As the seasons change, you may begin to feel restless, bored, and uncertain about where to focus your energy. New seasons make embracing change an integral part of recovery. Some seasonal shifts may have a more significant impact if you have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or other mental health issues affecting mood. However, developing healthy routines and discovering new ways to manage boredom can reduce your risk of relapse. The Guest House offers comprehensive alumni support services to help you embrace change during treatment and ongoing recovery.
How Do Seasons Impact Mental Health and Recovery?
SAD and other clinical disorders impacted by changes in the season can affect recovery by causing significant mood swings. Seasonal fluctuations may also cause brief spikes in your stress levels or temporarily increase the severity of mental health symptoms, making it more difficult for you to function. According to PLoS One, “Studies … suggest that the seasons have considerable influence on the mental state of individuals.”
Your environment influences how you feel about yourself and your circumstances. Sometimes, the changing seasons can feel destabilizing, causing emotional distress, sadness, depression, or anxiety. Additionally, if you’re an alumni recovering from chronic substance abuse, you may experience an increase in cravings and other symptoms during periods of the year when you feel more stressed.
If you have certain co-occurring mental health disorders, you may experience more profound emotional changes during the shifts in the seasons. For example, studies have shown that among individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD), there can be a seasonal component that impacts 15% to 25% of people. Any treatments must address any co-occurring conditions, including SAD, that affect overall mental health.
The Health Benefits of Embracing Change
You can avoid some of the negative side effects of seasonal shifts by learning to embrace change and find positive ways to cope with emotional or physiological reactions. Many people feel empowered when they use healthy coping skills to overcome seasonal depression and other mood shifts. You can utilize the routines and techniques learned in treatment to address mental health symptoms caused by shifts in weather or other seasonal changes.
Some of the health benefits of embracing change in ongoing recovery include the following:
- Improved self-awareness
- Greater resilience
- A renewed sense of purpose
- Enhanced emotion regulation
- Increased confidence
- Better overall physical and mental health
You may need additional support during periods of change to maintain positive mental health. The encouragement of family and friends during seasonal changes can sometimes reduce the adverse effects.
Social support is essential during aftercare and ongoing recovery. Sometimes, social circles become more distant during the winter months as people prepare for big holidays or travel to spend time with family. Finding positive ways to maintain strong social support during the darker seasons can improve your outlook and mental health. Support groups are an excellent way to receive consistent support.
The Positive Effects of Embracing Change Each Season
Every season brings different social and meteorological changes. The weather may become colder or warmer, and days may get longer or shorter. Everyone reacts differently to each season. Learning to embrace changes throughout the year can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on remaining healthy and moving forward in your recovery.
Some of the most common positive health effects of becoming more comfortable with seasonal changes include:
- Fewer depressive episodes
- Less anxiety
- Reduced stress
- Less severe mental health symptoms
- Decreased risk of relapse
- Improved sleep quality
- Increased energy levels
- Enhanced resilience
Some people create traditions for each season, making them something joyful to look forward to throughout the year. You can develop your own traditions or seasonal routines to help support your sobriety and mental health.
Healing and Looking to the Future
Looking to the future and planning for potential changes allows you to recover more effectively. The reduced stress will improve mood and emotion regulation, making it easier for you to implement any seasonal activities or routines you want to try. Being mindful of how seasonal changes affect your physical and mental health can help you discover new ways to grow and move forward in your recovery.
Healing is not linear. You may experience challenges or unexpected setbacks. Using the coping skills you learned in treatment and the alumni services at The Guest House can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Embracing Change Through Alumni Support Services at The Guest House
The Guest House offers a variety of alumni support services, including group meetings and community events. During periods of the year when you may feel more vulnerable, support services provide accountability, motivation, and encouragement. Being part of the thriving sober community at The Guest House will give you a safe space to receive additional support and guidance throughout the year. You are not alone. The Guest House’s clinical team is here to provide ongoing support.
Seasonal changes can affect your social life and physical health. If you experience depressive episodes or other mental health symptoms during certain periods of the year, you may benefit from finding healthy ways to embrace change. Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) takes time and a commitment to maintaining sobriety. Some people may find it more difficult to remain abstinent during seasonal changes. Increased stress levels and decreased social support during holidays and other periods may increase the risk of relapse. The Guest House encourages alumni to take advantage of ongoing support services to manage stress and emotional instability during seasonal changes. To learn more about our alumni services and how we can help, call us today at (855) 483-7800.