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Facing the Fear of Admitting You Need Help

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It may be common for you to worry about the minor things in your day-to-day life, putting your mental health on the backburner. As a result, you may have developed the damaging habit of avoiding your mental well-being. You may even be scared to admit that you need help. 

It can be challenging to admit you need help, especially when mental health stigma is still prominent. You may worry about having to set boundaries and let your needs be known at work. You may fear what your friends and family will think. You may be scared that you will be shamed and ostracized. 

When considering seeking help for your mental health, it is crucial to know that it is okay not to be okay. Seeking help from a mental health professional does not mean you are “crazy” or “insane.” It just means you are struggling and need an extra boost. If you fall physically ill, you see a doctor; the same should go for your mental health. 

Accepting That You Need Help

The first and often most challenging step towards facing your fear of needing help is acceptance. You may be in a state of denial of needing help or lack the courage to accept the truth of your struggles. However, the only way you can better your mental health is to believe you need help in the first place. 

It is essential to accept that seeking help is okay if you are not feeling mentally or emotionally well. It is okay to struggle with your mental health; nearly one in five adults in the United States struggle with a mental health disorder. Accepting that you are struggling and need to seek help is the best way to overcome and move forward. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles. 

Battling Mental Health Stigma

You may fear seeking help due to the stigma surrounding mental health. In order to overcome your fear, you must battle mental health stigma. Many people internalize this stigma, turning it into thoughts of “I’m crazy.” By doing this, you allow yourself to be defined by the stigma. 

Mental health stigma is a significant barrier to why many people do not seek help. You may not want to be judged for seeking treatment. You may not want to be defined as weak or incompetent, or even worse, seen as unable to take care of yourself.

Accepting that you are not crazy and you are not alone in this fight is the first step to overcoming mental health stigma. In order to overcome stigma, it will take a community effort that may just start with you. 

Awareness starts with educating and informing yourself. From there, you can educate your family, friends, school, and co-workers to spread awareness. By encouraging yourself and others suffering from mental health disorders to speak up, you can create a culture of recovery in your community. 

Face the Fear, and Kill It

Once you realize that you need help, the final stage is seeking that help. There is nothing wrong with seeking professional help when it comes to your mental and emotional health. Seeing a mental health professional does not mean that you are crazy; it means that you are taking care of your mental health, just like you take care of your physical health. 

Making Your Mental Health a Priority

Seeking help starts with yourself. Self-help is vital to the journey to recovery. Self-help begins with self-awareness and self-discipline. Self-awareness helps you identify specific triggers of your mental health disorder while also being aware of what helps relieve them.

Self-discipline is the cornerstone of recovery. Once you have identified your triggers, self-discipline improves your ability to manage them. Give yourself permission to seek help by taking care of yourself; for many people, this often starts with seeking professional help. 

Don’t Be Ashamed 

Do not be ashamed of seeking help on your road to recovery. Recovery is remembering who you are and using your strengths to become all that you were meant to be. By seeking help through mental health professionals, you will begin to find yourself again. Mental health is as important as physical health, and both your mind and body will thank you.

Breaking Through the Glass 

It is important as a community to break through mental health stigma. Encouraging others to seek mental health help when they need it and not to be ashamed is vital as well. 

Normalizing the idea of seeking help from mental health professionals to be at your mental and emotional best is possible. Seeking help simply means that you are no longer fighting alone; there is someone there to help you every step of the way. It is okay to need help. 

For many people, it has become normal to put their mental health on the backburner while worrying about other things in their day-to-day life. Often, this stems from a fear of admitting you need help. It is crucial to recognize that many people across the world struggle with mental health disorders, and it is okay to seek help. You can fight through the guilt, shame, and stigma. You can recover and become the person you have always wanted to be. At Achieve Concierge, our collaborative and holistic approach to treatment can help you overcome your mental health struggles. We are here to stand by your side and fight the stigma of mental illness. Our premier members enjoy an array of special conveniences and services, which enhance the treatment experience, including same-day or next-day appointments, direct access to the doctors, and extended appointment times. Find the help you need today and call Achieve Concierge at (858) 221-0344. 

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How to Cope With Recovery Burnout

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The road to recovery can be time-consuming, long, and winding at times. If you ask someone who is currently on their recovery journey about their experience, you may notice that it requires a lot of concentration, dedication, and endurance. 

