Mental Health

Loneliness is something every single person on this planet will or has experienced at some point in their lifetime. For some of us, it may spark an actual debilitating fear. For others, it's more intense when we don't have a significant other we're spending our lives with. The interesting thing about loneliness is it can also happen when we are not alone. We could be in a room full of people and feel just as lonely, because it is our perception of ourselves that accounts for this.

A dependent personality disorder is characterized by the anxious feeling of being alone or the inability to be alone. Individuals who suffer from this disorder rely on other people for comfort, reassurance, advice, and support. Some people experience something similar, for example feelings of insecurity. However, the major difference is people suffering from DPD need constant reassurance to function. This disorder typically presents itself by showing symptoms of:

Most of us have experienced some form of trauma whether it happened in childhood or the immediate past. Most individuals that have substance use disorders have also suffered from trauma. The road to healing must begin whenever you decide you are ready to take a look at it. It can feel discouraging at times or it can be overwhelming, however, what is most important is to remember that it doesn't define you. It is not your identity and you are not unlovable because of it. Patience is a key factor in getting better. Become aware of how you are feeling. It is important to become aware of how your body and mind respond to certain things. You may realize quickly that there are "triggers" which entice a panic response from your body and mind. By becoming aware of your emotions the next thing to do is allow them to come out. Many people experience panic attacks because they are suppressing unresolved emotions. They either avoid them because they don't want to experience them or shove them down as if they don't exist. This results in delayed emotional responses or inappropriate responses to situations that you may deem as stressful. Try keeping a log where you write down whenever you feel overwhelmed or stressed out. Maintaining a journal can help you track your progress as well as anything that may be triggering your responses. This is helpful to gain awareness of recurring situations. Minimize isolation as much as possible. It is our instinct to hide when we feel overwhelmed. When we aren't feeling well it is understandable that we aren't going to want to be around people. However, isolation can be destructive to the healing process. If you isolate it can cause you to avoid any pent up feeling or emotion that you may be avoiding further. Connection with others is vital to feeling better. Most of the time your friends have gone through something similar and can help you through it. It is something you must do together because the recovery process isn't lonely. Make sure to seek out the necessary support. If you are not going to a professional, it is recommended to do so. It is important, to be honest, and transparent about any obstacles you may be experiencing. The great part about it is you get to choose how the healing process occurs. If at some point you need to stop it is okay to do so, just keep in mind that it is a slow process.

Forgiveness is a word we hear often and we may think it is very easy to forgive. If a friend crosses us or a family member apologizes we know how to forgive them. We understand that they are trying their best just like we are. However, it can be difficult to think about how to forgive yourself for any wrongdoings you have done. Especially if some of the actions you have taken in the past are in your mind unforgivable. Being under the influence changes our state of mind. It alters how we perceive the world and it changes how we would normally behave. When we get sober all the memories of the things we did come flooding back like a tidal wave. This can be hard on our psyche.

A personality disorder is defined as a type of mental disorder in which a person has a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behaving. Personality disorders can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life – including their relationships. Dating someone with a personality disorder can be challenging, particularly those with dependent personality disorder (DPD). Common symptoms of DPD include low self-esteem, being “clingy,” difficulty making decisions on their own, a sincere hatred of being alone, a pattern of jumping from one relationship to the next, and the general instability that often comes with fear of abandonment. If you are in a relationship with someone who has DPD, it’s important to recognize the symptoms they may be experiencing and to learn how you can work with them through challenging situations.

Do you rest peacefully in “deep sleep” through the night? Or do you find yourself tossing and turning all night long? While it isn’t often as talked about, the quality and length of your sleeping cycles can possibly provide insight into whether or not you’re battling with a mood disorder. For example, those who find themselves barely sleeping may potentially have bipolar disorder or depression. Of course, there are many other factors that could be playing a part, too. Consider your current sleeping habits. If you have difficulty sleeping at night and you’re noticing symptoms of mood issues throughout the day as well, it’s likely time to speak with a licensed healthcare professional.

Can you recall a moment today, yesterday, or a time from the past where you felt pretty satisfied one minute and then suddenly, before you knew it, you started feeling very agitated? Sometimes it happens in the blink of an eye. This change in feelings can happen for many reasons – an adjustment in the chemical balance of your brain, the fact that you were tired or hungry, or maybe even a situation or memory that triggered it. When it happens, these changes are called mood swings – often defined as rapid and extreme fluctuations in mood, alternating between feelings of happiness and feelings of anger, agitation, or depression. Everyone experiences mood swings, but people with bipolar disorder may experience them a bit more frequently and more intensely than others.

In some cases, the signs of mental illness appear subtly and over time. We may not even realize we have a mental illness until it’s front and center in our lives. From the day we are born to the present day in our life, there are a number of different factors that can influence the way a mental illness develops, as well as how we manage it over the years. By understanding these factors, you’ll be a step ahead in recovery.

Millions of people across the world are diagnosed with schizophrenia, yet so many people still do not know much about this disorder. Individuals with schizophrenia often experience delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, and negative symptoms such as feeling detached from oneself, general discontentment, anger, anxiety, and more. Unfortunately, movies and media often depict this disorder as dangerous – but the more we understand how it really affects those we love, the less fear we may feel about it.

When you first hear the words “group therapy,” you may find yourself wondering what it is and how it can help you. Initially, the concept can seem intimidating, as many people struggle with vulnerability, especially in the presence of strangers. Maybe you were under the impression that therapy was supposed to be individual and confidential, and the thought of sharing personal information at a group level sounds scary to you.    We want to reassure you that one-on-one therapy does exist and is available. However, there are many added benefits to group therapy. Below is a list of some top reasons to give group therapy a chance.

Many of us alcoholics and addicts are finding ourselves locked in quarantine with our families. This lockdown can contribute to many negative feelings as well as added stress, anxiety, and deeper depression. Despite all this, those of us in recovery must remember to stay grounded and connected to our sponsors and our higher power. During this quarantine, we must work harder than ever to practice acceptance in our daily lives, and not allow ourselves to get wrapped up in resentments.

We hear the term “emotional security” quite a bit in 12-Step programs of recovery. Many of us have seemingly placed our emotional security in the hands of others our entire lives. We have based our actions and decisions on what others want and need, as a means of maintaining personal safety. In return, we expect others to do the same for us, putting our security above their own and validating our thoughts and emotions. But what exactly does all this mean? And how do we achieve emotional security independent of others?