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How Pets Can Support Your Mental Health

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If you’re an animal lover, you know how uplifting it can be to spend some quality time with a pet. Did you know that spending time with animals can actually help with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety? It’s true. Some animals, especially dogs and cats, are incredibly in tune with human emotions and behaviors. If you’re considering adopting a new pet and are still on the fence, it may help to examine the many ways that pets can help you and benefit you both mentally and physically and then weigh your options.

Some of the Benefits of Owning Pets

#1. Stress Relief: Spending time with a pet can help bring down stress levels. This can, in turn, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

#2. Physical Exercise: Because pets, especially dogs, require physical exercise, they can help get their owners moving as well. Owning a pet can be a great motivator to get outside and take regular walks. Increasing your physical exercise can not only help you lose weight and become more fit, but it can also benefit your mental health.

#3. Companionship: Pets are a great source of companionship. Not only are they loyal and loving, but they won’t ever judge or ridicule you. This kind of unfailing love can be great for your mental health and can combat feelings of loneliness, especially for those who live alone.

#4. A sense of purpose: Caring for a pet provides the owner with a sense of purpose. A pet relies on you for their survival and overall well-being. While your pet may only be one part of your world, for them, you are their entire world. This sense of purpose associated with being a pet owner can reduce anxiety and depression. This can be especially helpful for parents whose children have recently left home or an elderly individual who lives alone.

#5. Routine: Pets can help cultivate a better sense of structure and routine in your day-to-day life. Having a solid daily routine can not only help you to be more focused and productive, but it can help you feel a greater sense of achievement when you go to bed each night. Even when your mental health isn’t the best and you’re struggling to get out of bed, your pet can encourage you to move and take the necessary steps to care for it.

#6. Social Connections: Anyone who’s ever owned a dog knows that it is very common during walks or trips to the dog park to come across fellow animal lovers who want to stop for a quick chat. This can help connect you with people with similar interests as you and can even lead to friendships. But it’s not only dog owners that can enjoy this perk. There are many social groups devoted to specific animals, whether they be horses, llamas, cats, birds, and much more.

Determining if Owning a Pet Is the Right Decision for You

While there is a multitude of benefits of owning a pet, it is still important to acknowledge that adopting an animal is a big responsibility and should not be done on a whim. You need to make sure that you are capable of taking care of the animal and have access to the supplies that they will need. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before getting a pet:

  • Do you have the financial resources to pay for what the pet may need? (food, veterinary services, toys, ext.)
  • Do you have the room that the animal will need? (Keep in mind that larger animals will require more space)
  • Do you have the time necessary to devote to the animal?
  • Are you active enough to be able to provide the animal with the exercise it needs?
  • Does anyone in your home have allergies to pets?

What to Do if You Can’t Own a Pet

Even if you’re not currently at a place in life where you can own a pet, you can still enjoy the mental benefits that animals can bring. You may consider volunteering at your local humane society. These facilities are typically always looking for people to help out with feeding, cleaning cages, and walking the animals. This is a great way to provide attention to dogs and cats that desperately need it while enjoying the companionship and stress relief they can bring. Another option is to look online for people who need care for their pets while on vacation. This is an easy way to enjoy being around animals while making a little extra cash as a bonus.

There are so many benefits to owning pets, but they are especially beneficial to one’s mental health. They can help lower stress levels and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Pets offer constant love and companionship without judgment. They also provide a sense of purpose and can help you maintain a more structured daily routine. Pets can even help your physical health by ensuring you are walking more and staying active. Having a pet is also a great way to combat feelings of loneliness. Before getting a pet, it is important to ensure that you are capable and well prepared to meet its needs. Even if you can’t own your pet, you can still consider volunteering at a local animal hospital. If you’re struggling with your mental health, our team at Achieve Concierge can help. Call (858) 221-0344 today to learn more. 

Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety in a Child

Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety in a Child

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Many people falsely believe that only adults can experience anxiety. In reality, anxiety does not discriminate when it comes to age, gender, background, or ethnicity. It can even affect children. It’s normal for children to experience anxiety every once in a while, for example, when beginning a new school year or trying out a new hobby. However, this anxiety can be quite extreme for some children and can impact their ability to keep up with school and other activities. It can even affect them physically, causing sleep and digestive issues. Thus, it is vital to be able to recognize the signs of anxiety in a child and know what steps to take to help them before the problem gets worse.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Anxiety in Children

Anxiety can affect each person differently and to different extents. Anxiety can be more complicated with children because they often don’t understand what they are experiencing and don’t know how to ask for help. When they are unable to articulate how they are feeling, their parents may not even recognize that there is a problem. However, there are some common signs to be on the lookout for. They include:

  • Frequently complaining of stomach aches or headaches
  • Bedwetting
  • Not wanting to go to school
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Sudden unexplained behavioral changes such as aggression, anger, and frequent crying
  • Trouble focusing on a specific task
  • Trouble sleeping through the night
  • Frequent nightmares
  • Low appetite
  • Excessive worrying
  • Excessive negative talk
  • Inability to spend time away from parents
  • Complaining of a thumping heart

Understanding What Factors Can Play Into Anxiety in Children

It can be hard to pinpoint a specific reason that a child may be struggling with anxiety. There was nothing a parent could have done to prevent their child from struggling with this disorder in many cases. Some of the more common factors that play into a child’s anxiety include:

  • Family history (having a close family member who struggles with anxiety)
  • Brain wiring
  • Learned behavior (living with individuals who frequently worry and vocalize this worry)
  • Experiencing a traumatic event (for example, the loss of a loved one, experiencing a natural disaster, or witnessing the violence of abuse)

Anxiety Disorders That Are Common Among Children

There are a variety of different types of anxiety disorders, and they may require different methods of treatment. A few of the anxiety disorders that are most common in children include:

#1. Separation anxiety: A child struggling with separation anxiety will find it to be extremely difficult to be apart from their parents/guardians. They may experience an intense and uncontrollable amount of stress during this separation. This can make it difficult or impossible for them to attend events like sleepovers at friends’ houses, summer camps, and even school. They may also struggle with an obsessive worry that something terrible will happen to their loved ones.

#2. Social anxiety: A child struggling with social anxiety will struggle with intense anxiety in social situations or in situations where there are a lot of people. They may have a fear of speaking to new people and could struggle with concerns of embarrassing themselves or being judged by others. This type of anxiety can hold them back from wanting to try out new things.

#3. Specific Phobia: Some children will struggle with intense phobias associated with specific things. Some examples include: thunderstorms, insects, getting sick, swimming, receiving a shot, or being around an animal.

How Parents Can Help a Child Struggling With Anxiety

If you suspect that your child is struggling with an anxiety disorder, the first step is to contact their pediatrician. They can help with providing a diagnosis and pointing you in the right direction for getting your child the proper treatment. For some children, therapy may be of assistance to them. For others, prescription medication may be necessary. In addition to helping your children with traditional treatment, there are some other things you can do on a regular basis to help them with their anxiety. Some examples include:

  • Make sure that your child feels comfortable discussing how they’re feeling with you, and check in with them frequently.
  • Help them learn how to express their anxiety in a way that works for them (for example, if they have trouble vocalizing it, try having them draw a picture of what their anxiety is like)
  • Be aware of how you’re dealing with your own stress (while it is normal for a parent to experience stress, try to avoid discussing this stress with your child as they can internalize it as their own.

Anxiety doesn’t just affect adults; it can affect anyone regardless of age. Because children often don’t understand how to express how they are feeling, their parents may not even recognize that there is a problem. There are some common symptoms associated with anxiety in children to be on the lookout for. Some examples include bedwetting, fear of social situations, frequent complaints of stomach and headaches, and trouble sleeping. If you suspect your child is struggling with anxiety, be sure to contact their primary care provider, who can help guide you through treatment. As a parent, you can take additional steps to help your child by teaching them how to express their feelings and making it clear that you are there to support them. At Achieve Concierge, we want to help you and those you love to achieve peak mental health. Call (858) 221-0344 to learn more. 

