Meaning
Why Meaning and Purpose Matter for Mental Health
“Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how’.”
– Viktor Frankl, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor
In a world that often feels chaotic, uncertain, or overwhelming, one of the most powerful stabilisers for our mental health is something we can’t touch or measure but we can deeply feel: a sense of meaning and purpose.
What Is “Meaning and Purpose”?
At its core, meaning is about understanding your place in the world and feeling that your life matters. Purpose is about having direction a sense that you’re working toward something bigger than yourself.
These aren't just philosophical ideas. They are deeply psychological needs. Research consistently shows that people who report higher levels of meaning and purpose have:
Lower rates of depression and anxiety
Higher levels of resilience and motivation
Improved physical health and longevity
Stronger immune function
Better coping during life’s setbacks
In fact, purpose can act like a compass during times of struggle, helping us stay grounded even when things feel difficult or out of our control.
Why It’s Protective for Mental Health
When people feel aimless or disconnected from what matters to them, they're more vulnerable to:
Hopelessness and low mood
Feelings of emptiness or isolation
Poor decision-making
Substance use and avoidance behaviours
On the other hand, a strong sense of purpose has been shown to buffer against stress. It gives people a reason to get up in the morning, to make healthier choices, and to persist through adversity.
Purpose doesn’t have to be grand. It can come from parenting, creative work, volunteering, learning, caring for others, connecting with culture or spirituality, or simply contributing to something bigger than yourself.
What If I Don’t Know My Purpose?
Many people especially during major life transitions, find themselves asking, “What am I even doing this for?” That’s not failure. It’s a signal. It’s your mind’s way of prompting you to explore and reconnect with what matters.
Finding purpose is not about a single moment of revelation. It’s a process. And often, it begins with paying attention:
What brings you energy, even if it’s hard?
When do you feel most like yourself?
What values do you care deeply about?
Where do you feel most connected to people, to nature, to culture, to something bigger?
Exploring these questions can be the start of something powerful, not only for mental health but for overall wellbeing.
Mental Health Support Beyond Symptoms
In modern mental health care, we often focus heavily on reducing symptoms. But building a meaningful life is not just about feeling “less depressed” or “less anxious.” It’s about feeling engaged, valued, and connected to something worthwhile.
That’s why at Psych & Lifestyle, we see purpose not as a luxury, but as a central pillar of wellbeing. When people reconnect with what matters, other changes often follow: improved habits, healthier relationships, greater energy, and more emotional stability.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to figure it all out at once. Start small. Start curious. Explore what matters. Meaning is not something you have to earn, it’s something you can build.