Often people assume that after treatment is done and sobriety is reached that all of the hard work and growth is complete. That is not the case. Recovery is a life-long process filled with growth and exploration. It is normal and expected to continue support after treatment is complete. There is nothing to be ashamed about or disappointed in if you find yourself needing extra support. If you are feeling unsure about whether or not you need more support, here are a few points to keep in mind.
Seek Professional Support
Continue to receive professional support as you work through recovery. While you were in treatment, you probably spent a good amount of time learning skills and tools to use. When back in society, those skills and tools may feel different as you put them into practice. Work with your therapist and talk about how recovery is feeling for you. As you continue getting used to a new sober lifestyle, you may come across unexpected situations that cause you anxiety or stress. You do not need to face these challenges alone.
Talk With Your Loved Ones
Your loved ones can be a great source of support. They are the people who know you the best. Having a strong support system that you can rely on and call on whenever you need can be comforting. Recovery is a great time; however, it can also be a scary time. You desperately want to make all the right choices. Use the support of those around you. They want you to succeed, and they want to support you.
Many people find it challenging to accept support from their loved ones because they feel that after treatment, they should be able to handle any situation they come across. Try to fight through those feelings and remember that recovery is a learning process. Accepting support is a major part of successful recovery.
Join a Group
There are so many different groups you can consider joining if you are looking to make new connections or friendships. One positive aspect of living in such a digital world is that there are a great number of groups and clubs online. Explore your options and try out groups until you find one where you feel a sense of belonging.
When considering groups, you can look beyond mental health issues or recovery if you want to. The idea of joining a group is to make new and healthy connections and friendships. Think about activities you enjoy or topics you like to learn about. Making connections with other people can be less stressful and frightening if the people around you have similar interests.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Take time to acknowledge your feelings. Are you feeling stressed? Are you anxious about your recovery or the skills that you learned? When you can acknowledge what you are feeling, you will be able to receive the help that you need.
An important part of recovery is knowing when to ask for help. There is nothing to be ashamed about if you need additional support and help. Work to better understand your mental health issues and be open to receiving the help that you need.
Understand the Importance of Support
Support is needed for a healthy recovery. Learning to accept support is a real challenge for some people. Work with your therapist to continue learning about your mental health issues and the importance of being able to ask for help and support when you need it.
Whether you are working through recovery, improving your mental health, or working to achieve other goals, having a healthy level of support is key. Everyone has bad days. As you work through recovery, you will face days where you question your ability to make healthy choices or continue striving towards your goals. Your support system is there to remind you of your capabilities and your worth.
Put Your Mental Health First
Put your mental health and recovery first. Do not worry about what other people may think of as you continue receiving therapy and support. It does not matter what other people think about you or your journey; what does matter is your health and your well-being.
Focus On Goals
As you continue through recovery, remember your goals and what you are working toward. Maintaining your health and working on your goals are important parts of your journey. Take time to realize what you need help with. What will help you to reach your goals and establish the life that you have always wanted? Your therapist is there to support you. They can help you navigate your journey and continue to learn the skills and tools necessary to reach your goals.
Needing support as you journey through recovery is normal and often encouraged. You will face new situations that will test your sobriety and decision-making skills. You do not need to face these challenges alone. Always put your mental health issues first and remember what your goals are. Support looks different for everyone, so figure out what you need to feel comforted and supported. Talk with your loved ones and be open about what you need from them. Also, continue to receive professional support from a mental health care provider. Your therapist will help you to understand your struggles and help you to continue to strive towards your goals. Here at The Guest House, we are trained to support people regardless of where they are in recovery. We can help you navigate your struggles and continue on through your recovery. Call us today to learn more about our treatment options at (855) 483-7800.