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The Difference Between Occasional Anxiety and an Anxiety Disorder

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It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time due to the typical stresses of day-to-day life. Whether it be related to work, school, or issues within one’s personal life, everyone is bound to experience this feeling at one point or another. Common symptoms included an upset stomach, sweaty palms, and a racing heart. In many cases, these symptoms subside when whatever the stressful issue is has been resolved. However, for some people, anxiety is not just an occasional thing, but that something occurs on a regular basis, and it can be very debilitating. It’s essential to be able to recognize the difference between occasional anxiety and having an anxiety disorder so you can seek treatment if necessary. 

Recognizing Common Anxiety Symptoms 

Not everyone who experiences anxiety occasionally has an actual anxiety disorder. However, it can still be helpful to recognize the most common symptoms related to experiencing anxiety. Some examples include: 

  • Feelings of tension and nervousness
  • High heart rate
  • Heavy breathing 
  • Sweating 
  • Shaking
  • Feelings of weakness or fatigue
  • Feeling a sense of panic
  • An inability to control one’s sense of worry
  • Digestive issues
  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Trouble focusing on the task at hand. 

Determining if Your Anxiety is Excessive 

There are some main factors to consider when determining whether you have occasional anxiety or deal with an anxiety disorder. Some questions to ask yourself include: 

  • Does your anxiety prevent you from keeping up with your personal and professional responsibilities? 
  • Does your anxiety persist over an extended period of time? 
  • Does your anxiety cause you to avoid social situations? 
  • Has your anxiety begun affecting your relationships with others? 
  • Do you feel that your anxiety is beginning to affect your overall quality of life? 

If your answer was yes to these questions, you may consider seeking treatment for an anxiety disorder. 

The Different Types of Anxiety Disorders 

There are multiple types of anxiety disorders, and treatment may vary depending on which one a patient is suffering from. It is also possible to have more than one type of anxiety. 

#1.) Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Someone who suffers from this condition will deal with constant and excessive worrying. They may frequently overthink things and blow things out of proportion in their mind, making them out to be a bigger problem than necessary. Someone with this condition will typically find it difficult or impossible to control their worrying. It can occur at any age in both men and women. 

#2.) Social Anxiety Disorder: Someone with a social anxiety disorder will become very anxious when placed in social situations, especially in large groups or when meeting people for the first time. They may have difficulty making conversation in social situations and may fear that people are judging them. They may overthink their words and fear embarrassing themselves in front of others. 

#3.) Panic Disorder: Some with this disorder will experience a sudden and very intense sense of overwhelmingness that they are unable to control. It can last anywhere from several minutes to hours and can be very excruciating. It is often associated with physical symptoms like nausea, throat tightness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and stomach cramps. In fact, it can be so intense that it can even be mistaken for a serious health complication like a heart attack or stroke. 

Treating an Anxiety Disorder  

Anxiety disorders are prevalent, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Luckily, there are multiple types of treatment that can help alleviate symptoms or eliminate them completely. If you are struggling with an anxiety disorder, don’t hesitate to ask your primary care provider for help. Your doctor will likely recommend that you attend therapy which can help you work through your emotions in a productive way and learn how to handle stress better. In some cases, prescription medication is also recommended to treat anxiety. 

In addition to traditional treatment, there are some other things you can do every day that may help with your anxiety. Some examples include: 

  • Get out into nature 
  • Make sure you’re eating healthy, well-balanced meals
  • Take frequent breaks from social media 
  • Turn off the news if it causes you stress 
  • Make sure you’re exercising frequently 
  • Try out yoga or a different type of meditation
  • Use journaling to help work through your emotions 
  • Spend time speaking with a trusted family member or friend 
  • Listen to soothing music 
  • Spend time with an emotional support animal 

If you are receiving treatment for anxiety and don’t find that you’re experiencing any relief as time goes on, be sure to reach back out to your doctor as your treatment plan may need to be adjusted. 

While it is normal to be anxious from time to time due to stressful situations in life, anxiety is an everyday battle and can be very debilitating for some people. Some of the most common anxiety symptoms include feelings of tension, heavy breathing, sweating, a sense of panic, and digestive issues. If you’re wondering whether or not your anxiety is excessive and requires treatment, consider how frequently it occurs and what impact, if any, it has on your ability to keep up with day-to-day tasks. Your doctor can help provide you with a diagnosis and help you begin treatment. Therapy and, in some cases, prescription medication, are typical treatment options. You can also try out some other ways to alleviate anxiety symptoms, such as journaling, meditation, and physical exercise. At Achieve Concierge, we can help you achieve better mental health. Call (858) 221-0344 today. 

