With the holidays approaching Mental health and wellness is priority. This subject is a very sensitive and yet vulnerable reality in our personal lives. Which is why I've made it one of my main topics when it comes to my lifestyle niche. It's hit us very close to home and within our home.
So with that said, I'm always willing to share any helpful information, guides, tips and strategies that you too can utilize from time to time to help you through any difficult times.
Difficult and traumatic events can be very hard to process and deal with. Carrying on with life as you knew it after experiencing trauma can look different to everybody. Sadly an all too common way of navigating through these trying times can be by turning to substance abuse, such as drug or alcohol misuse.
Substance abuse, be it illicit or prescription substances may offer short-term benefits and relieve the immediate symptoms of suffering you are experiencing but the long-term effects can be devastating.
When left unfettered substance abuse can lead to financial problems, severe and debilitating health problems, or work and lifestyle difficulties. What is more, the ever-growing awareness of substance misuse and ever-advancing technologies in toxicology screening such as those offered by Brad Schaeffer of MedComp Sciences only makes substance abuse harder to conceal and more difficult to live with.
So to help prevent you or your loved ones from turning to substances to get through dark days here are some alternative coping strategies.
Acknowledge how you feel
Trying to avoid feelings of pain and sadness may seem like a natural reaction but in doing this you are not dealing with the problem. In fact, trying to hide them by covering them up with the false high of a glass of wine can lead you down the misuse road you are trying to avoid. If you have suffered a trauma accept the painful feelings that come with it. It might not be easy but it is normal, it is excepted and it is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Deal with these thoughts and feelings head-on.
Talk about it
Once you have acknowledged the feelings you may be having, talk about them. Hiding them away from others will only serve to allow you to hide from them also. Talking about things you might be finding difficult is one of the best ways to try and process and better understand the feelings you are experiencing.
The person you are talking to may also be able to offer help and advice and share their experiences with you. Talking to someone will ensure you do not feel alone in this difficult time. If you need to, don’t be afraid to talk to professionals and seek professional help.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that enables you to feel fully present in that moment and can help you manage thoughts, feelings, emotions, and your mental health. Mindfulness practice has long been an endorsed treatment by professionals and is often combined with other psychotherapy interventions such as cognitive behavior therapy.
Mindfulness can help people suffering with mental health difficulties such as a those experiencing trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, or depression but it is also believed to have a host of physical health benefits. Some of the associated physical health benefits of mindfulness can include, stress relief, lowering blood pressure, reducing chronic pain and improving sleep.
Mindfulness can be difficult to master in the first instance and may take a little practice but there are plenty of online resources available to help you on your mindfulness journey.
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It always makes me happy that you're here and hope that these ideas inspire you.
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