TranqBay shared a short anonymous reflection survey focused on mental health. The questions were simple but deeply personal. The aim was to create space for honest reflection and to understand how people managed their mental health throughout 2025. The survey focused on three areas: personal mental health experiences, the role mental health content played during the year, and the steps people are considering as they move forward.
Mental health is not a linear journey, and reflection often brings clarity to experiences that can feel confusing in the moment. By gathering these responses, this article shows where people found themselves this year, what helped them feel seen or understood, and how they are thinking about caring for their mental health going forward.
What did mental health look like this year?
For many people, mental health this year was difficult to name. Some described it simply as low. They could not immediately label what they were feeling, but they noticed themselves searching online for what depression and anxiety look like, reading through symptoms, and quietly realizing that many of them matched their own experience. It was not always a formal diagnosis, but there was recognition that something was off.
It was low. I couldn’t even name what I was feeling, but I kept searching what depression looked like, and the symptoms sounded like me.
Others said they were mostly focused on surviving. Each day felt like something to get through rather than something to reflect on. In that space, mental health was not a priority they could afford to think deeply about. The goal was just to keep going.
Burnout came up repeatedly. Emotional exhaustion, mental fatigue, and the sense of being stretched too thin seemed familiar to several respondents. A few people shared that this year brought more awareness. They became more conscious of their emotions, their triggers, and their limits. They may not have had everything figured out, but they were paying attention to how they felt in ways they had not before.
Some experiences were more hopeful. A number of people shared that they experienced healing this year after seeking professional support. Therapy and counseling gave them language, tools, and structure that helped them work through what they had been carrying. At the same time, it is important to say that for some, this year was simply worse than previous ones. Their struggles felt heavier, more complex, or more overwhelming than before.
Did TranqBay blog play any role in this journey?
A few respondents mentioned that engaging with the content encouraged them to try therapy or take professional support more seriously.
Many respondents shared that encountering TranqBay articles contributed to their mental health journey in quiet but meaningful ways. Several mentioned that the articles helped with enlightenment around mental health, especially in understanding concepts they had heard about but never fully grasped. Reading explanations in clear and relatable terms helped bridge that gap.
Some said the content made them feel seen. Seeing their experiences reflected in words helped them feel less alone and less abnormal. One person shared that a particular article appeared at exactly the moment they needed it, when they were struggling to make sense of what they were feeling.
One article on perfectionism showed up exactly when I needed it. It made me feel like what I was going through wasn’t strange or wrong
Others noted a difference in how they relate to people. Reading about mental health made them more empathetic when others shared their struggles. For some, the articles challenged misconceptions they previously held and helped unlearn harmful ideas around mental health.
What people are choosing to try next
The question asked readers what they might try next year to support their mental health. Participants could select one or more options from a set of choices, or write in their own ideas. The options included professional support such as therapy or counseling, slowing down through rest or setting healthier boundaries, expressing and connecting through journaling or talking with trusted people, and uncertainty, represented by “I’m not sure yet” and an open “Other” option for anything else they wanted to add.
The responses show the variety of ways people are thinking about caring for their mental wellbeing and the steps they are ready to take in the coming year.
- Professional support
Therapy or counseling stood out as the most selected option. For many, this reflects a transition from enduring in silence to actively seeking help. Some respondents mentioned that they had already tried therapy this year and want to continue, while others see it as a step they feel more ready to take. Choosing professional support is not about having everything fall apart. For many, it is about wanting guidance, clarity, and healthier ways to cope.
- Slowing down
Intentional rest and establishing healthier boundaries were priorities mentioned by many respondents. After a year marked by burnout, survival mode, and emotional exhaustion, these choices suggest a desire to protect energy and reduce overwhelm. It shows growing awareness that self-care is not just a reward and boundaries are not selfish, but necessary parts of staying well.
- Expression and connection
Journaling or writing things out, along with talking more openly with trusted people, were also common selections. These choices point to the need to be heard, whether on paper or in conversation. Writing helps untangle thoughts and sharing with someone safe helps lessen the weight of carrying everything alone.
- Uncertainty
A number of people chose “I’m not sure yet,” and that matters too. Having no clear plan does not mean indifference or failure. It often means someone is still learning what they need, still finding language for their experience, or simply taking things one step at a time. Uncertainty can still be part of growth.
Take the Next Step for Your Mental Health
Everyone’s mental health journey is different and always changing, and no matter where you are, every step counts. Whether it’s reaching out for professional support, taking time to rest, writing down your thoughts, or opening up to someone you trust, small actions add up.
The stories shared this year show how important empathy, support, and access to the right resources are. TranqBay is here to support you with resources, guidance, and encouragement. Explore our articles, tips, and tools to help you make choices that strengthen your overall wellbeing.
Remember, caring for your mental health is a continuous journey, and it’s never too late to start.