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How to Not Fool Yourself About Your Mental Health

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Mental health disorders affect many people across the globe. Unfortunately, many people will spend months, years, or even a lifetime suffering without seeking treatment for their mental health. They may do this for a significant number of reasons, but one of the most common is that they don’t think that their mental health condition is a big deal. They may try to trick themselves into believing that they’re ok and don’t need help when in reality they do. This is a dangerous practice, and it can cause mental health problems to become worse. It’s essential that we know how to avoid fooling ourselves about our mental health and the steps to take to get proper help.

Why People Put Off Getting Help for a Mental Health Problem

Some of the most common reasons people put off getting help with their mental health include:

  • They think they can control the problem on their own.
  • They don’t want to appear weak. 
  • They have convinced themselves that their mental health problem is not serious. 
  • They fear being judged by others. 
  • They are afraid of what sort of treatment they may need or changes they will have to make in their life. 
  • They are worried about the financial aspect of treatment. 
  • They are so busy with other responsibilities they aren’t making time for their mental health. 
  • They don’t have enough awareness regarding mental health issues (they don’t understand what issues like anxiety and depression are.)

Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Getting Mental Health Treatment

If you’re struggling with your mental health, it is better to get help now as opposed to later. The following are some reasons why.

#1.) Early detection can make all the difference. In many cases, an individual will experience better results when they seek treatment right away for their mental health problems rather than putting them off. Additionally, this can help avoid possible risks down the road associated with poor mental health. Some examples include trouble keeping up with work or school, damaged relationships, or financial strain.

#2) Untreated mental health problems can lead to physical health problems. When someone is dealing with something like anxiety or depression, they likely won’t be motivated to take care of themselves by getting regular exercise and eating healthy, well-balanced meals. They may also struggle to maintain a proper sleep schedule. These issues can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and additional problems.

#3.) Avoiding treatment can lead to future regrets. When someone is struggling with their mental health, they may be more likely to make rash decisions, whether that be through excessive spending, arguments with those they love, or trying to cope in unhealthy ways such as through substance misuse.

#4.) Putting off treatment can lead to instability in one’s day-to-day life. Mental illness can be so debilitating that it can make it difficult for an individual to stay on top of day-to-day tasks. They may struggle to take care of their hygiene or keep their living area clean. They may also have difficulty getting to work on time and staying on top of professional responsibilities. This can even lead to job loss.

#5.) By getting help now, you can begin living life to your fullest potential. You may not realize the extent to which your mental health disorder could be holding you back. If you decide to receive the treatment, you can finally begin the healing process and can live life without this continuous suffering. You may be surprised by how much you can accomplish.

#6.) There is no reason to put off seeking treatment for a mental health disorder because it is completely normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Your primary health care provider is not going to judge or ridicule you. Similarly, those in your life who are true friends will not look at you any differently but will instead be proud of you for taking steps to prioritize your well-being. In fact, you may find that you grow even closer to your friends and family as you seek treatment.

How to Go About Seeking Treatment

If you believe that you have a mental health problem, you should speak to your primary care provider right away. They will likely ask you a series of questions to help get a better understanding of your condition and then will provide you with a diagnosis. They will then discuss with you some treatment options. Some people may find relief through things like therapy, meditation, and lifestyle changes, while others may benefit from prescription medication.

Mental health disorders are quite common; unfortunately, people hesitate to seek proper treatment. This may be because they have tricked themselves into minimizing their condition or convinced themselves that they have everything under control. Other reasons people put off seeking treatment is because of the fear of being judged or considered weak and the fear of what treatment will entail. In reality, it is far better to seek treatment sooner than later. This is because early detection often yields the best results. Additionally, getting treated can prevent physical health problems, future regrets, and instability in one’s day-to-day life. If you are struggling with your mental health, there is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of. At Achieve Concierge, we have helped many patients achieve better mental health, and we want to help you too. Call (858) 221-0344 to learn more about the treatment options we offer. 

