Self-Harm Affects More Than Teens

Emotional intensity can often lead people to engage in self-destructive behavior such as cutting. When people think of cutting or other types of self-harm they might imagine it is only limited to teens who are struggling with the drama of adolescence. However, self-harm in various forms can be quite common in adults as well and needs to be treated before it leads to problems.

Self-injury is not limited to any particular age, demographic or gender. Although teens stereotypically have issues with self-harm there are many middle aged adults who struggle with the same problem and feel they can’t control their behavior. Because of the stigma behind cutting being a young person’s problem, some adults may be too ashamed to seek help.

When people engage in self-harm it can have serious consequences on their physical and mental health. Behaviors like cutting or burning can lead to injury and even hospitalization if they become out of control. Self-harm most often is caused by underlying mental health issues that need to be addressed by a psychiatrist.

Understanding Self-Injury

It may seem difficult to understand why an adult would feel the need to harm themselves physically through repeated actions. People who self-harm might cut themselves with a razor on certain areas of the body such as the arms, legs or other spots they can hide with clothing. They often make small, shallow cuts that are usually not suicide attempts but simply minor wounds they allow to heal.

In addition to cutting themselves, people who self-harm may burn themselves with matches or lighters, bang their heads against the wall, pull their hair or hit themselves with objects to cause injury. People who self-harm usually engage in these types of behaviors repeatedly and they may use multiple self-injury methods. Their intention is most often not to cause critical damage but there may be cases where they accidentally cut too deeply and end up in the hospital.

Depending on the individual’s personal mental health issues they may be engaging in self-harm for a variety of reasons. Some with issues such as borderline personality disorder may want to keep loved ones concerned about them and connected so they harm themselves. Other people with depression may use cutting as a way to release emotional pain or distract themselves from the mental anguish they experience.

What to Do about Self-Harm

When someone is using self-injury as a way to cope there is usually an underlying psychiatric disorder that they may not be aware of. A person with intense emotional problems may feel better at least temporarily when they hurt themselves but ultimately their mental health issues can grow worse without intervention. Self-harm is a type of coping mechanism that needs to be replaced with healthier strategies for dealing with painful feelings.

The most common mental illnesses associated with self-harm are depression, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. In some cases psychosis and a break from reality may be to blame if a person is hearing voices that demand them to self-harm. Sometimes specific life stressors can also cause someone to self-harm such as losing a loved one or going through a divorce.

In order for self-harm to subside a person needs professional treatment from a psychiatrist that can diagnose the issue that is causing the behavior. Once a diagnosis is made it can provide more insight into why this person hurts themselves and what specific treatment plan can help them manage the behavior. People who self-harm sometimes want to quit but are unable to stop themselves because it is a deeply ingrained habit.

Adults who self-harm often experience a lot of shame and embarrassment about their behavior because it is normally associated with teenagers. They may find it hard to tell anyone about their problem and try their best to hide it or keep it to themselves. The guilt and secrecy they experience can weight on them or make it hard for them to reach out for help.

It can be hard to overcome the stigma behind self-harm but opening up and talking to others about the problem can be very cathartic. It often gets very difficult and lonely to hide these behaviors and deal with painful emotions alone. Talking to a therapist can be a great way to process some of the pain that is causing a person to self-harm.

The key element of treatment for self-harm is allowing the patient to find a different coping mechanism that works for them. When they feel sad, angry or want attention and love from others they can try a healthier strategy. Learning to deal with painful emotions is crucial in healing from a mental illness or behavioral problem like self-harm.

If you or a loved one has been engaging in self-injury it is important to seek professional mental health treatment. Look for a therapist or treatment center in your area for recovery.

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The Physical Effects of Depression on Your Body

When people think of depression they associate the issue mainly with feelings of sadness and pain. While the emotional aspects of depression can be very severe, it is an illness that affects the whole person including their physical body. The changes that an individual experiences as their depression increases can affect everything from their brain to their heart and immune system.

