San Diego-based Park Mental Health treatment center discusses how lasting change starts with self-compassion, not perfection
It’s the beginning of a new year, which means everyone’s talking about resolutions. But who’s discussing the mental health challenges they create? The pressure to “start fresh” can unintentionally increase anxiety, shame, and emotional distress for many people.
Paved with good intentions, the road to self-improvement can lead to self-punishment. It’s because of this concern that mental health professionals at Park Mental Health Treatment of San Diego encourage a more balanced perspective that honors where a person is in their recovery journey.
“By focusing on realistic goals, healthy routines and celebrating incremental progress, individuals can create meaningful, sustainable improvements without sacrificing emotional well-being,” said Park Mental Health Program Director Mikayla Weathers.
A person’s mental health is influenced by psychological, biological, social and environmental factors, which affects an individual’s mood, thinking and behavior. Also referred to as the biopsychosocial model, this framework is key in better understanding each person’s mental health state and more specifically their emotional and behavioral well-being.
“Balance is important,” Weathers said. “Mind-body connection creates true healing and that’s why we do our best to integrate somatic activities throughout evidence based practices.”
A variety of these practices, including group curriculum, meditation, breath work and more are offered to clients in order to return them to, or create, productive, happy and healthy lives.
“This time of year tends to create a rise in stress-related symptoms tied to unrealistic expectations and “all-or-nothing” thinking, with high expectations creating setbacks that feel like personal failures,” she said.
Some common resolution-related stressors include perfectionism, comparison, fear of failure, and internalized shame.
“These pressures can be especially challenging for individuals already managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use recovery,” Weathers said.
Park Mental Health professionals recommend replacing rigid resolutions with values-based intentions. “These can be things like prioritizing rest, seeking connection, or simply asking for help,” she said. “This type of support can play a critical role in navigating the emotional challenges that surface at the beginning of the year.”
Anyone can develop a mental health disorder at any point in their life, but no one has to suffer in silence. Admitting that you need help and actively going out of your way to get it is often the hardest part of this journey.
“Healthy, lasting change is most effective when it’s rooted in self-awareness, patience, and support,” said Weathers. “Sustainable change happens gradually—and mental health improves when goals are realistic, flexible, and rooted in self-compassion.”
