Health is a state of complete mental, social, and physical well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.. World Health Organization, 1948
World Mental Health Day
Since 2013, every October 10 we celebrate World Mental Health Day, established by the World Health Organization. The day aims to raise awareness about mental health globally and mobilize efforts to support people experiencing mental health issues.
The theme Make Mental Health for All a Global Priority was introduced by the World Federation for Mental Health. At Positive Recovery, we believe mental health matters. We focus on positive outcomes, embracing the good, and finding healthy ways to express our thoughts and feelings.
Mental health is health. Just like a workout at the gym or a walk with your dog moves your body and strengthens muscle, daily practices to strengthen mental health are just as important. When we feel stressed or anxious about an upcoming event, it is easy to grab the bottle to try to forget. In those moments of adversity, our mind, body, and spirit matter more than ever.
Strong daily discipline like focusing on breath when anxious, journaling thoughts when stressed, or setting regular therapy sessions can give us healthier alternatives for navigating obstacles.
Bridging mental health and behavioral health
On Positive Recovery MD, Dr. Jason Powers was joined by George Youngblood, LCDC, ADCIII, CCS. George is the Chief Executive Officer at Teen and Family Services and founding Board Chairman of the Association of Alternative Peer Groups. He has been counseling adolescents and families for over twenty years and will celebrate 30 years of uninterrupted sobriety.
Dr. Powers and George discussed the importance of community and why it is essential for long-term recovery. They also discussed how to build relationships through shared experience and how past survival mechanisms can become future strengths. One of the biggest takeaways was focusing on whole health by integrating mental health care with physical health care.
When George first started his recovery journey 30 years ago, there was a strong polarity between the recovery community and the mental health community, plus stigma around treating mental health disorders. Over the years, he has seen a major shift toward integrating mental health care with behavioral health care. Now we recognize the deeper, underlying issues behind substance use.
Whole-Person Treatment
Mental, social, and physical wellness, treated together. Confidential, available 24/7.
Holistic healing
For many people, seeking drugs or alcohol is not the problem itself. It is a byproduct of unresolved pain and trauma. Various traumas, like growing up in an abusive home or living with an abusive partner, can make numbing the pain with unhealthy coping mechanisms feel easier.
We have since learned that simply taking away drugs or alcohol does not magically cure mental illness. It does help us find the deeper-rooted issues and fully heal from them. When we recognize the underlying issue and understand the bigger picture, we can find the right resources to help us along the way.
When we focus on a holistic approach that incorporates healthy practices for mind, body, and spirit, we heal old wounds, strengthen relationships, and embark on a deeper, richer journey.
3 ways to incorporate holistic health
There are many ways to incorporate a holistic lifestyle. It can feel daunting to try too many new things at once. Here are a few practices to slowly integrate.
Focus on your physical wellness
Physical wellness can mean a few different things. Getting enough sleep. Moving your body. Drinking enough water. Taking necessary medication. Eating whole foods. Try focusing on one new physical activity first. If you have not been getting enough sleep, build a nighttime routine an hour before bed. If you forget to take your medication, set a daily reminder on your phone or invest in a countdown prescription bottle. It is a journey, not a transformation. Pick one or two things to start.
Develop a spiritual practice
When it comes to spirituality, we all have our own sacred meaning. Whether it is a prayer journal, a yoga session, or practicing mindfulness, connecting on a spiritual level can alleviate stress and calm anxious thoughts. Simple breathing exercises through the day. A specific weekly time to just be present. The beautiful thing about spirituality is that it is specific to your needs and can be done alone or in a group.
Invest in a local community
While it is important to take a few moments for yourself through the day, it is equally important to invest in a local community. Addiction thrives in isolation. When we have people in our lives we can trust, our entire outlook changes. Reconnecting with a childhood friend. Checking out a local organization or support group. Spending quality time with family. Each strengthens relationships and improves overall well-being.
In need of care?
If you or a loved one need addiction treatment, call us at 713-904-4699. We have outpatient locations across Texas and a full continuum of care from medical detox through aftercare.
A new life in recovery may just be a phone call away.