Behavioral health conditions such as eating disorders and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are serious psychological illnesses that, depending on their severity, can require intensive inpatient treatment in addition to outpatient therapy and a strong support system.
Like any kind of healing, recovering from a behavioral health condition takes time. Though it might be tough to remain patient, you must allow your mind and body the time it requires to heal and adapt for long-term recovery.
Below are some ideas to keep in mind as you navigate your healing journey.
FIVE TIPS FOR REALISTIC RECOVERY
- Work at it every day: Carve out time every day to nourish your recovery – even if it means starting small with a few minutes at a time. Eventually, you will create valuable self-care habits and your healthy coping mechanisms will become second nature.
- Surround yourself with support: Isolation is an enemy of recovery. Make sure to spend time with loved ones who are aware of your journey and want to help you succeed. Additionally, support groups provide an opportunity to connect with your healing while surrounded by a community of understanding individuals. Thrive Reno offers complimentary support groups tailored to a variety of behavioral health topics.
- Set boundaries: Though recovery is in fact achieved one step at a time, it does result in an overall lifestyle shift. As your life changes, it may become necessary to set boundaries with peers, friends, and family members as well as commitments that aren’t conducive to your healing. Though it may seem daunting to set these boundaries, you should stand up for your recovery.
- Prioritize your recovery: Without your recovery, you can’t be as good of a friend, sibling, parent, coworker, boss, etc. Put your recovery first and everything else in your life, including your relationships, will begin to improve as your recovery strengthens.
- Give yourself grace: Struggling and feeling a sense of failure at times are natural aspects of life and recovery. Be kind to yourself. Instead of dwelling on any mistakes, see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Don’t let negative self-talk distract you. You’re doing amazing and sometimes all it takes is a shift in perspective to realize it!
HEALING IS HAPPENING NOW
Take your recovery one day at a time, or even one moment at a time if you prefer. Instead of overwhelming yourself with plans to make big lifestyle changes, you can measure the health of your recovery with simple benchmarks. Examples include the time you took to journal this week, the compliments that you chose to embrace, or the plans you made to do something that you enjoy.
Also, remember that you are never alone. By surrounding yourself with compassionate clinicians, loved ones, and peers who support your recovery, you can feel empowered to continue on your path to healing. If you are in need of support, please reach out to us. We would love to help you thrive!