If a person doesn’t get treatment for their depression they are likely to see physical changes in themselves and over time this can even lead to a higher risk of developing physical conditions. It is common for people to have physical symptoms with their depression but they may not realize that it is connected to a mental health issue. An individual’s emotional and physical health are closely related and without psychological recovery, all aspects of a person’s well being can suffer.

Symptoms of Depression in the Body

Depression can cause changes in the way the brain functions which in turn can have an effect on the body. People with depression might complain of a number of physical ailments that may manifest themselves periodically. Their physical symptoms can be just as uncomfortable and unpleasant as their feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

These are some of the common physical problems associated with depression:

• Headaches or migraines
• Achiness and soreness
• Chronic fatigue and a general lack of energy
• Muscle aches or joint pain
• Back pain
• Decreased appetite and dramatic weight loss as a result
• Increase appetite along with noticeable weight gain
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Decreased sex drive
• Digestive problems such as nausea or constipation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

People with depression can often experience multiple physical ailments or their physical symptoms may change in different periods of time. They may have physical symptoms on their own or have them when they are also dealing with intense feelings of sadness, guilt or anxiety. They may not realize at first that their physical pain is directly caused by and closely related to a mental illness.

Why Depression Affects the Body

What causes a mental and emotional problem to affect the body physically? Depression is a mental illness that is associated with changes in the brain and abnormal functioning of neurotransmitters like serotonin. Levels of serotonin which regulates mood can also have a direct effect on things like sleep, sex drive and appetite.

Serotonin can also affect a person’s threshold for pain so that a depressed person with low levels of serotonin may be more sensitive to pain. They may be more prone to physical aches and things like back pain or they may be more aware of these sensations. Inability to sleep or decreased appetite can also negatively affect the body causing headaches, nausea and other physical symptoms.

Another reason physical ailments are related to depression has to do with how a person’s emotional state can determine their behavior. Their thoughts may be so negative or they may feel so depressed that they are not able to take care themselves. As a result they may neglect to eat right or sleep enough which can create a cycle of sadness and physical pain.

Treating Physical Symptoms of Depression

In order to minimize the physical problems that can result from depression it is helpful to address issues with the brain. Antidepressant medication can help equalize chemicals in the brain so that nerve cell networks can communicate and work more efficiently. Some medications such as Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs help to create more serotonin in the brain so that a person can have a more stable mood.

Antidepressants can also help people with chronic pain and improve appetite problems by making chemical changes in the brain. People with anxiety or insomnia may need other supplemental medications to help them sleep or allow them to feel more calm. A psychiatrist can help determine what combination of medication will be most effective to treat specific symptoms.

In addition to medication, it is crucial to receive psychotherapy from a professional counselor. Talking about emotional issues can help people with depression process their feelings which they may be having trouble expressing to others. Working through emotional issues in therapy can help prevent those problems from manifesting themselves in physical ways.

Getting treatment for depression can minimize the physical symptoms of depression so that the patient can avoid the risks of physical conditions caused by lack of sleep, improper nutrition or other issues. Early intervention is crucial to help reduce physical issues and prevent emotional symptoms from growing in severity.

If you or someone you love is experiencing either physical or mental symptoms of depression then contact a local treatment center or therapist. They can provide information about how to create a treatment plan that can reduce symptoms and improve overall health and wellbeing.

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Clean and Serene: 5 Habits for a Healthier Lifestyle

Health can be a positive and uplifting thing to focus on and living a healthy lifestyle does not have to be difficult to accomplish. Sometimes people lose sight of their health and get into harmful behaviors without realizing the toll that it takes on their mind and their body. A healthy lifestyle can transform your life and make you feel happier and more stable while also preventing many illnesses.

These are some important habits to focus on if you want to live a healthier lifestyle

1. Avoid cigarettes, alcohol and drugs

Most people intuitively know that these substances are harmful to their health. Cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs contain toxins that harm the body and also affect mental health. And worst of all these substances are addictive and can cause numerous problems in your personal life.

