Finding Your Why: A Sense of Purpose Matters for Mental Health

By Dr Gemma Roux, Flourish Psychology

In my work as a psychologist, one question I find myself circling back to with many clients is this: What gives your life meaning right now?

It’s a powerful question. And not always an easy one to answer. But time and again, research — and lived experience — tells us that having a sense of purpose is one of the most protective factors for mental health.

Whether it’s raising children, building a career, fighting for a cause, creating art, caring for others, or simply striving to grow — having a “why” can ground us through life’s uncertainty and pain.

What Is Purpose, Really?

Purpose isn’t necessarily about having one grand mission or lifelong goal. It can be as simple as feeling that your actions matter — to yourself, to others, or to the world. It’s the internal sense that there’s meaning behind what you do each day, even in small ways.

People often confuse purpose with productivity. But true purpose isn’t about being busy or ticking boxes. It’s about direction and motivation. A compass, not a checklist.

The Mental Health Benefits of Purpose

So why does purpose matter for our mental health?

• It gives us resilience: People with a strong sense of purpose are better able to navigate stress and setbacks. Knowing why we do what we do helps us keep going, even when things are tough.

• It protects against depression and anxiety: Research shows that those who feel a sense of purpose report lower levels of psychological distress, and are less likely to experience depressive symptoms.

• It strengthens identity: Purpose helps us understand who we are and what matters to us. This is especially important during life transitions — like adolescence, new parenthood, or retirement — when identity can feel fragile or uncertain.

• It connects us to others: Often, our sense of purpose involves contributing to something beyond ourselves — a community, a family, a cause. This fosters connection and combats loneliness.

When Purpose Feels Out of Reach

Many people I see in therapy are struggling with feeling stuck, lost, or like they’ve lost their spark. This isn’t uncommon. Life circumstances — burnout, grief, trauma, chronic stress — can all dampen our sense of purpose.

If that’s where you are, it’s okay. You don’t need to find your life’s mission overnight. Start small. Purpose can begin with asking:

• What brings me energy, even just a little?

• Who do I feel connected to?

• What kind of person do I want to be today?

• What would make today feel meaningful?

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Sometimes we discover purpose not in the extraordinary, but in the everyday: showing up for someone, making something with our hands, learning something new, or practicing compassion.

How Therapy Can Help

In therapy, we often explore values — what truly matters to you — as a starting point for building a more meaningful life. This is a core part of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps people move toward a values-driven life, even when difficult emotions are present.

Purpose doesn’t eliminate pain. But it helps make that pain more bearable — because it gives it a context, and something to move toward.

Final Thoughts

Purpose isn’t a luxury. It’s not reserved for people with perfect lives or endless energy. It’s a core part of human wellbeing. If you’re feeling directionless, disconnected, or unsure of what comes next, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out all at once.

Sometimes the first step toward purpose is just getting curious: What matters to me? The answers might surprise you.

And if you’re feeling lost, therapy can be a space to gently explore what gives your life shape and meaning.