National Recovery Month: Celebrating Self-Care

September marks National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders. It’s also a time to reflect on where you are in your journey towards improving your health and well-being, and celebrating moments of self-care.

Whether you’re simply interested in learning how changing your relationship with alcohol or drugs might positively impact your life, or you’ve struggled with your mental health or substance use for years, feeling better is possible with the right resources and support, as stated by one CDPHP member:

“I was full of guilt, shame and anxiety and I didn’t know what to do. It felt like I had lost my life. With a spark of hope, I was able to enter treatment and accept the help that I felt I needed and deep down, wanted. I went from a hopeless state of mind to now living a happy, healthy life.”

What is recovery?

The term “recovery” can carry a heavy stigma and seem daunting, but it’s important to understand that recovery is for anyone who wants to make a positive change, regardless of their starting point.  

Recovery is a personal and unique process. For some, it might mean completely abstaining from substances, while for others, it may involve gradually reducing use or making other changes that can improve their overall mental health. The journey of recovery often includes building new coping strategies, finding healthier ways to deal with stress, and reconnecting with the things that bring joy and purpose.

Signs you could benefit from professional support.

If you feel like you’re having trouble with your mental health or substance use, you’re not alone. According to a 2023 SAMHSA survey, nearly 1 in 3 adults had either a substance use disorder or mental illness in the previous year.

Seeking help from a professional can be an important first step towards feeling better. Here are five signs that you could benefit from professional support:

1. Difficulty Cutting Back: If you’re finding it hard to reduce or stop alcohol or drug use, even though you want to, a care team can help.
2. Feeling Overwhelmed: If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress are becoming frequent or more difficult to manage, talking to a professional can help lighten the load.
3. Struggling with Daily Life: If substance use or mental health challenges are making it hard to keep up with work, school, or home responsibilities, talking to a professional can help you develop the skills to get back on track.
4. Pulling Away from Others: If you’re avoiding friends, family, or activities you used to enjoy, reaching out for support could help you reconnect.
5. Using Substances to Cope: If you’re relying on alcohol, drugs, or other habits to manage stress or emotions, learning new coping strategies with some guidance can make a big difference.

If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to remember that this does not define you as a person or indicate weakness. In fact, experiencing these signs may mean that you are suffering from a chronic illness known as Substance Use Disorder (SUD).  Like other chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and asthma, SUD can be managed with the help of professionals. There are many treatment options available for SUD. You don’t have to heal on your own.

When it comes to progress in recovery, it’s important to acknowledge that setbacks and difficult periods may happen and can be opportunities for growth and learning. Recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Recognizing this can help one maintain a realistic and compassionate approach toward oneself.

Having a caring team of professionals to help you navigate challenges can make a world of difference. aptihealth’s providers understand how difficult recovery can be and are trained to support you on your journey without judgement.

Learn more about how aptihealth’s personalized care and support can help you or a loved one manage a substance use or mental health concern at www.aptihealth.com/cdphp.

To speak to a CDPHP representative about all the mental health care services available to you, contact the CDPHP Behavioral Health Access Center at 1 (888) 320-9584. If you are in a life-threatening situation, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255.