If you are interested in living a healthier lifestyle the first step would be to quit or dramatically minimize the use of toxic and addictive substances. Quitting can be challenging but ultimately you will feel better mentally and physically without them. You can’t live a clean and healthy life with these substances in your body.

2. Focus on Nutrition

What you eat can be a major factor in your overall health because foods can either be harmful or healing. When you think about the food you eat, it can be helpful to focus on foods that are going to provide you with the nutrients you need. Food is fuel and you need plenty of vitamins, fiber, carbohydrates and protein for your body to operate at its best.

The foods that provide the most nutrients that your body needs are fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, legumes and healthy plant-based fats. Avoid any foods that are high in sugar or saturated fat because these can be damaging to your body. Although it can be difficult to eat perfectly all the time, making sure you get the nutrients your body needs can help you improve your health.

3. Stay as Active as Possible

Many people live sedentary lifestyles because of their job or a busy schedule but our bodies need to be active in order to be healthy. Sitting most of the day can wreak havoc on your health so try to schedule as much activity as possible into your routine. This could be as simply as going for a walk or biking to work so that you get some exercise in.

Ideally you will want to incorporate some cardio, strengthening and flexibility exercises into your schedule to maintain optimal health. Things like jogging, yoga, hiking, swimming and biking are all great exercises that can keep you healthy. Try to find an activity that you really enjoy so that exercising feels less like a chore and something you can actually look forward to.

4. Reduce Stress and Get Plenty of Sleep

Many people don’t realize the impact that stress can have on both our physical and mental health. Taking some time out of the day to practice a stress reduction technique such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing or mindfulness can have a very positive impact on your health. Stress can build up every day so make sure to find ways to reduce stress that seem to work for you.

Minimizing stress can also help improve your sleep which is another important aspect of your health. Many people are cutting back on sleep in order to get more done during the day but this can catch up with you eventually and lead to major health issues. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep every night and maintain a regular sleeping schedule that doesn’t change too dramatically.

5. Maintain Relationships

One aspect of health that people often forget is that we need close relationships in order to feel grounded, peaceful and centered. Maintaining and strengthening your relationships is one of the most important aspects of good mental health. Make sure to stay connected with close friends, relatives, your partner and your coworkers so that you don’t feel isolated and stressed out.

Talking to friends, laughing with them and sharing your personal feelings can relieve a lot of tension and prevent the kind of negative emotions that can affect your health. If there is any conflict in your relationships, try to find a way to resolve those issues so that you experience more harmony in your life. Having a support system of people around you can help reinforce your healthy habits and make it easier to stay positive.

Although living a healthier lifestyle can seem like a big change for some people, taking it one step at a time can make it more manageable. Focus on one aspect of your health at a time so that you can achieve your goals and keep expanding your healthy habits.

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Getting Up and Trying Again: How to Get Back on the Road to Sobriety

In a perfect world, everyone who tried to quit an addiction would never slip back into their old habits. However, addiction is a disease that can stay with a person the rest of their life even if they think they have beaten it. Relapse is a reality that many people have to deal with but it doesn’t mean that sobriety isn’t possible for them.

If you have tried to quit in the past but started to get involved in substance abuse again then you are probably dealing with a lot of different emotions. People who relapse often feel ashamed, disappointed in themselves and less hopeful that they can ever be permanently sober. These feelings are normal and you can work through them as you start the process of getting back on track.

The important thing to remember is that even though you may have faltered it doesn’t mean that you can’t live a sober life in the future. It also doesn’t mean that you should learn to drink or use drugs moderately instead of being completely sober. The only thing you can do is start over again and get back into the routine of support groups, sober living and treatment if necessary.

Going Back to Meetings

It your choice whether you feel you want to enter a treatment center again or simply start going back to twelve step meetings. In most cases, it depends on the severity and length of the relapse. If you have been drinking or using drugs again for several years then attending treatment again might be a good option to start over with recovery.

