Returning to work and home life is exciting, but individuals in recovery need to reassess their situation and make the adjustments necessary to ensure their mental and physical health. As you reintegrate into society, understand that your situation before recovery was unhealthy and you need to make big changes to your routine to avoid slipping […]
Category Archives: Mental Health
A 2017 study conducted by psychologist Dr. Jon Elhai reveals a correlational relationship between frequent smartphone use and depression, anxiety, and stress, meaning either the symptoms of a mental health disorder cause increased usage or smartphone exposure increases these symptoms. Whether smartphones are a coping mechanism or a catalyst, spending too much time on them […]
Stepping away from stress to focus on recovery indicates dedication and maturity in individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Some stresses, however, are unavoidable–financial troubles, small relationship spats, and other emotional strains happen every day. You are strong, confident, and capable of overcoming any challenges to your mental health. When confronted with unexpected stress, draw […]
In the United States, more than 63 million adults lived with a substance use disorder or mental illness in the last year alone. A closer look at these staggering numbers shows that 20 million people were dealing with a substance use disorder, while 43 million struggled with their mental health. Out of the 328 million […]
Experiencing a traumatic event during recovery may severely harm your mental health, causing you to seek comfort from substances. Trauma elicits unique reactions from each individual, but people in recovery from addiction are more likely to respond to a crisis by engaging in substance abuse. You deserve to respond to a traumatic event honestly and […]
Social restrictions implemented to fight the spread of COVID-19 are successfully lowering rates of disease across the nation, but individuals in recovery from substance addictions may find forced isolation to be as dangerous as the pandemic. Mental health facilities and recovery centers are adjusting treatment strategies, offering virtual consultations and new appointment hours to help […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]