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Self-forgiveness is essential not only for intentional healing journeys—like those from substance abuse or mental health issues—but in life in general. Even if you often allow yourself to forgive other people, sometimes it feels like forgiving yourself is off-limits, especially if you tend to have patterns of perfectionism and a loud inner critic.

Healthy connections with others can be something you desire just as much as you resist. This is usually the case with all things that are desired most because it is common to experience fear surrounding that which you most want. Experiences such as substance use and mental illness can often lead you away from yourself, others, and life as a whole. The antidote to suffering is creating space for connection and allowing it to help you reach your goals for recovery and healing.

Recovery from substance use disorder and mental illness can feel both exciting and scary. Healing requires you to push yourself out of your comfort zone. It is important to remember that healing is not linear, and there will be moments when you may feel like you are just not getting anywhere. It is these moments that are most important that you show up for yourself, regardless of the resistance present.

A complex can influence the way you think about yourself and others. The God complex leads you to believe your power is on par with God. This condition is closely related to narcissistic personality disorder, a mental health problem that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

Self-trust can feel like learning a foreign language, especially if you have spent most of your life searching for answers through external validation, comparison, and doing what you “should” do. Perhaps you have never even asked yourself the question, “What do I want?” Maybe it has never even felt like an option.

Many, if not all, humans have a voice inside their heads known as the "inner critic." Although what this voice sounds like differs from person to person, it is common for this voice to keep you stuck in patterns of self-judgment. It also can block you from cultivating self-acceptance and making peace with yourself.

Most people have experienced some form of trauma in their life. Regardless of what type of trauma you have encountered, it is valid and you deserve proper healing. There is not a trauma that is “better” or “worse” than another trauma. Trauma is often at least partially responsible when people develop mental health issues like substance use disorders (SUD), mental illness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Fear is a powerful emotion that can significantly impact the type of decisions you make. If you are thinking about getting treatment, you may be struggling with your fears about the future. Learning to think about your fears differently can help you control them instead of preventing you from growing. It is time to find your doorway to freedom.

The way you communicate and express your needs and emotions to other people can either strengthen the connection in that relationship or take away from it. You convey your experience to other people through your body language and tone of voice as well as your word choice. Nonviolent communication is an important skill for everyone to learn.

If you struggle with perfectionism, you may also experience high levels of anxiety from trying to reach the unattainable standards perfectionism calls for. The funny thing about perfectionism is that even after you do everything to appease the voice of perfectionism, there is always something else to do to attain further perfection. This further perpetuates the cycle of perfectionism and feelings of inadequacy.

Healing journeys can be lonely. Whether you are healing from addiction, mental illness, or something else, it can feel as if nobody understands what you are going through and how exhausting the process is. As lonely as healing journeys can be, it can help to remember you are not alone, even when it feels like you are. Being alone can be a powerful space where you can get to know yourself on a deeper level that leads to growth, authenticity, and the freedom to be who you are.

Spring is here, and many are looking forward to the warm, sunny weather. It is time to get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy all the greenery. While some may find significant relief soaking up the pleasantries of spring, others may become burdened with despair. This paradox shows that individuals are unique in their mental health experiences. It is important to learn more about the positive and negative reactions individuals with mental health disorders can have during this time of year.