In recovery, you must face obstacles from time to time, and it is natural to become exhausted or burned out after a while. Recovery burnout is common, and you should not feel guilty if you are struggling with it. However, knowing more about it and how to deal with it can help you keep your recovery going in the long run.

What Exactly Is Recovery Burnout?

Burnout is a condition of exhaustion that affects both the body and the mind. It can happen if you are under a lot of stress or have done a lot of physically or emotionally demanding healing work. 

You may be struggling with recovery burnout if:

  • You feel as if every day you work on your recovery goals is a bad day
  • You do not enjoy or care about your recovery, and you may even be unhappy about your progress
  • You feel dissatisfied with your life
  • You feel fatigued most of the time
  • You do not have as much patience with others as you used to
  • Your recovery obligations are making you feel overwhelmed
  • You have physical symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, insomnia, or heart palpitations

Learning to Overcome Recovery Burnout

Burnout does not go away on its own; instead, it worsens until the underlying issues that are causing it are addressed. Ignoring burnout will only inflict you more harm in the long run. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to get to the other side of burnout.

Recovery can be a long process, with no definitive finish line. You will need time and space to recover, and it is crucial to give yourself these things and not rush through the process. Doing so will help you avoid burnout in the first place. 

The techniques described below are all applicable in a variety of scenarios to help you overcome recovery burnout. Some of these techniques may be effective for you, whereas others may not be the ideal combination of strategies for you. If something does not seem to be working, do not be afraid to try something different.

To help yourself overcome burnout, try:

#1. Examining the “Why” of Burnout

The first step to overcoming burnout is determining why you feel burned out in the first place. First, examine any feelings of anger or resentment you have towards your recovery. Consider any negative sentiments you have towards recovery. Keeping a stress journal is also an excellent tool to help you discover the root of your burnout. 

Once you have discovered the root of your burnout, list at least one strategy to control or remove that source of stress or dissatisfaction. Doing so may require help from a mental health professional, sponsor, or someone else who has experienced recovery burnout. 

#2. Reframing Your Point of View About Recovery

When you feel recovery burnout, it may be a result of a skewed point of view regarding recovery. You may see recovery as a laundry list of things you need to do in order to heal and be okay. 

However, recovery does not have to be seen in this light. Instead, you can reframe your point of view surrounding recovery. Recovery is a long process that takes time, and not everything needs to be done at once. Whatever you are capable of at the moment will help you get to your end goal. 

#3. Rethinking Your Priorities

Take some time to consider your aspirations, objectives, and desires. Is there something you are missing out on that is essential to you and your wellbeing? Are you working on recovery tasks that are not propelling you towards your goals? If so, it may be time to rethink your recovery priorities. 

In recovery, it is also crucial to define your limits and learn not to put too much pressure on yourself. If work is getting in the way of your recovery and causing burnout, learn to say “no” to time-consuming demands. If family obligations are making recovery seem like a daunting task, seek help from your partner, friends, or family. 

Overcoming burnout also requires you to take care of yourself and prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Ensure that you are getting enough rest, taking a break from electronics and social media, and engaging in the activities that bring you joy. 

#4. Making an Effort to Think Positively

Burnout can create a downward spiral of negative thoughts. However, this can be avoided by learning to think positively. 

It might be challenging to cultivate the habit of optimistic thinking while you are recovering from burnout. One easy way you can add happiness to your life is by performing random acts of kindness in recovery and your outside life. Kindness can help you foster optimism in your everyday life.

Recovery can be a long and time-consuming process at times. As a result, you may experience recovery burnout at some point in your journey. Recovery burnout is normal but can feel overwhelming. Luckily, you are capable of overcoming recovery burnout through various techniques. To help yourself get out of burnout, you can try examining the “why” of burnout, reframing your point of view about recovery, rethinking your priorities, and making an effort to think positively. At Achieve Concierge, we are experienced professionals working to bring peace to people dealing with various mental health disorders. We create individualized treatment plans for each patient as everyone deals with different issues. Our doctors and professionals make sure to treat our patients with extra care and affection, according to their needs. If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental health disorder, Achieve Concierge is here to help. Call us today at (858) 221-0344. 

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How to Support Your Friends Who Struggle With Mental Illness

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There is a saying, “If the suffering is hard, then seeing your loved ones suffer is harder.” Sometimes, you may see your friends or family suffer, and you want to help them. However, you may not know how to help them, especially when they are struggling with mental illness. At times, it can be confusing to know how to act or what to say. 

