12 SMART Goals Examples for Managing Depression

Depression is a severe mood disorder that causes feelings of hopelessness and sadness. It can be challenging to manage, but setting SMART goals can effectively take back control of your life and foster positivity.

By using the SMART method, one can break down challenging tasks into manageable steps that will lead to healthier outcomes. This article will provide examples of how to use SMART goals to help manage depression.

What is a SMART Goal?

It would be best to use the SMART framework to develop more practical goals. SMART is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.

Do you still need more clarity? SMART goals are:

Specific

For anyone struggling with depression, having a plan can be the key to progress. Crafting a detailed goal for managing depression is a critical step toward taking control of your mental health.

Your goal doesn’t need to be overly grand; by focusing on manageable steps such as “attending regular therapy sessions” or “participating in social activities,” you can lay the groundwork for success.

Measurable

When managing depression, goal setting is essential. But simply having a goal isn’t enough—it must be measurable. Without this criterion, you won’t have the necessary feedback and information to determine whether or not you are achieving success.

For instance, if you want to feel better emotionally, measure it by evaluating how often you experience depressive episodes or negative thoughts throughout the day. You’ll show concrete signs of improvement by using tangible metrics, giving you the confidence needed to stay the course.

Attainable

By developing realistic goals, you can take control of your situation and start to make progress in a positive direction. Evaluate your current lifestyle choices and decide which areas need improvement; then, create achievable goals to get you there.

These could include anything from exercising more often to eating healthier meals or sleeping better. Naturally, these objectives should be something you can accomplish within a reasonable time frame so that it doesn’t become overwhelming.

Relevant

Make sure you consider the values most important to you in life. Write down a list of short-term and long-term goals. Check-in with yourself and ensure they align with your core values. You’ll be able to set meaningful goals that motivate you to trek forward.

Time-Based

The journey to success is long and winding—but if you set a specific timeline, you can stay accountable. Having a timeline for your goals is like having an extra pair of eyes monitoring your progress. You’ll maximize your chances of reaching your dreams.

12 SMART Goals Examples for Managing Depression

Here are 12 SMART goals for managing depression more effectively:

1. Establish Healthy Habits

SMART Goal: I will establish healthy habits like regular exercise and healthy eating that I can maintain at least three times a week by the end of two months. These habits will help me to manage my depression better and be healthier in the long term.

• Specific: You will establish and maintain healthy habits three times a week.
• Measurable: Track how often the habits were completed each week.
• Attainable: Establishing healthy habits in two months is a reasonable timeline.
• Relevant: These habits will introduce a healthier lifestyle and routine.
• Time-based: The statement should be met after two months.

2. Improve Diet and Nutrition

SMART Goal: I’ll strive to make a weekly meal plan and grocery list for the next three months. I will include healthy foods that support my mental health, such as leafy greens and vitamin-rich fruits. I’ll also ensure that my meals are balanced, with the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and other essential nutrients.

• Specific: The goal states the objective and timeline and what dietary measures will be taken.
• Measurable: Pay attention to your grocery list and meal plan for the three months.
• Attainable: This goal is achievable as it only involves creating a weekly meal plan and grocery list.
• Relevant: Diet and nutrition are crucial for your overall mental health.
• Time-based: You have three months to accomplish this goal.

3. Add Exercise to Your Routine

SMART Goal: I want to incorporate exercise into my daily routine within two months. This will include at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or weight training, at least three days a week. My goal is to have an exercise routine that will help improve my physical and mental health.

• Specific: You’ll set a duration of two months and detail the type and amount of physical activity.
• Measurable: Make sure you incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your routine.
• Attainable: This goal is feasible because it only requires a 30-minute commitment three days a week.
• Relevant: This is relevant because exercise has plenty of physical and mental health benefits.
• Time-based: The goal is time-bound since it has an end date of two months.

4. Develop Self-Care Rituals

SMART Goal: Within the following month, I want to develop and maintain regular self-care rituals that I can use to prevent episodes of depression. That includes having a regular sleep schedule, taking regular breaks during the day, and making time for hobbies.

• Specific: This goal is about developing and maintaining regular self-care rituals.
• Measurable: Confirm that you have established a regular sleep schedule, taken frequent breaks, and made time for hobbies.
• Attainable: Making time to incorporate self-care rituals into your lifestyle is absolutely doable.
• Relevant: People with depression should consider practicing self-care more often.
• Time-based: You have one month to create self-care rituals for yourself.

5. Reduce Your Stress

SMART Goal: I will try various stress-reducing methods such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation to improve my overall mental health after three months. I want to reduce the amount of stress and anxiety I feel in my day-to-day life.

