Studies of children and adults reveal a correlation between poor body image and substance abuse. Willingness to change one’s physical appearance to achieve an unhealthy and unrealistic body type can lead individuals to replace food, social time, or sleep with alcohol and other substances. Negative self-image can also cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health […]
Author Archives: Alta Loma
09
Sep
Sep
Balancing your work life and your social life during recovery can be difficult. Even if you love your job, the workplace can cause stress that erodes your mental health. When long hours, demanding deadlines, or frustrating customers start to take a toll on your health, engage mechanisms for stress relief that can put you back […]
Addiction, Motivation
When Friends Aren’t Supportive of Your Recovery, It’s Time to End the Relationship
09
Sep
Sep
When you confront your substance addiction and begin your journey to recovery, most friends and family members will be extremely supportive. The people in your life who truly care about your wellbeing will be excited to see you pursue a life path that will bring you emotional and spiritual fulfillment. Some people, however, might pose […]
07
Sep
Sep
Pets can bring joy and fun into anyone’s life. If you find yourself looking for an animal companion to walk with you on your journey to recovery and mental health, you should know the responsibilities and rewards associated with a furry (or not so furry) friend. Types of Emotional Support Animals An emotional support animal […]
07
Sep
Sep
The American Psychiatric Association reports that nearly 5% of adults living in the US experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a major depressive disorder that manifests symptoms during some seasons, namely fall and winter, but not all. Individuals with untreated SAD are at a higher risk of substance abuse, but knowing the symptoms and treatments for […]
Family, Mental Health
How Do I Tell My Significant Other That I Need Time to Focus on My Mental Health?
06
Sep
Sep
The path of recovery is never straight. As you move forward in your recovery from substance addiction, you will encounter obstacles that require total mental and emotional focus to overcome. A healthy romantic relationship also deserves equal and constant attention from each partner. You may find that simultaneously maintaining your relationship and pursuing recovery is […]
Mental Health
Researchers Develop a Mental Health Website for the LGBTQ2+ Community and Their Mental Healthcare Providers
03
Sep
Sep
The LGBTQ2+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, two-spirit) community suffers social and political discrimination that can impede the spread of critical mental health resources among members of the community. To provide “gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, two-spirit, gender queer, gender non-binary, trans, and other guys who are sexually and/or romantically interested in other guys” […]
02
Sep
Sep
Sharing your personal journey in recovery can be extremely difficult. Your experiences are just that: yours. You never have an obligation to invite others on your journey. However, if you want to share your story with friends and family, make sure that you are prepared mentally and emotionally. Telling friends and family about your addiction […]
02
Sep
Sep
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) finds that genetic makeup can account for half of the risk of developing a substance addiction. A genetic predisposition coupled with an unhealthy environment such as a high-stress workspace may greatly increase your chances of developing a substance addiction. If a parent or relative struggles with addiction, it’s […]
01
Sep
Sep
Addressing mature topics with younger children can be daunting, but when a parent, sibling, or close relation struggles with substance addiction, the need to explain addiction may present itself. Explaining addiction to a young child may seem impossible, but providing them with the information and support they need in the early stages of life creates […]