Learning to Deal With Seasonal Affective Disorder

Learning to Deal With Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a type of depression connected to the changes in season and the amount of light that is present each day. It can deplete one’s energy and can cause one to experience strange, unexplained changes in mood. Many people that experience this disorder will feel its effects during the fall and winter months when the days are shorter, and there is less sunlight. It can be especially difficult for those who live in states with harsh winters. However, many people may not realize that it is possible to experience SAD in the spring and summer as well. It is often referred to as “summer depression.“ Luckily, there are things that can be done to help cope. 

Recognizing the Signs of Seasonal Depression 

There are some common symptoms of SAD linked to spring and summer. They include: 

  • Insomnia or trouble sleeping 
  • No longer finding enjoyment from the hobbies, you once loved
  • Feeling the need to withdraw from friends and family 
  • Feeling tired throughout the day
  • Changes in appetite 
  • Trouble focusing 
  • Lapses in memory 
  • Unusual anger or agitation 
  • Thoughts about suicide 

Understanding Why This Occurs 

There are a lot of factors that can play into why someone will experience this disorder during the spring or summer months. Some common causes include: 

#1.) Changes in Daylight and Temperature: Not everyone enjoys the higher temperatures that come with the spring and summer months. In fact, some people may find that the heat makes it more difficult for them to fall asleep and get good quality rest throughout the night. They may find themselves tossing and turning throughout the night while feeling overheated. Additionally, the sun stays out for much longer during the spring and summer months. This can make it difficult to sleep, especially for those who need to go to bed early, so they wake up early for work or school. Also, because the sun helps provide energy, some people may find it harder to get their brains to relax and prepare for sleep. 

#2.) Changes in Brain Chemicals: When someone spends time out in the sunlight, a brain chemical called serotonin is activated. Serotonin helps regulate many essential brain functions such as one’s mood, emotions, and even digestion. While serotonin is an essential chemical, too much of it can lead to problems such as restlessness and anxiety. 

#3.) Seasonal Allergies: It is common to experience allergies in the spring and summer months. While for some people, this is nothing more than a nuisance, for others, it can be quite debilitating. It can make it more difficult for them to keep up with work or school and impact the overall quality of their lives. It can even lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. 

There are some other factors that could also potentially play into this disorder, such as family history or geographical location. Additionally, women are typically more likely to experience this disorder than men. 

Coping With Seasonal Depression in the Spring and Summer

#1. One of the most important things you should be doing to combat seasonal depression is to practice good sleep habits. If the daylight is keeping you up at night or causing you to wake up too early, consider investing in some black-out curtains or a sleeping mask. You’ll also want to ensure that you keep as firm a sleep schedule as possible. This involves going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning. 

#2. Avoid going on your phone or watching television right before bed. This can not only lead to unnecessary stress, but the light from the screen can also make your brain more alert, so it will be harder to fall asleep. Instead, consider reading a chapter of a book or doing some journaling before bed. 

#3.) Make sure that you are getting regular exercise every day. This can help tire you out so that you fall asleep quicker. 

#4.) Ensure that you are eating healthy, well-balanced meals. Our diet has a significant impact on mental health, and if you’re not eating well, it may be triggering anxiety or depression. 

#5.) Be sure to let your primary care physician know about what you are experiencing. They can help provide a diagnosis and offer treatment if necessary. They may recommend therapy which can be very beneficial to those struggling with this disorder. A therapist can help you work through your emotions and identify changes that you can make within your life to help alleviate the problem. They can also help you begin to think more positively about this time of the year. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder is very common and is often experienced in the fall and winter months when it is cold outside, and there is less daylight. However, it is possible to experience this disorder in the spring and summer months as well. Some common symptoms of this disorder include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, low energy, and unusual anger or agitation. There are several factors that play into why someone experiences this type of disorder. They include changes in daylight and temperature, changes in brain chemicals, and in some cases, seasonal allergies. You can learn how to cope with this disorder by practicing good sleep habits, staying away from technology before bed, eating healthy, and exercising regularly. You may also consider investing in therapy. At Achieve Concierge, we want to help you obtain peak mental health. Call (858) 221-0344 to learn more. 

