MENTAL HEALTH

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AMY MORIN

Psychotherapist | LCSW

Amy Morin is a licensed clinical social worker, instructor at Northeastern University, editor-in-chief of Verywell Mind, and an international bestselling author: 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do series.

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Mental Health

Did you know that more than 49 million Americans struggles with mental illness; and that more than 1 in 4 adults living with serious mental illnesses, also struggles with substance abuse? [Link: Mental Health In America, 2022]

Mental illnesses can affect people of any age, race, religion, or income. A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, and ability to relate to others and daily functioning.

Your mental health — your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — impacts every area of your life. Having positive mental health allows you to effectively deal with the daily stressors of life, communicate well with others, make healthy decisions and live life to its fullest.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services & Mental Health America.

"You are more than your circumstances. You are your possibilities."

Susan Wagenaar
Founder, CCR

Mental and Emotional Health Resilience in Sobriety

(Colusa County Recovery) - Achieving and maintaining sobriety is a complex journey that requires ongoing commitment and support. While abstaining from substance use is a critical component of recovery, it is equally important to address the underlying issues that may have led to addiction in the first place. This is where mental and emotional health comes into play.

One of the most important aspects of mental and emotional health in sobriety is developing personal resilience. This includes building coping skills and healthy habits to manage stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions that can trigger a relapse. As Susan Wagenaar, founder of Colusa County Recovery, points out, "In order to achieve long-term sobriety, individuals must focus on their well-being and personal resilience, which involves developing healthy habits that support their recovery journey."

“In addition to building resilience, addressing mental and emotional health issues through therapy, drug counseling, and support groups can also be crucial in maintaining sobriety,” says Wagenaar. “This can help individuals process past traumas or negative experiences that may have contributed to their addiction, as well as develop healthy communication skills and coping strategies.”

Ultimately, the journey to sobriety is a unique and personal one, but it is important to remember that mental and emotional health are integral components of the recovery process. With the right support, resources, and focus on mental and emotional health, individuals can achieve lasting sobriety and live their best life.

SELF-CARE

The World Health Organization defines self-care as: “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.” According to this definition, self-care includes everything related to staying physically healthy — including hygiene, nutrition, and seeking medical care when needed. It’s all the steps an individual can take to manage stressors in his or her life and take care of his or her own health and well-being.