Recovery can seem daunting to those who are just beginning. The pressure of wanting to make sure you’re doing everything right and the fear or relapse can be overwhelming, but recovery is meant to be a journey. The perspective that one holds is most important; those that look through a negative lens will find more problems, concerns, and setbacks than someone who is looking at their journey with hope and enthusiasm. Dr. David Susman, licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in Psychology at the University of Kentucky, has provided Psychology Today with key steps towards making the most of your recovery:
- Find hope. The National Alliance on Mental Illness notes that hope needs to be nourished daily; it is empowering and is recognized as one of the most important determinants to recovery.
- Ask for help. Between 30 and 80 percent of adults with mental illness do not seek treatment. Psych Central states that it’s because of perceived stigma, time and energy, severity of symptoms, finances, uncertainty with beginning recovery and lack of support from loved ones as a few key reasons for this.
- Get informed. Learn as much as you can about your addiction or mental illness; the more knowledge you have, the more informed decisions you can make.
- Engage in treatment. Ask your healthcare team questions – get involved, and actively participate in group and individual therapy sessions. The Center for Advancing Health states this is one of the most important things you can do.
- Seek support. Reach out to people who will support your recovery, and make healthy friendships if you are in a treatment center.
- Develop a plan. Work with your therapist to establish general and specific goals, as well as steps to reaching those goals. This will help keep you focused.
- Take action. Slow and steady wins the race – but improvement does not happen unless changes are made. Have faith and take those small steps; every step counts.
- Reconnect with life. The Health Research Board in Ireland found in 2012 that accepting oneself as being capable of positive change, reconnecting with others through accepting and validating interaction, and reconnecting with time by healing the past, accepting the present, and being hopeful for the future are a few key factors in reconnection with life.
- Stick with it. Setbacks are normal – if you fall, get right back up. You can do this.
- Help others. Share your challenges, victories, and your story with others who could use it. Provide your support to those who are starting out like you did at the beginning.
If you are ready to begin your journey to recovery, call Avalon Malibu today. We will be there with you every step of the way; we believe in holistic, integrative treatment, meaning that we will promote wellness of your mind, body, and spirit. Take that first step. Call us at 855-408-8934.
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