Meeting your loved ones who are struggling with a mental health disorder with care and compassion is crucial. However, it is also important not to belittle their struggles or demean their hard work. Here are a few steps that can help you learn how to support your loved ones struggling with mental illness.

Create a Non-Judgmental Atmosphere

Many people struggling with a mental health disorder also struggle with handling the stigma surrounding mental illness. Words you think are encouraging and helpful can cause harm and send your loved one into a spiral of shame. As a result, their mental health can continue to decline. 

However, you can work to create a non-judgmental atmosphere for your loved one. To do so, you can educate yourself on the mental health disorder they are struggling with and meet them with understanding and kindness. Allowing them the space to feel comfortable and at ease around you can help them open up and tell you how you can support them.

Practice Good Listening Skills

Do you know what the most helpful thing for a person who is fighting with their inner traumas is? Having someone who listens to them, with whom they can talk and share their feelings. At times, all you have to do to support your loved one struggling with a mental health disorder is be a good listener. Just listen to them without any input, and let them pour their feelings out in front of you. 

If your friend who is dealing with a mental health disorder decides to talk about their feelings with you, ensure you do not cut them off with your feelings or examples, like “Yeah, I understand, even I had a panic attack when I saw my shopping bills. I know how you feel.” Statements like these might hurt your loved ones and lead them to believe you are not genuinely listening to what they have to say. Be careful with your words and listen. 

Don’t Try to Second Guess Their Feelings

As a loved one, you may try to comfort your friends or family with sentiments like “You’re just overthinking” or “This feeling will pass.” While your intentions are most likely pure, these statements can cause harm. Using statements like these can lead your loved ones to believe you are belittling or ignoring their feelings, which may cause them not to seek help from you in the future. 

Make sure that you never judge or second guess your loved one’s feelings. Try to appreciate what they are going through, and ensure them that it is okay not to be okay. What they are going through is normal for many people and can be helped with love, support, and professional help. 

Go On a Walk With Them

Walking is a natural healer. A good walk can help you clear your mind and let you think about what matters in your life. A good walk with a loved one is counted as an effective medicine. Go out and take a walk, have a healthy conversation with them, talk about good memories, funny moments, your appreciation towards them, and appreciate the bond you share with them. 

Be Normal With Them: Do Not Make Things Complex

You know your friend is struggling with their mental health, but you do not know how to act around them. It is okay; we all face things like this. When you do not know how to act around your loved one, just be normal. Do not change your behavior around them; just behave as you used to before.

Do not exclude your loved ones from gatherings, outings, or parties. Do not think that they will feel uncomfortable. Invite them and let them decide if they want to come or not. The reality is, you can best help your loved one by not making things complex and just acting normal. 

Take Care of Yourself

One of the most important things you can do to help your loved one who is struggling with mental illness is to take care of yourself. To be able to care for the people you love, you must first take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself is a valid goal on its own, and it helps you support the people you love.

When you pay attention to your own physical and emotional health, you are better able to handle the challenges of supporting a loved one with a mental illness. Improving your relationship with yourself by maintaining your physical and mental health makes you more resilient, helping you weather hard times and enjoy the good ones as well.

It can be challenging to watch a loved one struggle with a mental health disorder. You may want to do everything you can to help, but are unsure how. Creating a non-judgmental atmosphere, practicing good listening skills, not second-guessing their feelings, getting outside, being normal, and taking care of yourself can all help you support your loved one through their challenges. If your loved one is struggling with a mental health disorder and is ready to seek help, Achieve Concierge is here to help. Achieve Concierge specializes in a holistic, collaborative approach to treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorders, and more. Our Premier Members enjoy an array of special conveniences and services, which enhance the treatment experience, including same-day or next-day appointments, direct access to the doctors, extended appointment times, and more. For more information on how we can help your loved one, call us today at (858) 221-0344. 

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Social Media’s Impact on Sobriety

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Social media is complex. The amount of time you spend on your phone or computer can impact your day-to-day life and how you look at things. While social media has the power to change your perspective, it can also be dangerous. 

With social media comes people with fake profiles, addiction-related content, and more.  Social media can significantly influence your sobriety, as it has both positive and negative effects. It is up to you how you handle the influence of social media. 

