Depression is more complicated than being sad. It is a full-scale assault on motivation and self-worth. It leads to a view of the world through an absolutely negative filter. It is absolutely crushing. Breaking through these feelings is a daunting task, but you can move past depressive episodes by following some simple steps. Keep […]
Author Archives: Alta Loma
Mental Health, Recovery
Trauma and Substance Abuse: How Does Trauma Influence the Risk for Addiction?
22
May
May
Having concerns and questions about mental health disorders and their connection to addiction is valid. There is a link between trauma and substance abuse. Trauma impacts a person’s ability to cope with stress and suffering. Unbearable and unmanaged stress may lead to addiction as a person seeks to numb themselves and withstand the trauma. Their […]
21
May
May
“Humans are creatures of habit,” if the old adage is to be believed. Even the most absolutely spontaneous people still maintain relatively consistent bedtimes, morning routines, and daily rituals. These routines help to organize not only each passing day but all of the shooting thoughts that pass through our minds. For people suffering from anxiety […]
21
May
May
Concern about relapse is common for recovering addicts and their loved ones. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 40-60 percent of those in recovery will relapse. (www.drugabuse.gov) There are many causes for relapse and practices to help prevent the possibility. Addiction: Addiction is a chronic disease, and recovery is a life-long process. […]
20
May
May
Experiencing a loved one having a panic attack for the first time can be scary, but know that it is much more frightening for them than for you. While specific symptoms may vary, it is essential to familiarize and prepare yourself for any possibilities to be able to best help your loved one. Keep […]
20
May
May
Understandably, most people are not waiting eagerly to show off their less-than-stellar artistic abilities. Still, during times of anxiety and depression, art can be used as a coping mechanism. While art won’t necessarily overcome these episodes, it can provide us with a way of expressing them. “Doing art” does not necessarily mean that one […]
19
May
May
Suffering from anxiety and panic can take a massive toll on our bodies and minds. Anxiety can dictate each action and cause our perception of the world to change. Over time, it reframes our outlook, skewing our perception through a lens of pure fear. This causes those suffering to process sounds and images incorrectly or […]
18
May
May
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 […]
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? […]
