Individuals in treatment programs benefit from having healthy ways to fill their free time. Volunteering is one way people give back to their community while improving their mental health. BMC Public Health states, “Research has found that participation in voluntary services is significantly predictive of better mental and physical health, life satisfaction, self-esteem, happiness, lower … Read more
Having a routine provides a sense of calm, accomplishment, and security for individuals recovering from complex or persistent mental health disorders. Mental health symptoms can make it challenging to establish routines independently. However, outpatient programs provide clients with the skills to create patterns of behavior that reduce stress. According to the Journal of Global Health, … Read more
Disordered eating can affect a person’s mental and physical health. According to the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, “Though relatively rare in the general population, the individual impact of [eating disorders] can be quite debilitating, and long-term treatments are often expensive.” After receiving treatment for disordered eating, many people with complex co-occurring mental health issues … Read more
Mental health is not always synonymous with addiction. However, having a mental health disorder can make you more susceptible and you can develop an addiction. Substance use disorders often co-occur with various mental health disorders especially when they have gone unaddressed. Some individuals have a blanket understanding of how mental health and addiction affect one … Read more
It is no news that exposure to traumatic experiences may increase people’s vulnerability to substance use disorders. Scientific research has proven the high correlation between trauma and addiction. When these adverse and traumatic experiences occur in childhood and within the home environment, the negative health impacts can be even more long-lasting. In general, people who … Read more
Did you know that around 50% of American adults will suffer from a mental health crisis at some point during their lifetime? We all face daily stressors that may build up to trigger a mental health crisis. It is important to recognize warning signs of worsening mental health before we break down. Defining a Mental … Read more
Everybody knows that good nutrition is an important part of staying healthy daily. Did you know that this is particularly true for individuals recovering from addiction? Good nutrition not only replenishes the body with necessary nutrients but also improves mental health. Eating right is one essential building block for those recovering from a dual diagnosis. … Read more
Have you heard of mental health screening? Did you know that it can effectively prevent substance use and addiction, especially among youth? Given the widespread and relative availability of illicit substances, many schools, communities, and parents have started to use mental health screening as a preventative method among high-risk youth. How Does Mental Health Screening … Read more
Winter months can be challenging for recovering individuals who struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression that usually occurs during colder months due to shortened daylight hours and lack of exposure to the sun. Though it is not chronic depression, it is a legitimate mental health concern, and if left … Read more
Did you know that doctors and nurses account for some of the highest rates of addiction in the workforce? Healthcare workers may develop substance addiction when they use drugs or alcohol to cope with work-related stress. There are a few key reasons for this phenomenon: high levels of stress and high accessibility to drugs. The … Read more