Here are some of the positive and negative effects of social media that can influence your sobriety: 

#1. Social Media Can Help You Stay Connected to the World

One of the significant reasons we all use social media is that it helps you stay connected to the world. You can stay updated on what is happening in the lives of your friends and family. 

During recovery, you may have times where you feel lonely and feel like it is difficult to pass the time. During that time, social media can be quite helpful. It provides good entertainment and helps you talk to your friends and family. 

You can find a good friend or an ally across various social media platforms. When you have no one around, you can easily connect to your friends or loved ones across social media channels. 

#2. You Can Engage With Recovery Content and Communities 

Social media has a wide range of communities and people you can engage with across various platforms. There are special recovery groups and pages you can follow or be a part of that focus on addiction and recovery topics. 

Social media gives you the opportunity to engage with people facing similar issues, share your experience and journey, and know there are others there to support you. Healing can be easy when you have people around who are facing similar challenges. 

#3. Addiction-Related Content on Social Media 

Addiction-related content on social is a negative consequence of your electronics. There is a lot of addiction-related content across social media platforms that can impact you in your recovery. This type of content has the ability to influence your sobriety and pull you back into negative thoughts and actions.

When using social media, you may come across content that describes or portrays substance abuse and glorifies the life you chose to leave behind. With the normalization of alcohol use in society, it is not abnormal to constantly see ads for new beers or alcohol. However, seeing this type of content can trigger you and cause cravings, which can lead to relapse if not dealt with properly. 

It is crucial to try and avoid this content and the people who post it as best as you can. To do this, you can block specific hashtags and people. Doing so will ensure posts from these people or with specific hashtags do not show up on your feed. Choose wisely on what content and people you associate with on social media. 

#4. You Have to Be on Alert While on Social Media 

Continuously being on alert while on social media is another negative consequence of social media. Not just while in recovery, but in general, you should be careful with the people you meet via social media. 

Unfortunately, the people you meet on social media are not always who they portray to be. You may come across fake profiles or fake groups, fooling people under the guise of helping others. Ensure that you are careful who you share your feelings or personal information with, as this can cause damage. 

To avoid these aspects of social media and keep your recovery progressing smoothly, ensure that you keep all private information limited to who you know personally and who you can trust. 

#5. Everything That Shines Is Not Gold

Social media is all about showing the “glittery” parts of your life. People share their vacations, their glories, photoshopped pictures, and more. As a result, you may feel like you are not doing enough in life when you see other people’s posts on social media. 

It is crucial that you never feel inferior seeing someone show off on social media. Remember, many people do not share their bad days or suffering. Just because someone’s life seems perfect through the lens of Instagram or Facebook does not mean they are not facing hardships in their life. 

The next time you see someone posting about the good parts of their life, remember that they, too, have struggled with something at one point in their life. You are not alone, and you are not the only person struggling. 

Social media has the power to influence our lives, both positively and negatively. In recovery, we have the opportunity to use social media to our advantage. You can seek out others who are in recovery or join groups dedicated to sobriety. You can find others who have been through your same struggles and are ready to help you. On the other hand, social media also has the ability to negatively influence your recovery. Addiction-related content can trigger you and cause cravings. Seeing people only post about the good in their lives can make you feel inferior, and question whether or not you are living to your fullest potential. Remember, social media is not real life. Everyone struggles with something, not just you. If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental health disorder or addiction, Achieve Concierge is here to help. Call us today at (858) 221-0344 to learn more about how we can help you. 

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5 Psychologically Damaging Things You Can Say to Someone in Recovery

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Words have the power to build and destroy. Kind words to someone who is struggling with their mental health or recovery can give them a ray of hope. However, your words can also cause damage. 

Recovery is an uphill battle at times. Even if you do not realize it, the things you say to someone while they journey through recovery can cause a world of hurt. You never know what someone is dealing with or the emotions they are feeling at a given time. As a result, a sentence or question you see as harmless can cause damage. 

It can be challenging to figure out what you want to say to a loved one who is battling addiction. The most important thing to remember is to be kind with your words. Try to have a natural conversation where your words are chosen carefully enough not to trigger painful emotions but sincere enough not to make someone feel infantilized. 

Here are five psychologically damaging things you should avoid saying to someone who is in the process of recovery: 

#1. “Once an Addict, Always an Addict.” 

