addiction

Helping loved ones with mental health

Helping loved ones with mental health

Today’s guest post is from Amber at
WriteAboutRecovery.com

It’s especially helpful for those of us trying to support those we love in the Rainbow community suffering from various mental health problems.

 

Silent Gays is a support and resource project designed to help LGBT+ people who have been through religious abuse deconstruct their beliefs and find healing, self-worth, and their own unique spirituality. Contact us today to learn more!

How to Help Your Loved One Address Mental Health Challenges

Dealing with mental health issues is far from easy. Whether your LGBTI+ loved one is dealing with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, bipolar illness, or other concerns, these conditions may seem daunting, but many can now be treated and managed successfully. The right treatment will provide your loved one with the tools and resources they need to meet their challenges, now and in the future. However, families making these decisions for their loved ones are often overwhelmed by the number of treatment options and amenities offered by different places. Silent Gays shares some key things to consider when selecting help for your loved one.

Staff Certifications

Mental health facilities employ trained and experienced staff who know the best ways to treat and support people on their journeys to wellness. Many treatment programs are run by passionate, empathetic people with big hearts, but these individuals may not have the expertise needed to give your loved one the treatment they need for long-term success.

Narrow your search to facilities that employ licensed social workers and those sensitive to the LGBTI+ community, as well as medical staff—these professionals have completed a Master of Social Work program at an accredited United States university. Even students who take online MSW programs must complete a period of field education, working at a health services agency, to gain real-world experience and skills.

Treatment Types

Many different types of treatment are available. A lot will depend on the issue your loved one is facing. AddictionHelp.com shows that medication-assisted therapy provides promising treatment outcomes, reducing the risk of relapse and preventing overdoses in cases of substance abuse. Some facilities incorporate physical activity, nutrition, or comprehensive therapies into their treatment plans to address more than addiction alone. In cases of depression, some similar methods may be used, and also may be supplemented by holistic therapies.

Simplify Healthy Living

Making smart choices in daily habits plays a crucial role in mental rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and physical activity. Incorporating healthy snacks, such as fruits, nuts, and yoghurt, can nourish the brain and enhance mood stability. Regular exercise, tailored to individual preferences and capabilities, not only boosts physical health but also significantly improves mental well-being by releasing endorphins and reducing stress.

Program Length and Cost

As you search for treatment best suited to your LGBTI+ family member, you’ll come across treatment programs of all lengths. In general, longer treatments tend to be more effective for substance abuse. Unfortunately, many insurance policies only cover about one month of rehab care, so finances can become a problem for many families. If cost is an issue, consider outpatient treatment. In an outpatient facility, your loved one can gain the benefits of long-term treatment without the high cost of inpatient care. It’s also critical that treatment programs incorporate some level of aftercare to help patients avoid relapse after treatment is complete.

Proximity to Friends and Family

While effective treatments and qualified staff play a crucial role in treatment of mental illness, a strong support network is also important. Social support can help people avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation, while providing a greater sense of purpose and optimism for the future. So you can continue providing support and care to your loved one while they go through treatment, try to pick a facility that’s close by.

On the other hand, your loved one may prefer to get far away from the environments and people they associate with difficulties. According to Turning Point of Tampa, there are several environmental influences that can affect recovery from addiction and other issues. For some people, an inpatient center in a calming, natural setting may be a better choice than an outpatient program closer to home. In the end, the best choice for your loved one will depend on their personal preferences—they’ll have the greatest chance of success if they’re in an environment where they feel comfortable and safe.

Provide a Healthy Home Base

While your loved one begins their treatment, consider working on making your home a pleasant place that encourages healthy habits. Start by cleaning and decluttering to remove negative energy. Set up spaces devoted to meditation and exercise, and set a good example by using these spaces for their intended purposes. Make sure your home has plenty of natural light, and open those curtains and blinds during the day. If natural light isn’t a possibility in your home, consider investing in a light therapy box. Your loved one’s doctor may have good suggestions on this, so be sure to check with them.

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Selecting the best mental health treatment for your LGBTI+ loved one can be a tough process. Be prepared to do plenty of research and ask lots of questions as you seek out the best options for your friend or family member. Remember to consider your loved one’s unique needs and desires to ensure a great fit between them and the treatment program.

Posted by Jim Marjoram in Blog, Mental Health, 0 comments
Alternative Treatments for Addiction

Alternative Treatments for Addiction

This is guest blog for Recovery Proud

Can Alternative Treatments Help You Recover from Addiction?

If you’re in recovery for addiction, chances are you’ve contemplated whether you should seek alternative treatments. At the same time, you may not be aware of what alternative options are out there and whether they will work for you. Try taking these steps—which include meditating and using technology—to uncover the truth about alternative treatments and your recovery.

Learn More About Alternative Options

While addiction isn’t a new struggle, alternative recovery methods are relatively new when it comes to treating addiction. These alternative methods are challenging the norms around rehabilitation for addicts. If you’re wondering what alternative options are out there, do a little research. Go online and find articles about alternative treatments. Research each option thoroughly and be aware of dangers. Above all, consult your healthcare or treatment provider before you explore alternative treatments yourself.

Focus on Fitness

Looking into alternative options is one way to take charge of your treatment, but staying active is a simpler method of enhancing your recovery experience. The endorphins that exercise produces will help improve your mood and energy levels. You can formulate a workout plan by joining a gym, taking a group class, like yoga, or streaming some workouts on YouTube at home. Keep track of your fitness progress with a smartwatch like the Apple Watch Series 5, which will be arriving in stores soon. It can detect falls, monitor your heart rate, and even call for help in an emergency. On the Android side, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 automatically tracks your workouts and features a built-in GPS.

Keep Mental Health a Priority

Addiction often stems from a mental health issue, a reaction to stress or an unresolved past trauma. That’s why you should be sure to include mental health treatments in your overall recovery plan. Set up sessions with a mental health provider and open up to them about any issues you have been experiencing. Sometimes, trauma can be buried but can still cause problems. It takes time to uncover these traumas and curtail any remaining anxieties or pain. Take your therapy session seriously and use your own methods to care for your mental health.

Eliminate Negative Triggers

Alternative or traditional, your treatment plan should take triggers into account. Triggers can evoke emotions and experiences that can lead you to use again. For addicts, triggers can be a familiar place where they used or a scent that reminds them of old times. A cigarette can make you want a cocktail, or passing by a bar can make you want a beer. Even feelings like boredom and stress can be triggers for recovering addicts. Identify these negative influences in your life and take steps to eliminate them. Make stress relief a focus of your trigger cleanse.

Make Meditation a Habit

One alternative treatment that has gained traction in recovery programs is meditation. Meditation is undeniably beneficial for anyone seeking more mindfulness in their lives. Regular meditation can help those in recovery relieve stress and focus on staying sober. You can set up a meditation space in your home with a few simple supplies. Pick a spot that is void of noise or distractions. Use a meditation app to help get you in the habit and practice completely clearing your mind during these sessions.

Be Ready to Re-Evaluate Your Treatment

Part of any recovery is figuring out what works and what doesn’t. Relapse is common in recovery, so don’t be discouraged if it happens to you. Take this as a sign that your treatment needs some adjustment. Perhaps adding alternative treatments could help you get back on track. Or maybe you need to adjust parts of your life, like your diet or circle of friends. Staying informed of all your options will make this process easier when the time comes.

Playing an active role in your recovery is the key to attaining sobriety. By looking into alternative treatments, you are taking control of your treatment and taking control of your success.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Posted by Jim Marjoram in Blog, Mental Health, 0 comments