Welcome to 2025 Tampa Bay! We hope you and your loved ones had a beautiful holiday season, and are feeling just as excited as we are for the New Year. As happens every January, the internet is abuzz with talk of change: the changes we want to make for ourselves, our families, and our communities. While the pressure to make sweeping changes can be demotivating for some, this time of year can be a mirror, showing us the shape of our hopes for the future.
As we step into a new year full of possibilities, one thing remains unchanged: our commitment to prioritizing mental health in Tampa Bay. We’ve come a long way, but there is still so much work to be done. Data from 2024 shows that “7 in 10 residents experienced at least 1 poor mental health day during the past month.” Further, in “2024 over 50% of residents experienced 3 or more poor mental health days in that same period.”
At Tampa Bay Thrives, we’re committed to continuing to move the needle, but we can’t do it alone. We work hand-in-hand with incredible partners, bringing resources, education, and support to individuals across our region. However, building a healthier, more resilient Tampa Bay will require the actions of many individuals, communities, and organizations. So in 2025, we’re doubling down, linking arms with our partner organizations, and putting out a call for passionate folks like you to get involved.
As with so many changes we want to make at a societal level, big change often starts right at home, in our own lives and behaviors. So this year, let’s also make mental health a personal priority. Here are a few practical tips to help you start 2025 on the right foot:
- Set Intentional Goals: Big, sweeping resolutions can feel unsustainable or intimidating. Instead, focus on small, manageable changes that bring joy or reduce stress. Think about the smallest next step towards your big goal and start there. Let momentum motivate you to keep going.
- Stay Connected: Build time into your schedule to connect with friends or family. If possible, tie this time to your other mental health goals. Want to move more? Schedule a walking date with a friend or book a yoga class with a loved one. You can read a mental health-focused book together or try a meditation challenge. Not only does this build in accountability, it creates new ways to connect and strengthen your relationship.
- Seek Support: Reaching out to a therapist, counselor, or support group can bolster your support system and give you a safe space to work towards your goals while supporting your overall well-being. Need help getting started? This resource can help you find the right fit for you.
- Unplug Regularly: This time of year social media can be overwhelming, causing us to compare our real lives to others’ highlight reels. Take breaks from screens to recharge your mind and body and focus on what matters to you.
Want to do more? Whether you’re an individual looking to make a difference or an organization ready to partner for change, there’s a place for you in this movement. Visit our website to learn more about volunteering as an individual or partnering with us as an organization.
Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, connection, and mental health empowerment. We thrive together.
