As kids, we explore all different types of creative expression. We paint, draw, build, write, sing, and dance regularly – as part of our schooling and on our own or with friends. As we get older, many of us put those pursuits aside, especially if we don’t feel we have a strong aptitude. But artRead More
Most of us have heard of “fight or flight.” But those aren’t our body’s only options when responding to a frightening, traumatic, or painful experience. Some of us become emotionally numb or feel disassociated from our surroundings. This “functional freeze” state is associated with our body’s natural “fight flight freeze fawn” instinct when danger isRead More
Stigma and discrimination in relation to mental illnesses have been described as having worse consequences than the conditions themselves. So why, with increased awareness and so much positive talk about the importance of whole-person health, does mental health stigma still persist? And why do we have such a hard time talking about our own mentalRead More
Can you imagine not wanting to fall asleep each night? While such an idea may be hard to fathom under normal circumstances, this can be a very real situation when you’re traumatized. You even may be able to relate as you’re reading this. Unresolved past trauma can negatively impact every aspect of your life, includingRead More
“Boundaries need to be set when you’re in recovery from addiction, and that includes setting boundaries with your parents and family,” explains Deidre Lockhart, Outpatient Clinical Director at The Guest House. The idea of setting boundaries in relationships (especially with your loved ones) may sound uncomfortable. However, when you’re trying to prevent relapse and maintainRead More
Trauma can produce a tidal wave of negative effects throughout your life, from attachment issues and self-defeating behaviors to mental health disorders and substance abuse. Yet there’s one byproduct of trauma that often hides in the background, and its damaging influence on your life (and your healing) is profound: shame. At The Guest House, weRead More
If the fear of relapsing when you’re on your own in the real world keeps you up at night, know that you’re not alone. When you’re navigating recovery from addiction to substances — especially through the lens of trauma — it’s common for people to have apprehension about falling back into addiction, of going backRead More
On the surface, it’s easy to separate the body and mind into wholly different categories. You might even believe the emotional pain you’re facing is unrelated to any physical struggles. The truth is, matters of the heart (and mind and soul) are much more powerful than you’d think. If you are just starting your journeyRead More
Millions of people with substance use disorder (SUD) have trauma-related mental health issues. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Violence, abuse, neglect, and family or social conflict are among the traumatic events and circumstances that are linked with the risk of developing a substance use disorder.” Additionally, SUD and related mental healthRead More
Many people who are recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) rely on structure and routine to manage this condition. Unfortunately, spending time away from home for a vacation may disrupt essential routines. According to an article in the journal Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, free time can pose risks to sobriety. The authors explain thatRead More