For those that feel their relapse did not lead them to completely revert back to their old lifestyle, going to meetings every day, talking to loved ones and attending therapy sessions can be helpful in getting back on track. It is crucial to be completely honest with everyone about your relapse and avoiding hiding details that you might be ashamed about. If you are candid about the situation you have more opportunity to learn from the experience and get useful advice from others.

As you attend meetings daily make sure to talk with people who are on the right track with their sobriety and use them as an example. You can always ask what habits they use to stay sober and what they do when they are struggling with temptation. Although your relapse may feel like a failure, it is actually a chance to learn more about strategies for being sober and expand your knowledge.

While you are learning about sobriety from others think about what aspects of your habits contributed to you relapsing. What mistakes did you make in the past? Did you fail to set up an adequate support system or not make use of a sponsor?

Don’t dwell on the mistakes you made in the past but choose to learn from them so that you don’t repeat them in the future. Understanding what caused you to relapse and really analyzing what happened can help prevent it from happening again. Take the chance to really study what your triggers are and develop some new and better strategies for dealing with them.

Forgiving Yourself and Moving Forward

After you take the time to understand why you relapsed and what you need to change in the future you can work on forgiving yourself for what happened. People often feel a deep sense of shame and failure that can stay with them for some time after they relapsed. You should know that relapse is just something that happens to many people on the road to recovery even if they put in their best effort to be sober.

Recovery is simply a learning process and there are bound to be missteps and mistakes as you learn how to adapt to life as a sober person. Don’t beat yourself up about relapsing and accept that you are a human being and therefore are imperfect like everyone else. Have compassion on yourself and the situation you are in so that you don’t bring yourself down with negative feelings.

The positive thing about moving forward after a relapse is that you already have at least some experience being sober. You already understand the basic routine and simply need to make some adjustments so that you can maintain your sobriety. Try to simplify your life again and focus on the foundations of sobriety that you learned while you were in rehab.

Even though relapse can be a learning experience it is important not to dwell too much on the past and just try to move forward as much as possible. Think about the future and what you want to accomplish as a sober person. Make sure to surround yourself with support and focus on your daily goals so that you can keep moving forward on the road to sobriety.

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5 Ways to Support Your Friend in Recovery

People in recovery need an extensive support network of friends, mentors, peers and family members to keep them on track with their sobriety. If your friend is entering rehab or has recently completed treatment then they will need lots of compassion and understanding throughout the process of learning to live sober. It can be confusing for friends who don’t know what to do or how to handle their friend’s recovery.

Here are 5 ways that you can be supportive of someone who has recently become sober:

1. Be Accepting and Avoid Judgement

If you have never had an addiction yourself then you might not fully understand all the shame, guilt and pain that this person is going through. If they make mistakes or are struggling in the beginning, try your best to reserve any judgement. They might be extra sensitive to criticism or negativity so make sure that you are positive and uplifting as much as possible.

The important thing is to show them that you accept their decision to quit and don’t judge     their past issues with addiction. People in recovery don’t want to feel alienated or different from you and your group of friends. If you express love and understanding for their situation then they will feel much more comfortable in their sobriety.

2. Be a Good Listener

People in recovery are going through a lot of ups and downs and need someone there to talk to. If you can be a friend that they can rely on to call when they are going through a tough time then it will be a big help to them. Just listening to their problems and offering a sympathetic ear is a great way to stay supportive.

As they are learning how to handle their sobriety it can be helpful to make yourself as available as possible. Having someone available to help them can be a major factor in preventing relapse. As long as you actively listen, avoid judgement and let them work through their issues you can be a great friend to them.

3. Encourage Healthy Habits and Create a Sober Environment

If you yourself still drink or occasionally use drugs, try not to discuss these things or have bottles and paraphernalia around when they are in your home. Never bring your friend to a bar or a party that involves a lot of drinking. Although eventually they will be able to handle being in those environments, it is best for them to be in a substance-free environment in the early stages of recovery.

Make sure to encourage your friend to maintain their healthy habits by eating healthy meals with them or cooking together. You can go to the gym together, play sports or do something active that will keep their mind off of their problems. Think of fun activities you can do together that don’t involve alcohol and can help you stay connected and healthy.

