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Dr Chido Rwafa-Madzvamutse
Mental Wellness

As discussed in previous articles, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a meaningful contribution to their community.

Our ability to hope and set goals and pursue our dreams is an integral part of maintaining mental health and wellbeing. As we start a brand new year, we have an opportunity to set, reset and realign our dreams. It is a chance to dream again and set a vision for what we want to see happen in the New Year.

What are the mental health benefits of dreams, hopes and goals?

1. Having a dream, hopes for the future and set goals for the year gives us a sense of purpose, meaning and direction for our lives.
2. Having a clear vision, a dream of where you are going this year will help you to focus your time and energy.
3. Your dreams and hopes will keep you motivated and driven throughout the year.
4. A personal vision, dreams and hopes for one’s life can help build self-discipline, a sense of self efficacy and boost our self confidence.
5. Our dreams, hopes and goals can help preserve hope when we feel discouraged and build resilience when we face adversity.

Why do we give up on our dreams?

At least 45 percent of people give up on their New Year’s resolutions by February of the same year. There are many challenges that we may face in life that can make us give up on our dreams and hopes. These can include:

• Discouragement, disappointment and disillusionment when things do not go the way we expected.
• Failure in one goal can cause us to give up on many other plans and dreams.
• Fear that we do not have what it takes to achieve our goals can cause us to give up prematurely on our dreams.
• Financial problems can affect our ability to keep striving towards our dreams and can cause us to give up.
• Strained relationships affect our social support systems which are crucial for us to successfully achieve our dreams.
• Anxiety can cause us to doubt ourselves and our ability to achieve our dreams.
• Depression can result in demotivation, disillusionment, helplessness and hopelessness that can cause us to give up our dreams.
• Alcohol and substance use can affect our ability to set long term goals for ourselves affecting our ability to dream big dreams and do what it takes to achieve them.

How can I rediscover my dreams and hopes for this year?

1. What are your dreams in life? Your dreams matter. Allow yourself to dream again, allow yourself to reconsider the plans you had that you gave up on.
2. What is your purpose in life? What are you here on earth? We all have unique abilities that give us purpose in life.
3. Have you written down your dreams, hopes and goals? Writing down dreams and hopes can help us remain accountable for those dreams.
4. Who are you accountable to regarding your dreams, hopes, plans? Who keeps you in check?

If you think that you or someone that you know may be experiencing a mental health problem that may be affecting your ability to set and achieve your goals for the year, please contact your nearest health care provider and get help.

Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse +263714987729, www.ahfoz.org, [email protected]