Tips for Coping With Depression in Recovery
Depression in recovery often occurs once the substances are removed from the body. It is common for people who have begun a lifestyle of recovery to experience depressive symptoms, and it often leads them down a dark path that could end in relapse. Getting support and professional help can help prevent this.
The Link Between Depression and Addiction Recovery
Depression and addiction recovery are often intertwined. Many times substance use begins as a result of coping with mental health conditions such as depression. Turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and low self-esteem. This leads to a false sense of happiness and boosted self-confidence. However, when the substances are removed and a recovery lifestyle is commenced, the symptoms of depression often return.
Prioritize Self-Care in Your Daily Routine
If you are struggling with depression in addiction recovery, prioritizing self-care can make a world of difference. Coping with depression in recovery begins with ensuring you are well taken care of. Go to support groups, see family and friends, and do enjoyable things. All of this can help to ensure that depressive symptoms have minimal impact on you and your recovery.
Build A Strong Support Network
Support groups are essential when in recovery. This provides a safe space to air out your thoughts and feelings. It also gives you a wide range of support from like-minded individuals. Depression after rehab often leads to relapse. Having a strong support network can help you maintain your recovery long-term.
Recognize and Manage Triggers
Triggers are major culprits for depression in recovery. These can be triggers for wanting to use drugs and alcohol, as well as things that could trigger depressive symptoms. Recognizing things that trigger depression in recovery is crucial to avoiding relapse or worsening of symptoms. Having healthy coping mechanisms for managing these triggers, and the associated feelings is just as important as identifying them.
Incorporate Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can help you to stay grounded when you feel depressed. Depression in addiction recovery can be managed through proper coping skills. Turning to mindfulness techniques and methods of relaxation can help prevent dangerous impacts on your recovery.
Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate Small Wins
Having goals in recovery is essential. Coping with depression in recovery can include setting small, realistic, and attainable goals. When these goals are achieved, you gain self-confidence. Celebrating these small wins can help you to maintain these good feelings and dissipate the depressive symptoms.
Explore Counseling Options
Counseling can be a vital part of coping with depression in recovery. When individuals struggle with mental health and addiction simultaneously it is known as dual diagnosis. Counseling should include help to address depression as well as addiction to maintain recovery. Both of these, treated simultaneously, can be alleviated and you can maintain a happier, healthier lifestyle.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Having a routine is healthy. When you have things that are outlined in your everyday to-do list, it can help you stay on a healthy path. When you are struggling with depression in addiction recovery this routine can help you maintain your sober lifestyle. Eating healthy, going to the gym, going on walks, and practicing self-care can also help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Determine if Medication is Needed
Depression after rehab can lead to devastating results. If left untreated, you could experience worsening symptoms and potentially relapse. It is crucial to talk with a professional to address your concerns. It is just as crucial to determine if medication is needed. These medications can help to alleviate these symptoms, making coping with depression in recovery easier. Managing symptoms of depression is crucial, and this can be done through proper medication and self-care.
Rediscover Meaning and Purpose
You are here for a reason. You entered recovery for a reason. Depression in recovery is just a stepping stone, and it does not define who you are or what you will do with your life. It is important to rediscover your purpose. Whether it be having a meaningful job, or maybe helping others in recovery. It could mean maintaining the course to be a beacon of hope for those new to recovery. The possibilities are endless, and identifying your meaning and purpose
Practice Patience and Self-Compassion
Recovery is a process. If you are struggling with depression in recovery, it is vital to be patient with yourself. If you can address the depressive symptoms, and begin to feel better, chances are self-confidence will grow. Compassion is essential, don’t beat yourself up because you are struggling in recovery. It is a process, and you can overcome depression just as you have done with addiction.
Explore Treatment Options for Depression in Recovery
When you get sober other things may begin to creep up. One of those things is depression. If it is left untreated, it could contribute to relapse later on down the line. If you or a loved one are struggling with depression in recovery, we can help. At Flatirons Recovery we strive to provide a safe and healing environment for individuals to continue their growth in recovery. Call us today and begin on your path to healing.