4. Join a Support Group

It is likely that your friend is attending regular support group meetings where they can interact with other addicts and talk about their issues. There are also support groups that cater to the friends and loved ones of people in recovery so that they can talk to others and learn more about how to handle the situation. Support groups are a way to connect with others experiencing similar problems and gain helpful knowledge and advice so that you are better equipped to help your loved one.

There may be aspects of having a friend in recovery that can be stressful or difficult to deal with because it takes an emotional toll on you. Going to a support group gives you an opportunity to talk about these difficulties to people that understand and are going through many of the same feelings. You can meet other people and make friends that can help you with your role as the supporter of the addict.

5. Educate Yourself about Relapse Warning Signs

Even when friends and loved ones do everything they can to help someone in recovery, the reality is that addiction is a complicated disease. Relapse is a possibility that you must be prepared for in case you need to be available to help your friend. The more you learn about relapse the more you will be able to be of service to them if they should reach a point of crisis.

Make sure that you are familiar with all the warning signs associated with a relapse or an imminent relapse. You should also learn what actions you need to take in order to minimize the damage and get them back on track. Relapse can be devastating but it does not mean that they have to give up on being sober.

As you help your friend with their recovery, keep in mind that being supportive of their efforts and just being there for them can be the most beneficial way to help them stay sober.

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Will the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana in California Affect the Recovery Community?

The possibility of legalizing marijuana has been an issue in California for many years, and now that the law has finally passed people are struggling to figure out what it will mean for citizens of the state. Medical marijuana has been legal in California for quite some time but recent changes mean that anyone over the age of 21 will be able to purchase the drug legally. This change will affect everyone but it could have an especially significant impact on the recovery community.

If marijuana becomes a legal drug that people can freely use recreationally it could change the mindset that people have about it. Marijuana is likely to become more mainstream and the type of self-medicating that occurs with its use will become more socially acceptable. This dramatic change in thinking about the drug could affect people in recovery who may have used it in the past or who had a problem with other drugs but are trying to stay sober.

Legal drugs have the possibility to become abused much more often than illegal drugs as has become the case with legal prescription opioids. When a drug is legal people assume that it is harmless and safe to use on a regular basis. Marijuana could cause more people to become addicted and create more triggers for people in everyday life.

The Changing Perception of Marijuana

Before it became legal, marijuana was one of the most commonly used illegal drugs in the U.S. Even though it is thought of as common party drug there have been many stigmas associated with marijuana use including poor academic performance, underachievement, reduced workplace productivity, driving accidents and increased risk of other kinds of substance abuse. For many years people considered marijuana a “gateway drug” that would inevitably lead to other, heavier kinds of drug use.

Gradually, the attitude toward marijuana as a dangerous drug began to dissipate as people started to recognize that it potentially had medical value. The legalization of medical marijuana gave people the perception that marijuana was not always damaging to a person’s body. People now use marijuana for problems with pain, insomnia, nausea, and many other ailments.

After years of medical use, marijuana has now been legalized in California as many of the stigmas behind the drug have gradually lifted. Although it may be helpful to some people with specific medical problems, it is important for people to remember that it is still a drug that can have addictive qualities as with any other substance.

Recovery and Marijuana

In the recovery community, marijuana is viewed much like any other drug because it is considered a mind-altering substance. For someone who has an addictive nature any substance that acts as a way to self-medicate or escape from problems will be an issue for them. For addicts, anything that alters their state of mind can become addictive and create a cycle of abuse.

Some people who have quit drinking or some other type of drug may feel that it is okay for them to smoke marijuana because it was not their drug of choice. They may feel even more tempted to do so now that it has become legal to use recreationally. The idea that a person in recovery can use marijuana safely is a dangerous myth that could cause problems.

The problem with using any drug in recovery is that it can give the addict the taste of what it feels like to alter their state of mind. Even if they were never addicted to marijuana, using it can make them slip back into using the drug that they were addicted to. In other words, marijuana creates a very serious danger for relapse.