• Specific: This SMART goal outlines that the person wants to reduce stress levels using certain strategies.
• Measurable: Check the amount of time you set aside to practice the stress-reducing strategies.
• Attainable: The person has three months to get comfortable with the techniques and see the impact.
• Relevant: This goal relates to improving your health and well-being.
• Time-based: There is a three-month time frame to reach this goal.

6. Seek Professional Help

SMART Goal: I will seek professional help to get my depression under control by the end of two months. I want to ensure that I take the necessary steps to improve my mental health and well-being.

• Specific: Seeking professional help is a precise goal, and the person will take all necessary steps to improve their mental health.
• Measurable: You will determine personal growth and any changes in your mental health over the two months.
• Attainable: This goal is achievable if the person takes the initiative to seek help from medical professionals.
• Relevant: Boosting mental health is appropriate for those suffering from depression.
• Time-based: Goal achievement is expected by the end of two months.

7. Maintain Positive Relationships

SMART Goal: I want to create and nurture positive relationships with family members and friends to help me handle my depression more effectively over the next 6 months. I’ll schedule regular check-ins with people I trust, set up social activities that involve people I care about, and be more open to talking about my mental health.

• Specific: You have a precise plan to connect with family and friends.
• Measurable: Keep track of how often you talk to the people in your life.
• Attainable: This is a reasonable goal if you put in the proper effort.
• Relevant: Connecting with loved ones is an excellent support system.
• Time-based: You should achieve this goal within 6 months.

8. Identify Unhealthy Thinking Patterns

SMART Goal: I will work to identify and challenge my unhelpful thinking patterns contributing to depression by the end of two months. I want to be aware of my unique triggers and recognize when I’m in an unhealthy mindset so that I can use positive strategies to address them.

• Specific: The statement is to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns contributing to depression.
• Measurable: You’ll pay attention to your triggers and unhealthy mindset over time.
• Attainable: This SMART goal is achievable with the right resources and support system.
• Relevant: This is appropriate for your desire to address unhealthy thinking patterns.
• Time-based: You will meet this particular goal after two months.

9. Practice Mindfulness Techniques

SMART Goal: Over the course of 5 months, I will practice mindfulness techniques for 10 minutes every day to help me stay focused and live in the present. This will allow me to better manage my depression and anxiety symptoms.

• Specific: The goal is explicit because it describes the duration and frequency of mindfulness practice.
• Measurable: You can measure how often you practice mindfulness and report any changes in symptoms.
• Attainable: Practicing mindfulness is doable and achievable over 5 months.
• Relevant: This goal is pertinent to managing depression and anxiety issues.
• Time-based: Goal attainment is anticipated within 5 months.

10. Be Easy on Yourself

SMART Goal: I will practice self-compassion by forgiving myself for mistakes and accepting that I can’t always get it right. For one month, I want to prioritize self-care and be gentle with myself when things don’t go as planned.

• Specific: This statement tells you exactly what your plan should entail: forgiving yourself for mistakes and being gentle when things don’t work out.
• Measurable: You can measure your effort by noting the days you actively practice self-compassion and self-care.
• Attainable: Being gentle with yourself and forgiving your mistakes is something that you can do.
• Relevant: By being gentle with yourself, you’re promoting a healthier and more positive attitude.
• Time-based: One month is required to accomplish this goal.

11. Get Adequate Sleep

SMART Goal: I will work to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night for two months. I understand this is essential in managing my depression and improving my health. I’ll turn off all screens (TV, phone, tablet) an hour before bed to create a better sleeping environment.

• Specific: The goal is stated clearly, including how it will be accomplished.
• Measurable: You will actively count the number of hours of sleep each night.
• Attainable: This is possible by setting an earlier bedtime and disconnecting from screens before bed.
• Relevant: You should realize that adequate sleep can ease your depression.
• Time-based: There is a two-month deadline for goal completion.

12. Set Boundaries With Others

SMART Goal: I’ll commit to setting boundaries with my colleagues, family, and friends by the end of three months. I want to be more assertive when saying no if something doesn’t feel right or I don’t have the energy to participate.

• Specific: This defines what you want to do (set boundaries) and how long it’ll take to accomplish (three months).
• Measurable: You could keep track of how many times you’ve set a boundary with others.
• Attainable: Setting boundaries can be done with practice and discipline.
• Relevant: This will prevent negativity from creeping into your daily life.
• Time-based: The goal statement has a timeline of three months.

Final Thoughts

Creating SMART goals can be a powerful tool in your mental health care plan. With proper planning and regular check-ins, you will find new ways of coping and ultimately build resilience against the challenges of depression.

When setting up your SMART goals, recognize that you are your best advocate. After all, no one knows what works best for you better than you do.