Experts report mental health remains top priority for many Americans

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – The American Psychiatric Association reported improving mental health remains a top priority for many Americans in 2024.

Nearly 30% reported stressors like finances and the uncertainty of the new year put mental health at the top of their lists.

This is the third year its been top of mind for many, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

“I definitely think part of that has to do with just normalizing mental health and realizing and recognizing that it’s very important to work on our mental health, prioritize it and learn to navigate it differently,” Belinda Valenzuela said.

Valenzuela is a licensed professional counselor who joined BVTM to share some tips.

First, she advised seeking professional help. Mental health professionals can collaborate with you to create healthy mental health practices early in the year.

“You are the expert of your own life, but we can provide insight and feedback that you otherwise might not,” Valenzuela said.

Improved mental health practices can also help with tackling goals, especially when setbacks arise.

In those moments, Valenzuela suggests giving yourself grace, evaluating why the setback(s) happened, and getting back on track.

“You’re the longest relationship you’ll ever going to have,” Valenzuela said. “Are you going to spend it being your worst enemy? Are you going to spend it being your greatest ally?

For those seeking work-life balance in 2024, Valenzuela recommends evaluating how you manage yourself within your work timeframe.

Some things to evaluate are your workflow patterns and factors that may cause you to stay longer at work and take work home.

“Small incremental changes make more long-lasting changes and before you know it, you look back and you’re like, wow, this actually helped me throughout the whole year,” Valenzuela said.

Along with personal mental health, family check-ins can also be a game changer, according to the counselor.

She said normalizing this can foster healthy relationships and create a safe space for kids.

“The other thing that I would recommend would be creating some rules,” Valenzuela said. For example, a parent might say when you talk to me, do you want me to help you problem solve it or do you want me to just listen?”

A lot of times, children and even adults don’t feel heard because people immediately go into problem-solving mode, according to Valenzuela.

She said consistent check-ins can help families navigate those situations and tailor conversations according to the patterns they see in their loved ones.

Valenzuela recommends fostering conversations with specific questions. For example, what was the most exciting part of your day?

“That actually gives them time to really think about what was going on in their day,” Valenzuela said.