Feeling high in any way causes an addict to chase that feeling as they did when they first started using drugs. It is the chase after that first high that causes substance abuse to escalate for addicts because they develop a tolerance. After a while, marijuana may not seem like enough and they may switch back to their old addiction.

Staying Sober Around Marijuana

It is important for everyone in the California recovery community to realize that even though marijuana is now legal, it is still a drug that can cause problems especially for those with existing addiction issues. It may be harder to deal with the triggers of marijuana being around more often and legal to buy in different types of shops. However, staying sober means abstaining from all mind-altering substances including marijuana.

Like anyone who has been addicted to alcohol or prescription drugs understands, just because a drug is legal does not mean it is harmless. Marijuana can be a threat to people in the recovery community and they must treat it the same way they would any other drug, legal or not.

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You Don’t Need to Hit Rock Bottom to Get Help

 

When you read or hear about addiction treatment you may frequently come across the idea of “rock bottom” being the biggest motivation for getting help. Although hitting rock bottom may be a common story for people with addictions who finally decided to reach out, it is not the only way that someone can realize that they want treatment. People can recover from addiction in many different ways and they do not necessarily need to reach their lowest point before they can get sober.

The concept behind rock bottom is the story of an addict who recklessly continues to use in spite of all the signs that they should quit. They might ignore people that suggest that they should cut back or get defensive if someone talks about recovery. For this person they are only able to realize that they have a problem when they lose everything as a result of their addiction.

Rock bottom could come in the form of losing your job, getting a divorce, getting arrested or any other event that finally makes you understand that your addiction is ruining your life. Someone at rock bottom has nowhere else to turn and needs to seek help to get themselves back on track. Although many people may experience addiction and recovery this way, the idea that all addicts have to hit rock bottom is a myth that can actually be problematic.

The Myth about Addiction and Rock Bottom

One of the issues with the idea of rock bottom is that some people may believe that there is nothing you can do to help an addict until they reach this point. Some people may think that they simply have to wait until the person with the addiction creates enough problems in their life that they will want to seek help on their own. While it can be difficult to get an addict to realize they have a problem, that doesn’t mean you have to let them continue in their own destruction.

The concept of rock bottom can cause people to believe that they are powerless to help a friend or loved one who may be in need. It can also cause the addict themselves to believe that they don’t need help yet because they haven’t reached their lowest point. Believing the myth of rock bottom can delay much needed treatment and cause more damage than is necessary when someone has an addiction.

The reality is that the sooner a person gets treatment for their addiction, the better chance they will have of avoiding health problems and other issues that could make recovery more difficult. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol for many years may be more vulnerable to developing co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety as a result of their dependencies. They can also end up with issues such as liver or brain damage that will require medical treatment if they do not get the help they need.

Rock bottom can also lead to serious financial ruin which can be devastating for a person’s life and their family. Allowing a person to reach that point can mean that they truly lose everything and may have a much harder time bouncing back from their financial loss. Rather than their job and all their money, it may be better for them to recover before they are so devastated by addiction.

Getting Help Early

Instead of waiting for rock bottom, it is better for a person to get help as early as they can so that they can have a successful recovery. At any point that you begin to realize that you or your loved one is suffering from addiction, you can start to take steps toward treatment. Don’t avoid responsibility because you believe that rock bottom is the necessary starting point for recovery.

If someone you love has an addiction it is never too early to consider talking to them one on one or staging an intervention so that you can discuss the possibility of them getting help. Early treatment can actually be a life saving opportunity for someone who might suffer significantly from any delay in getting help. If you yourself believe that you have an addiction, reach out to someone as soon as possible so that you don’t have to experience all of unnecessary pain and struggle that goes along with addiction.

Although for many people rock bottom may have been the only way they were able to end their denial about their addiction, others can be receptive to treatment sooner before they lose everything. Ending addiction is a personal experience and never happens the same way for everyone. Take advantage of any opportunity you have to get yourself or someone you love the treatment they need.

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