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I Relapsed, Now What?

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While it can be deeply frustrating, relapse is a normal part of the recovery journey, and it doesn’t mean that treatment has failed. If you have recently experienced a relapse, it is essential to remember that you have nothing to be ashamed of, and this doesn’t mean that you won’t still be able to enjoy a long-lasting recovery in the future. It is simply a stumbling block along the way, and it can be overcome. You can move on from relapse by identifying what factors played into it, working with a substance use counselor to make any necessary changes to your treatment plan, and implementing prevention strategies to avoid recurrence. 

Identifying the Root Causes of Relapse 

There are many reasons why a relapse may occur. Some people might be able to pinpoint the exact reason that caused them to pick up alcohol or drugs again, while others may need some guidance to help them reflect and consider what event/events may have led up to this point. Some questions you may ask yourself to help determine the root causes include: 

  • Did you experience a traumatic situation such as the loss of a loved one, sudden unemployment, or some type of abuse? 
  • Did you get so busy that you stopped making your recovery a priority? 
  • Did you start skipping support group meetings or therapy sessions? 
  • Did you spend time with someone who triggered your relapse or pressured you to engage in drug or alcohol use? 
  • Are you under a lot of stress in your personal or professional life? 
  • Did you not have a concrete plan going into life in recovery?
  • Do you believe you are struggling with a mental health disorder that you haven’t spoken with a doctor about yet? 
  • Did you experience the effects of withdrawal? 
  • Did you simply lose motivation in maintaining your sobriety? 

Making the Necessary Changes to Your Treatment Plan

Once you have identified the factors that may have played into your relapse, you can begin to work with your doctor or substance use counselor to make the necessary changes to your treatment. Some examples of what these changes could include: 

  • Finding a support group that is a better fit for you or attending meetings more frequently. 
  • Identifying better ways to combat the stress in your life, such as through physical exercise, yoga, mediation, or journaling. 
  • Placing distance between yourself and the people who may be intentionally or unintentionally threatening your recovery. 
  • Speaking with a counselor regularly to work through your emotions and identify any possible triggers that could be threatening your recovery. 
  • Learning to avoid places/environments where you experience temptation.
  • Going through in-patient treatment where your withdrawal symptoms can be properly managed. 
  • Finding a more stable and secure living environment. 
  • Seeking treatment for a mental health condition that might not have been diagnosed yes, for example, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. 

Preventing Another Relapse

Once you have worked with your counselor to discuss what changes should be made to your treatment plan, you can also practice relapse prevention strategies to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. Some examples of this include: 

1.) Learning to practice good self-care regularly. What self-care means can be different from person to person. In general, it means taking care of your physical health by eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising regularly. It also means taking care of your mental health, whether that be through meditation, journaling, reading a good book, spending time away from social media, or simply taking the time to share coffee with a friend. 

2.) Have an emergency list of people to call the next time you feel tempted to engage in substance use. This could be your sponsor, a therapist, or a trusted friend that you can rely on to help talk you through what you’re going through and make the right decision for your recovery journey. 

3.)Practice grounding techniques. For some people, anxiety can feel like things are spinning out of control. They may feel tempted to act rashly and turn to substance use to cope. Instead, try to focus on your surroundings by acknowledging what you can hear, smell, taste, and see. This can help you shift your perspective and calm down. 

4.) Work on identifying what your triggers are. This could be stress or a specific person or place, or situation. 

5.) Learn how to recognize when your motivation is wavering. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re thinking about old substance use habits, feeling like you want to skip a support group meeting, or are considering giving into cravings, ensure that you seek help immediately. 

Relapse is nothing to be ashamed of, and it doesn’t mean that treatment has failed. It is simply part of the journey and a stumbling block to overcome. If you have experienced a relapse, the first thing you’ll want to do is sit down with your therapist or doctor and determine the root cause of the relapse. It could be a particularly traumatic event, an undiagnosed mental health disorder, or simply a loss of motivation. Once the root cause has been determined, you and the medical profession can begin to implement any necessary changes to your treatment plan. This may include learning new ways to cope with stress, finding a support group that betters fits your needs or finding a more stable living environment. If you’re struggling with your mental health, our team at Achieve Concierge can help. Call (858) 221-0344 today to learn more.

