Mental health issues can leave you feeling disheartened and unable to look toward the future, especially with anything close to joy. Then, if you are struggling after being plagued with years of mental health issues, here are some top tips that can allow you to achieve and enjoy a more positive outlook once the worst of your depression, anxiety and other health issues have passed- or despite them.

· Create Goals

There is nothing that can give you more excitement and momentum than goals. Goals can give you a target to aim toward and help you feel like you are moving forward with your life. Although they can be as big as owning your own home or taking a qualification, it is also possible to start small, such as trying to take a walk once a day for a year or heading to your local library to pick up some books. By doing this, you will be able to feel a sense of achievement and stretch the limits of what you believe you can do.

· Plan Events to Look Forward To

You might be thrilled by the idea that your future is a blank slate that you can do anything with. However, you might also feel as if there is nothing in your future to be passionate about. If this is the case, you should try to plan events sporadically throughout the year for you to look forward to. This could be a concert, a trip away, or a performance that you are taking part in. These events could also be much smaller, such as a day trip to a local park or historic house, or a nice meal that you want to taste. These events can keep you going when times get tough again.

· Try a Residential Addiction Program

You will be able to get the bright future that you have always wanted with the right support. However, some people will need more support than others. This is especially the case if they are struggling with addiction. To make sure that you do not relapse or end up with severe withdrawal symptoms that tempt you back to substance abuse, you should sign up for a residential addiction treatment program with a high-quality and experienced facility. This program will leave you in the hands of the professionals and will ensure that you are able to get the emotional and pastoral care that you need at the same time.

· Take Up a Hobby

It can also be a great idea to take up a hobby. This can allow you to dream of a future where you will become extremely talented and skilled at the hobby in question. Not only this, but this can occupy your time and help you to relax and calm your mind while you are still on the road to recovery. This hobby could be social so that you can meet new people, such as theater or an active sport, or it could be a quieter option, such as reading or knitting. The best type of hobby is one with inbuilt goals that you can return to whenever you like.