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Animals have been known to perform miracles in emotional healing. After all, dogs are man’s best friend, right? They are the most self-sacrificing species and we have formed such a special bond with them. The benefits of animal therapy are numerous, to say the least. Animal therapy can offer significant healing, including support while working through trauma and learning to reconnect to emotions.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down. Unfortunately, those of us struggling with mental health disorders face compounded challenges during these uncertain times. Not only are we experiencing a collective trauma that can be triggering for those of us in recovery from mental health and/or substance use disorders, but the pandemic calls for social distancing and isolation which tends to intensify mental health symptoms. While things may feel difficult, it’s important to remember that there are still many ways to stay connected and maintain our mental health. Below are some resources can be helpful during this unprecedented time.

Most people have experienced anxiety in one form or another. Sometimes it is experienced as a feeling of stress and overwhelm associated with a certain situation. Other people struggle with anxiety disorders and chronic anxiety. Panic disorder is another mental health disorder in which the sufferer experiences frequent panic attacks. In the last decade, panic attack awareness and available treatment have increased. While panic attacks may seem similar to general anxiety, understanding the differences between the two is important and plays a big role in ensuring proper diagnosis.

Statistics report that in the United States, 70% of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Of those that have experienced trauma, 20% will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). About 8 million people experience PTSD in a given year and one in thirteen people will develop PTSD at some point in their life. PTSD was mainly diagnosed in veterans and was a bit controversial when it was first added to the official list of medical disorders. However, PTSD can be experienced by anyone and isn’t exclusive to just veterans that have been in war. Being diagnosed with PTSD can feel intimidating and scary, but it doesn't have to be that way.

Before coming into AA many of us had burned our relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. By working on ourselves, whether it be through 12-step programs like AA and NA, or simply by taking therapeutic direction, we can begin to rebuild these relationships. We are all social beings and, therefore, crave connection with others, despite how much easier isolation can feel. Only with honest self-reflection can we begin to make restitution to those we have hurt.

Meditation is a practice in which you use different techniques to focus and calm the mind. Consistently practicing meditation improves attention and awareness, helping to achieve improved mental clarity and a peaceful state of being. It is unsure if meditation came from India or China. Regardless, it is an ancient practice that is common today. Meditation can help with any problem that you may be experiencing and the benefits are endless. There are three main types of meditation: vipassana, chakra, and yoga.

Addiction recovery is so much more than just healing physically from addiction. The journey of sobriety provides space for people to get to know parts of themselves that may have been unrealized for years due to drinking and/or using. During this process of self-discovery, many people also uncover passion and purpose, two things that had most likely been missing from their lives prior.

Technology has taken over many of our kids’ lives. While they can gain a lot of information from the internet, the fact is that mobile apps, movies and more can be damaging to a teen’s mental health, especially if the user isn’t properly monitored. All too often, parents battle with limiting their teens’ use of technology, thinking that they’ll grow out of it. The reality is that our teens’ mental health is connected to their physical health. If they’re spending more time staring at screens than outside getting exercise, this could be a recipe for disaster.   Previous studies have found that exercise can help our teens and their mental health in a variety of ways, such as:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological treatment used to help treat conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders (SUDs), and so much more. Previous psychologists have discovered the main principles of CBT, which are:

Depression can be an incredibly debilitating disorder to have, and those who experience depression may feel isolated and hopeless. If you have been diagnosed with depression, you can probably relate to feeling empty and exhausted. Unfortunately, millions of people around the world struggle with depression. The recovery journey looks different for each person, but it is crucial to move forward and live a happy and healthy life. For some, medications work wonders. Others have found that a combination of therapy and holistic practices, like yoga and meditation, can make a world of difference.

When you view life, people or situations as “all or nothing”, that is known as black and white thinking. For many people, these thought patterns appear from time to time, especially when they’re feeling upset, angry, disappointed, hopeless or frustrated. This type of thinking also occurs quite often for those who have borderline personality disorder (BPD). Understanding why black and white thinking occurs, and how to cope with it, can have a positive effect on the progression of your recovery.

Addiction recovery can be a stressful time. While all change is overwhelming, sustaining sobriety requires massive changes in lifestyle and behavior. Previous studies have found that nearly 4 out of 5 Americans are afflicted with daily stressors. Unfortunately, individuals in addiction recovery have to face these normal daily stressors in addition to those specific to their addiction. These stressors come in many forms, including pleasing family members, ensuring that children are taken care of, paying bills on time and so much more. Often, stress coupled with poor coping skills holds people back in their recovery. Recognizing the ways that stress can negatively impact sobriety is critical, as this awareness can motivate changed behaviors and improve stress management skills.