: your mental and emotional well-being matters as much as anything else.

If you need someone to talk to—whether you’re a caregiver or living with MS—you’re not alone. There are people who understand and are ready to walk beside you.

Here’s to a kinder, gentler new year—for you, for me and for all of us.

"This year, let’s measure success not by what we achieve, but by how kindly we care for ourselves. Small steps, big impact—because you are already enough."