Finding Peace During the Holidays: Tools for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
The holiday season is often associated with joy, love, and celebration. However, for those struggling with mental health and addiction, this time of year can bring about feelings of stress, loneliness, and desperation. That’s why it’s important to prioritize mental health and addiction treatment during the holidays by giving ourselves and our loved ones the gift of support for mental health and sobriety. Finding peace and joy during this potentially challenging time can literally change lives.
One of our own staff Rudy A. shared the following:
“I went into treatment in early December many years ago and honestly spending Christmas in treatment was not something I was looking forward to but that Christmas was one of the greatest gifts I have ever given myself, it has forever changed my life and journey for the better.”
Learn more about this important topic today and then join us for our free webinar on Dec 6th entitled: “Tools for Holiday Blues and Forgiveness Including Using Your Senses To Calm,” led by Jaime Vinck, MC, LPC, NCC and Stormy Hill, MD, OTR/L. Let’s work together to make this holiday season a time of healing and growth.
Understanding the Importance of Treatment During the Holidays
For many people, the holidays can bring about feelings of stress, loneliness, and temptation. Family triggers, the pressure to be joyful, and the prevalence of alcohol at holiday gatherings can all contribute to holiday anxiety and depression. That’s why it’s crucial to have the necessary tools and support in place to navigate these challenges.
Finding forgiveness can also be a powerful tool for healing during the holidays. Whether it’s forgiving yourself for past mistakes or forgiving others who may have hurt you, forgiveness can bring about a sense of peace and freedom. Remember that forgiveness is a process and may take time, but it can be transformative.
A huge component of overcoming the holiday blues is in learning to acknowledge and validate emotions. It’s okay to feel sad or overwhelmed during this time, especially if you’re missing loved ones or dealing with difficult memories. Allow yourself to grieve and process these emotions. However, when unhealthy coping mechanisms surface such as excessive alcohol use, drug use, isolation, and feelings of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness only increase, it is time to reach out to those who have been there themselves and now dedicate their lives to supporting those in need.
Taking the time to heal and seeking help from a licensed and accredited treatment program can make all the difference. By being in treatment during the holidays, you’re giving yourself the gift of recovery and a fresh start. Treatment programs provide a safe and supportive environment where you can learn coping strategies, develop healthier habits, and find the support you need during hard times.
Recovery ways treatment centers can provide resources, therapy sessions, and group support that can be especially beneficial during the holiday season. Having a strong support system and access to professional help can help you navigate the challenges of the holidays and maintain your sobriety.
Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. There are people and resources available to help you through this season. Prioritize your mental health and addiction treatment this holiday season, and make it a time of healing and growth.
The Role of Sensory Strategies in Calming Techniques
Sensory strategies involve engaging your senses to create a soothing environment. This can include activities such as listening to calming music, surrounding yourself with pleasant scents like lavender or vanilla, or using tactile objects like stress balls or soft blankets. By focusing on your senses, you can redirect your attention away from negative thoughts and feelings.
Another powerful sensory strategy is deep breathing exercises. Slowly inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth can activate your body’s relaxation response. By focusing on your breath and taking slow, deliberate breaths, you can calm your nervous system and bring a sense of tranquility to your mind and body.
Additionally, engaging in physical activities like yoga or walking in nature can be beneficial for both your mental and physical well-being. These activities allow you to be present in the moment, connect with your body, and release any tension or stress you may be experiencing.
Remember, these sensory strategies are not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to experiment with different techniques and find what brings you the most comfort and relaxation. And don’t hesitate to seek support during hard times. The upcoming free webinar, “Tools for Holiday Blues and Forgiveness Including Using Your Senses To Calm,” will provide valuable insights and guidance on utilizing sensory strategies to enhance your well-being during the holiday season.
Register for Our Free Webinar
Our webinar, “Using Your Senses To Calm,” is an exciting opportunity to learn valuable tools and strategies for maintaining mental health and sobriety during the holiday season. Led by experts Jaime Vinck, MC, and Stormy Hill, MD, OTR/L, this webinar will provide practical insights as well as information on programs and resources available for our loved ones in need of mental health and addiction support during the holiday season.
To register for the webinar click this link: https://www.recoveryways.com/holiday-emotional-tools/
Click Here To Register For This Free Online Zoom Event
At Recovery Ways we have over a decade of experience helping those who are struggling with addiction recovery and also mental health issues such as bi-polar disorder, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. We have a thriving alumni program with many who support each other in their new found freedoms of a life of sobriety. We offer a wide range of services including Detox, Residential Treatment, PHP, and IOP therapy to help those in need. Please contact us today if we can be of assistance in getting your life unstuck and back to finding more purpose and joy. We accept most major insurances.
We are in-network with most major insurance providers