One of the most damaging things you can say to someone in recovery is, “Once an addict, always an addict.” Words like “addict” are stigmatizing, reducing a person’s identity down to their struggle with substance use. They also imply a permanence to addiction.

Suggesting that someone cannot overcome their addiction can create feelings of powerlessness. Someone who is journeying through recovery is in the process of change. They have already overcome their addiction and are working hard to become the person they want to be. Make sure you do not minimize the struggles they have been through to get to where they are today. 

#2. “I Can Feel You” or “I Know How You Are Feeling.” 

These statements are some of the most common things people say to those battling addiction. While the intention is most likely pure, it can feel condescending to someone who has been through copious amounts of pain. The reality is that, unless you have been through addiction yourself, you most likely do not fully understand what someone in recovery is going through.

Instead of saying, “I know how are you feeling,” you can say, “I can not imagine what you’re going through, but I’m sure you can do this.” A sentiment like this can give an individual comfort and provide motivation to keep going. 

#3. “How Can You Ruin Your Life Like This?”

Questions like “How can you ruin your life like this?” come across as more judgmental than concerned. While you may ask yourself this question when you see someone struggling with addiction, it is extremely harmful to ask a question like this to a person who is struggling. 

Instead of asking this question, you can let bygones be bygones and appreciate the courage the individual is showing to change their situation. You can encourage them to think of recovery and a better life ahead. Hearing things like “How can you ruin your life like this?” is demotivating and may provoke them to lose the desire to recover. 

Instead of asking, “How can you ruin your life like this?” you can say something like, “I know you have made a few mistakes, but I’m proud that you had the courage to correct them.”

#4. “How About We Grab a Drink?”

Asking someone in recovery out for a drink can be insensitive and show the person in recovery that you are not thinking of their situation. Asking someone in recovery to consume substances can trigger cravings and thoughts of using, which can lead to relapse. 

If someone you care about is in recovery, it means that substance use is something they have decided to leave behind. They have gotten sober to build a new life for themselves. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid asking someone in recovery out for a drink. Instead, support them in their decision to live a happy and healthy, sober life. 

#5. “Have You Thought About Your Future? What Are You Going to do Next?” 

While questions like these indicate your concern and care about a loved one’s future, the timing to ask such questions may not be suitable. These questions can cause someone in recovery to overthink, doubt themselves, and create anxiety.

When you ask these questions, someone in recovery may question where they are in their journey. They may wonder if they have the opportunity for a “good” future or have anxiety about landing a “good” job. This thought process can lead to a spiral of negative thinking and emotions.  

Someone in recovery will think about their future at some point. However, allow them to have their own process of recovery and healing. They will reach their goals in their own time. 

Addiction is a serious issue. It can change your entire life and affect your relationships. However, when someone decides to seek recovery, they are choosing to change their life for the better. As a person who has a loved one in recovery, your words have the power to encourage their process or tear them down. Speaking to someone in recovery can require care and diligence. At Achieve Concierge, we specialize in a holistic, collaborative approach to treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorders, and more. We at Achieve Concierge understand that recovery is a process of emotional and psychological battle that the person has to fight. We provide exceptional care and attention to help you overcome your struggles. Our best-in-industry healthcare professionals can help you find the path to healing. Call Achieve Concierge today at (858) 221-0344 to learn more about how we can help you recover. 
 

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Give Yourself Grace – The Importance of Self Forgiveness During Recovery

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As humans, we often seek forgiveness from others, but we often neglect the thought of forgiving ourselves. Everyone makes mistakes, and that is okay. However, when we do not learn to forgive ourselves for our wrongdoings, we are left with feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt. 

In recovery, it is crucial to learn to forgive yourself. Learning to forgive yourself allows you to move forward in recovery and continue the process of healing. It is okay to give yourself grace. 

You deserve forgiveness from yourself, and this starts with being kind to yourself. Once you obtain self-forgiveness, your journey in recovery will be filled with sincerity and gratitude. You will find that people around you are there to support you and help you on your unique healing journey.    

Self-Forgiveness Is the First Step Towards Ending Your Guilt

Guilt is a strong feeling that is often uncomfortable. When you feel guilty for past wrongdoings, you lose the ability to find peace within yourself. With guilt also comes pain, sadness, and anger. Luckily, self-forgiveness can help you move past your guilt. 