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Supporting a Partner Through Recovery

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Watching someone that you love struggle with substance misuse can be very challenging, especially when this person is your partner. If your partner is in the process of recovery, they have already decided to take the first step towards getting treatment and overcoming their addiction. However, this does not mean that they won’t still need your support as they navigate recovery in the following months and even years down the road. In fact, your support will likely be crucial in protecting their sobriety. If the recovery journey is not something that you’ve ever experienced yourself, you may be wondering how you can help.

Changing your Perspective 

Addiction can cause great strain within a relationship, even leading to broken trust and misplaced guilt. If your partner’s addiction has caused you pain, any feelings you have towards them are valid, whether anger, sadness, or resentment. This doesn’t mean that you can’t overcome these emotions and begin the healing process as time goes on. Investing in couple’s therapy can be very useful during this time because it can help both you and your partner to better express how you’re feeling towards one another and help you understand what steps each of you can take to begin rebuilding the relationship.

If you’ve never experienced addiction, it can be hard to put yourself into your partner’s shoes and consider what they’re going through. It is important to try to change your perspective and treat them with a sense of compassion rather than judgment. Remember that addiction is a disease and it is possible that your partner will stumble along the path to recovery. They may also have frequent mood swings, lash out or say things that they don’t mean. Instead of becoming angry or trying to guilt-trip them when these things happen, make it clear to them that you are there to support them no matter what they need. Make it clear to them that you recognize how hard they’ve been working to make this positive change in their lives and that you’re proud of how far they’ve come. You may also consider reminding them of the positive things that have occurred in their life thus far as a result of their decision to get sober.

Maintain a Sober Living Space 

Especially in the case that you and your partner live together, it is imperative to maintain a stable, shared, sober living environment. This means making an effort to ensure that there is nothing within the home that could in any way trigger your partner or threaten their recovery. While it may seem like a given, it is very important, especially in the early stages of recovery, that you don’t engage in substance use in front of your partner. You’ll also want to ensure that there are no drugs or alcohol anywhere in your home that your partner could stumble across and feel tempted to use. It can help to have an honest conversation with your partner in which you ask them what you can do to make this living space more comfortable for them.

Suggest Sober Activities That You Can Do Together 

There are countless amazing sober activities that you and your partner can do together that can actually help you bond and strengthen your relationship. Some ideas include:

  • Take a road trip and explore someplace new
  • Go hiking together and enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being immersed in the great outdoors
  • Cook a meal together using a new recipe
  • Sign up to take an exercise class together to prioritize your physical health
  • Learn a new skill together such as how to play an instrument or practice a fine art
  • Train for a marathon together
  • Have a movie night at home with snacks
  • Go ice skating together
  • Visit a local museum
  • Go see your favorite sports team play
  • Take dancing lessons
  • Have a picnic at the park

Remember to Take Care of Yourself

Having a partner who is in the beginning stages of recovery can be stressful and can certainly take a toll on your mental health. Thus, it is important that you are making sure to take care of yourself too during this time and not focus all of your energy on your partner. This can involve practicing self-care, speaking with a therapist or trusted friend, and letting out your feelings by journaling. Remember that if your partner stumbles along their recovery journey, it is not your fault, and you should not blame yourself. At the end of the day, it is up to them to choose to maintain their sobriety.

It can be very difficult to know how to help a partner who is going through recovery if this is not something that you’ve ever experienced yourself. However, your support for them is very crucial during this time. It is important to try to put yourself into your partner’s shoes and consider what they’re going through. Despite what mistakes they may have made in the past, they have now made the tough decision to begin their recovery journey. Expect there to be setbacks along the way, and make it clear to your loved ones that you are there to support them however you can. Having a partner who is in the beginning stages of their recovery journey can be very stressful. If you are struggling with your mental health, our team at Achieve Concierge can help. Call (858) 221-0344 today.