Why Having a Sense of Purpose Is Essential for Your Mental Health

Over the past several decades of working with people navigating ADHD, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, and low self-esteem, one truth keeps rising to the surface. People need purpose. I’m not talking about lofty goals or life missions. I’m talking about something meaningful to you. Purpose can be waking up for your kids. Showing up for a job you care about. Creating something. Helping someone. Living with intention matters.

Purpose gives your life structure. Without it, days start to blend together and anxiety creeps in. Depression often follows. But when you know why you’re getting up in the morning, even if that reason changes over time, it’s easier to keep moving. It’s easier to cope with stress. You feel more anchored.

There’s research to back this up. People with a strong sense of purpose report lower levels of anxiety and depression. Kim and colleagues (2013) found that purpose in life was directly tied to better psychological health and fewer mental health struggles. You don’t have to chase happiness. You just need something meaningful to work toward.

Purpose also impacts behavior. It makes people more likely to exercise, eat well, and stay socially connected three things that have a huge impact on mental health. When your actions align with your values, you’re more likely to stick with healthy habits (Ryff & Singer, 2008). It’s not about perfection. It’s about direction.

When things get hard and they always do—purpose becomes your anchor. Viktor Frankl survived the Holocaust and wrote that “those who have a why to live can bear almost any how.” That idea holds true today. Purpose helps you weather storms and keep perspective. It reminds you this moment is not the whole story.

If you don’t know what your purpose is right now, that’s okay. It’s something you build. Think about when you feel most alive. Pay attention to what energizes you. Who do you enjoy helping? What gives you a sense of pride? Purpose doesn’t have to be huge. It just has to be yours.

And when you begin living with purpose, even in small ways, everything starts to shift. You feel more focused. More resilient. More like yourself.

References

Kim, E. S., Sun, J. K., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2013). Purpose in life and reduced incidence of stroke in older adults. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 74(5), 427–432.

Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. H. (2008). Know thyself and become what you are. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(1), 13–39.

Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.