It can be challenging to learn to forgive yourself, but it is not impossible. Self-forgiveness requires kindness and patience towards yourself. You can stop the endless feelings of guilt and learn to forgive yourself. 

To start your journey to forgiving yourself, remind yourself that everybody makes mistakes, even those not in recovery. It is okay to make mistakes. When you learn to move past your guilt and into self-forgiveness, you open up the endless opportunities recovery has to offer. 

Self-Forgiveness Gives You the Power to Confront Your Past Emotions

Past wrongdoings, incidents, and emotions often stay with you longer than you wish. For example, childhood trauma or other trauma you have gone through can stick itself to you, framing your thoughts and actions for the future. These past incidents can be challenging to forget. 

Challenging emotions, including guilt and shame, can fuel addiction. However, when you learn to confront these feelings with self-forgiveness, you begin the process of healing. Learning to forgive yourself gives you the power to confront your past and let go of the memories that are caged within you. 

Do not hold on to the past; let it go. You have already suffered, and you no longer have to. Now, you have the chance to look forward to a future in recovery.

Self-Forgiveness Propels You Towards Self-Help and Self-Love

Self-love and self-help are two crucial aspects of life and recovery. They can help you through the most challenging of times and remind you to take care of yourself in the process. Without self-help and self-love, you rob yourself of some of the beautiful things recovery has to offer. 

Self-forgiveness can help you develop a strong sense of self-love within. Learning to forgive yourself can help you learn to breathe freely without feelings of guilt or shame. Self-forgiveness opens a new door in recovery, a door where you are motivated to change yourself for the better. 

You Start to See Things From a Positive Perspective 

One of the most challenging phases of recovery can be learning to forgive yourself. You may seek forgiveness for many things, including what you have done to yourself, what you have done to others, and more. While it can be challenging to do this, it is possible. 

Learning to forgive yourself helps you see things from a new perspective. You can learn to grow comfortable with making mistakes. You can begin to view your future in a positive light. With a positive mindset, your recovery knows no bounds. You will reach destinations you never thought possible, where you find yourself and become the person you have always wanted to be. 

Self-forgiveness frees your heart from the cage of guilt, pain, anger, resentment, revenge, and many other complex emotions. It is imperative to forgive yourself and let your heart breathe. 

Give yourself the peace and forgiveness you deserve. You might have done things you are not proud of in the past, you might have hurt yourself or your loved ones, you might have jeopardized your life, but it is okay. We all make mistakes. 

At the end of the day, what truly matters is that you can recognize your mistakes and correct them. With the endless possibilities of recovery, you now have the opportunity to seek forgiveness from yourself and others. You get to stop the cycle of shame and guilt and forgive yourself. Self-forgiveness is the key that unlocks the doors of recovery. 

Recovery is a process with various facets and steps. One of the most crucial aspects of recovery is learning to forgive yourself. When you can forgive yourself for your past wrongdoings, you let go of shame and guilt. You open up the endless opportunities that recovery has to offer. At Achieve Concierge, we can help you overcome addiction and mental health disorders. We are a group of professionals on a mission to provide the necessary treatments to help our patients achieve recovery. Our holistic, collaborative approach to treatment can help you overcome whatever you are battling. Our members experience a continuum of care that addresses not only healing for the mind but for the body and spirit as well. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health or addiction, Achieve Concierge is ready to help you. Call us today at (858) 221-0344 to learn more about the treatment options we have to offer.

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What Does It Mean to Take a Holistic Approach to Health?

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In recent years, the term holistic has captured mainstream attention in providing alternative ways to achieve optimal mental health. When one uses the term “holistic,” they refer to an integrative approach involving the mind, body, and spirit. Holistic healing is unique in this way because it offers preventative care as well as curative care.

Holistic and integrative healing can include herbal remedies, nervous system regulation, therapeutic modalities, bodily healing, and spiritual exploration. When seeing a holistic practitioner, they will likely take the time to ask questions about that patient’s life and stressors, rather than just asking about their symptoms.

Practitioners recognize that when there is an imbalance in the patient’s emotional or mental health, it causes imbalances in other places of the body. With this information, the practitioner creates individualized approaches to help the patient achieve optimal, long-lasting health.

The Concept of Holism

The goal of holistic health is to adhere to the concept of “holism” – a principle dating back to over two thousand years ago. Holism states that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. With this information, one can apply the idea that the body’s parts are all interconnected. Therefore, when there is an imbalance in one of the bodily systems, there is an imbalance in all of the bodily systems.

