Many people believe that life in recovery will cure all of their concerns regarding addiction and mental health. However, it is crucial to understand that recovery teaches you how to manage symptoms since there is no cure. Some symptoms you are likely to deal with from time to time are those related to depression. On these days, it can be challenging to see the positives, and you may feel tempted to give up on recovery altogether. However, learning how to manage these symptoms can help you grow stronger and more confident in recovery. Here are ways to cope with depression in addiction recovery.
Lean on Your Sober Support Network
It is understandable to want to manage your problems on your own in recovery, but this is not recommended. Your support network is there for a reason, and it is full of individuals that understand exactly what you are going through. When you are struggling with depression, turn to these people for support, advice, and love.
Practice Self-Care
When you feel down, you may be reluctant to actively engage in nice activities for yourself. However, practicing self-care activities can boost your mood or simply help you get through the day. Self-love looks different for everyone, but as long as you engage in healthy, sober activities that make you feel good, you are on the right path.
Talk to a Professional
Whether you are in early recovery or have been on the journey for years, there is never a wrong time to seek professional help. Therapists and counselors are there to help you maintain your recovery or simply provide an ear to listen. Reaching out doesn’t make you weak but instead serves to help you maintain your sobriety for the long term.
Create a Gratitude List
Depression can deplete your energy, so if the above suggestions seem like too much right now, that’s okay. A simple activity that can help you cope with depression in recovery is creating a gratitude list. Doing so takes less than five minutes, and it involves writing down things that you are grateful for in the present moment. These can be either profound or common everyday things. Making a list will help shape your perspective and give you some positivity on your down days.
Depression can be threatening to your recovery because it can tempt you into throwing all of your progress away. This is why Alta Loma Transformational Services wants to provide resources for those struggling with depression in recovery. At our facility, we strive to provide comprehensive, individualized care for men of all ages. We understand how challenging depression in recovery can be, so we became experts in treating it to help you be successful in recovery. To learn more about our recovery programs, give us a call today at (866) 457-3843.
