Most people face struggles at some point in their lives. These stressors can be communication difficulties within marriage, stress at work, or problems with a family member. Mental health therapy is important for your overall recovery. No matter if you are struggling with something big or small, it never hurts to talk with someone that has an objective point of view.
You continue to fight for your best life each day; sometimes, that fight can cause emotional turmoil. There is nothing wrong with asking for a little bit of extra help with your recovery. Sometimes you need additional guidance to lead the way into your best life.
What Does My Recovery Have to Do With Mental Health?
You have completed treatment, and you are feeling better and better each day. It is amazing when you notice that you have more energy and are getting back to your normal self. People around you seem to be suggesting that you should see a mental health therapist, but you are not sure if that is the right path for you. Maybe you think that you are good just the way you are because you do not want to change anything now.
According to the DSM-5, “Substance use disorder (SUD) is based on evidence of impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria.” Whether you are in the beginning stages of recovery or have been in recovery for some time, you have experienced one or more of the criteria mentioned above. Each day your brain continues to heal from the damage associated with SUD.
For example, maybe you tend to be a busy person. You call it being productive; however, it could be a bit excessive. Maybe you struggle to relax or feel like you need to be distracted so you do not have to feel your emotions. You could be avoiding your feelings because they may just be too hard for you to talk about. This would be a perfect time to schedule a mental health appointment.
According to Mentalhealth.gov, one out of four people living with mental health problems also struggles with SUD. The relationship between addiction and mental health is more complex than most people understand.
How Do I Know if I Need Mental Health Therapy?
If you are asking yourself this question, then it is probably time to seek help. Mental health therapy can help you regulate emotions, life’s challenges, and difficulties within your daily life. In therapy, you will learn how to cope with difficult emotions and discover healthy coping skills to assist you long after your therapy is completed.
When any type of mental health or emotional dysregulation affects your daily life, mental health therapy may be recommended. Therapy can help you explore your thoughts and feelings more thoroughly than you can do by yourself. It may take some time before you are ready to commit to therapy, and that is okay. This is not about anyone else but you and your journey.
Different Types of Therapy
There are several different therapeutic modalities. One of which is the most common and basic. This is known as individual therapy. Individual therapy gives you a safe and non-judgmental space to discuss your feelings, thoughts, and emotions. This allows for the exploration of issues and time to identify healthy coping skills within your life.
Below are several different modalities of therapy and ways that they can cultivate growth within your recovery:
- Group therapy: This is a group of people that gather within an environment that promotes cohesion and explores self-realization and empowerment.
- Meditation/yoga: This modality reminds you to slow down and focus on the moment. By focusing on the breath and clearing the mind, you can create a healthy mental space that you can access anytime that you need.
- Art Therapy: Art is an expression of yourself, and when combined with mental health therapy, this can be a game changer. The purpose of art therapy is to be able to express yourself within creation utilizing different forms of art.
- Cinema Therapy: This form of therapy allows for self-expression through identifying emotions as they are played out on screen.
- Equine Therapy: This therapeutic model combines the connection between horses and humans to explore resilience, love, and the relationship between horses and humans.
Yay or Nay to Mental Health?
No matter where you are in your recovery, the answer will always be yay. What can it hurt? Mental health therapy can benefit you in your recovery. Sometimes untreated mental health issues can trigger negative thought processes.
You have come this far in your recovery. Perhaps it is time for you to create awareness and get to the root of your thought processes. You have already taken the first step and read this blog. Take a second and reach out for help today.
Even if you have completed treatment for substance abuse, you may still be struggling with your mental health. Perhaps you know that something is off but are hesitant about seeking therapy. Maybe you think you should just “get over it” and not allow things to bother you. Whatever the case, seeking extra help in recovery is helpful no matter how you look at it. You have survived thus far and continue to grow. Now is the time to address the extras. No matter where you have been and where you are going, The Guest House is ready to help you be the best version of yourself. Call us today at (855) 483-7800. We are ready to assist you.