Holism looks at the bigger picture of healing rather than zoning in on one particular symptom or disease. An example of this concept would be the idea of stress. When someone is stressed (psychologically), they can develop headaches, stomach aches, sweating, and more. If the stress persists, cortisol continues to fire, which leaves the adrenal glands in a compromised state. When the adrenals are compromised, the thyroid and pituitary gland are compromised as well.

In recent years, if a patient shows low adrenal function, they are given a corticosteroid and sent on their way without truly addressing the psychological stress that started the process in the first place. In holistic medicine, practitioners are not only addressing the adrenal insufficiency but everything that leads up to or contributed to the insufficiency as well.

Personalized Approaches

Holistic practitioners want to know as much as they can about their patients. They often inquire about their patients’ past experiences, upbringing, their relationship with themselves, and their connection to the world around them. It is common for patients to feel overwhelmed in their first few interactions with their holistic practitioner.

However, deep comfort with a practitioner often follows when recognizing the detail-oriented and attentive care the patient is receiving. The optimal environment for healing is one where the patient feels heard, valued, and validated.

Utilizing Supplementation

Many practitioners that utilize holistic and integrative approaches are also well versed in supplementation. Supplementation with mental health and psychiatric treatment is beneficial as it addresses one’s biochemistry and potential nutrient deficiencies.

Some common supplements used in conjunction with pharmaceutical treatments are magnesium, Zinc, Omega, Folate, and Vitamin B-12. These additional remedies can be particularly useful in helping the patient achieve complete remission from their symptoms.

Additionally, adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Licorice Root can support the body through life’s stressors. Each person is different, so it is essential for patients to work closely with their provider when introducing supplements into their treatment protocol.

Treatment Includes Examination of Causes, Not Just Symptoms

In Western Medicine, most of the provided care is based solely on the alleviation of symptoms. However, when working with a holistic practitioner, the goal of treatment is to alleviate the patient’s suffering and examine the cause of the suffering. The benefit of taking a holistic approach to treatment is exploring all factors that contributed to a patient’s current state, including past traumas and negative experiences.

While it is likely a patient will receive medication, they might also utilize psychotherapy, exercise, massage, acupuncture, and self-care practices. Compared to traditional remedies, holistic approaches often provide lasting relief because the patient is doing the work. They play a vital role in their own healing.

Four-Fold: Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual

Healing with holistic treatment will help a patient explore their options beyond taking a pill once daily. Physically, they may be encouraged to maintain adequate sleep, enjoy lots of nutrient-dense food, and participate in daily movement that is fulfilling to them.

Emotional and mental healing may coincide, but it is essential for individuals to tackle the emotional side of things by examining patterns that do not serve them and practicing detaching from their thoughts. Mental healing may involve therapy, medication, or working closely with their practitioner.

Many people may get scared when thinking of the spiritual aspect of healing, but spirituality is not to be mistaken with religion. Spirituality is found within oneself, within nature, or anything that makes an individual feel connected. Spirituality is known to produce feelings of wellness and aid in the healing process.

Because of this four-fold philosophy, if one aspect is not aligned, it is likely to cause problems in another area of the body. For example, untreated emotional wounds can submerge as autoimmune diseases or gastrointestinal disorders. In order to heal from these experiences, the four-fold approach is applied.

Holistic approaches to health differ from traditional Western Medicine as it treats the patient’s mind, body, and spirit. The patient will receive treatment plans that go beyond just their symptoms. With holistic treatment, practitioners will likely spend much more time with the patient, resulting in the patient feeling heard and valued. At Achieve Concierge, we incorporate holistic practices into our treatment plans and are dedicated to making every patient feel heard and valued. It is crucial for us to maintain accessibility, so we offer same-day appointments to our members. We believe our patients are more than a diagnosis, and we provide more than a cookie-cutter approach to healing. In your time here with us, we will look at what is keeping you stuck and help you heal on a more profound, long-lasting level. You are worthy of deep healing. For more information on mental health treatment, call Achieve Concierge today at (858) 221-0344.

close up of person working on a laptop on table

How Burnout Culture Might Be Affecting Your Mental Health

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Burnout culture has run rampant amidst COVID-19, but it existed long before the virus changed your life. Burnout culture gives “work hard, play hard” another meaning: you can only enjoy activities and rest once you have “earned” it. 

