The struggle with addiction and mental health issues can be all-consuming. It can leave us neglecting ourselves and abandoning life-affirming activities that once brought us balance and joy. Once we have asked for help, and have started to receive support, questions regarding what to do with ourselves and our time may arise. What […]
Author Archives: Alta Loma
18
May
May
Reflecting on our family’s influence can be challenging, painful, and rewarding. This process allows us to see how parental patterns have impacted our behavior, beliefs, and attitudes. However, each generation carries the opportunity to heal, improve, or end the patterns of the previous one, which is an incredible gift. Consider the masculine or male role […]
17
May
May
Sharing our past, and our personal story is perhaps the most essential part of how we connect and bond with others. For those of us who have mental health issues or have struggled with addiction, navigating how and what to share can be challenging. What if we share too little, and seem secretive? […]
15
May
May
Caffeine is commonly associated with anxiety, even in people that are not diagnosed with major or minor anxiety disorders. Caffeine is not a replacement for real sleep and is in no way a replacement for rest, as it does not rejuvenate the mind and body. Using it as a way to increase energy for the […]
14
May
May
Avoid Words of Fear and Consequence When talking to someone suffering from addiction, keep in mind that they are going through one of the most trying times in their lives. Using the language of fear is nothing new and most likely has already been on repeat in their minds. Rather, keep things positive. Instead of […]
14
May
May
We met someone. They came out of nowhere when we were least expecting it. Fireworks go off! The connection is instant! The time together flies, the conversations are intense, powerful, and beautiful! It feels magical, and bliss sets in! The relationship status on social media changes. Love is amazing! Our whole outlook on life changes! […]
13
May
May
For those who have received services and support for mental health and addiction issues, it can feel like the struggle was a huge setback in life. It can be hard to figure out how to get back on track with a career or work that brings us joy. A compounding concern involves the fact that […]
13
May
May
Undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues can lead to substance use, as the need to alleviate painful and misunderstood symptoms increases. Unfortunately, this method of coping can have dire consequences, as addictions and lethal dependencies develop. The situation becomes compounded, as now both mental health and addiction need to be addressed and tended to. […]
12
May
May
Whatever we are healing from issues with mental health or struggles with substance abuse, the process requires tremendous commitment, vigilance, determination, and courage. Health and recovery are more than full-time jobs and ask so much of our spirit, mind, and body. While this complete focus on health and wellness is necessary, it puts other […]
12
May
May
The LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) community is at higher risk for substance abuse than the heterosexual population. This risk is due to issues surrounding homosexuality in the United States. Consequently, the LGBTQ community is at a higher risk of having mental health disorders that lead to substance abuse and addiction. Contributing factors […]