In recent years, this “no days off” approach has been worn with pride and superiority. When examining burnout among Americans, it is common to pinpoint healthcare workers and corporate America as the primary victims. However, this is far from the truth. Anyone can experience burnout no matter their age, race, sex, or ethnicity. Burnout is a plague that touches all at some point in life. 

The increasing pressure to perform at 100% leaves many feeling defeated and depressed. Levels of anxiety and depression have increased substantially in recent years, with over six million people suffering from anxiety disorders and 16 million people struggling with depression. 

Signs You May Be Struggling With Burnout

Signs that may point to burnout include: 

#1. You feel guilty when you rest.

An overwhelming sense of guilt when engaging in self-care is a crucial sign of burnout. Rest is essential to your wellbeing, and it is a right, not something to be earned. Part of rest is saying no or skipping a hard workout at the gym that day. Rest is a beautiful way to reconnect with yourself and refill your gas tank. 

#2. You measure your worth with how productive you are. 

It is extremely common to correlate self-worth with productivity. Have you ever checked off all the boxes on your to-do list and felt terrific just to wake up the next day and feel drained? 

Engaging in structured routines can give you that initial dopamine boost. Still, it is not to be mistaken with self-esteem. The sense of fulfillment and worthiness that stem from hyper-productivity is fleeting. Your self-worth and value are constant because you are valuable regardless of how you spend your time. 

#3. You spend less time socializing with your friends.

Are you constantly canceling events because you cannot muster up the energy to be social? Do your friends complain that you never respond to their texts? 

Even though isolation may be tempting, in reality, social engagement is a vital aspect of your health. Spending quality time with loved ones is highly beneficial to our mental health. However, if your gas tank is already empty, spending time with loved ones may drop to the bottom of your to-do list. 

#4. You never feel rested, no matter how much sleep you get. 

Fatigue is something that can plague everyone. Unfortunately, many people believe the common misconception that sleep quality diminishes as you get older. While REM sleep decreases as you get older, this does not mean that you should not feel refreshed upon waking. Occasional morning grogginess is to be expected, but if you are constantly waking up fatigued, this might be your body telling you something.

#5. You struggle with insomnia or racing thoughts at night.

This may not be new information, but stress affects your sleep — big time. Stress leads to sleep deprivation which leads to more stress. If you are experiencing racing thoughts at night, your body may be in a hyper-alert state, which is not optimal for sleep. You may be trying all of the remedies in the world and still cannot get a decent night’s sleep. If you are experiencing this, it could be that your body is trying to deliver a message.

How to Avoid Burnout: Rest and Self-Care

Rest and sleep are some of the easiest ways to bring your body back into a low-stress state. While it is not always feasible to spend hours sleeping on the couch, there are other ways to care for yourself in high-stress scenarios. 

Self-care does not always look like getting massages, facials, or pedicures. Sometimes self-care is just allowing yourself to do nothing. Contrary to societal beliefs, sometimes it is okay to do nothing. In fact, you are allowed to do nothing. Sitting still can seem like a scary concept for some, but it will enable you to recenter and recharge your batteries. 

If the idea of self-care or rest seems scary to you, here are some ways to explore rest: 

  • Physical Rest: sleeping
  • Mental Rest: slowing down, observing your thoughts, meditation
  • Sensory Rest: reducing screen time and blue light, reducing noise
  • Emotional Rest: raking time to process your emotions in a journal or with a therapist
  • Social Rest: spending quality time with friends or loved ones – people who uplift you
  • Spiritual Rest: exploring your purpose, connecting with nature

Burnout culture is something that plagues most Americans as they navigate these unprecedented times. Burnout can occur when you do not receive appropriate rest and can also negatively affect your mental health. Those suffering from burnout often feel fatigued, suffer from isolation, and have mild to severe insomnia. Often, those around you may praise your achievements due to living in a high-productivity society. However, this nonstop attitude is difficult to maintain and may pose serious issues long term. At Achieve Concierge, we offer you the tools necessary to overcome burnout, including therapeutic measures and nutritional infusions so you can feel your best again. Although life goes on, Achieve Concierge is committed to giving you a calm and serene environment to navigate life’s stressors. We offer same-day appointments and telehealth appointments for our members to provide easy, accessible care. If you’re interested in starting your journey to a healthier future, contact us today at (858) 221-0344. 

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