Three years ago, I read and reviewed author Emily J. Johnson’s debut book ‘Pushing Through The Cracks, which details her family’s journey with mental illness. Emily then released a book called BELLY about her binge eating and how she found recovery.
I was saddened when I heard that Emily had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2023, after all she had faced. A lump found by chance at the doctor in her neck, led to her diagnosis. However, in true Emily style (she is a fighter), she not only went through a lot of trauma and medical treatment, but she has come out the other side to find her own SUNSHINE. The thyroid cancer diagnosis left her struggling to cope as she navigated the impact on her loved ones. During her treatment, a medical emergency lead to a profound experience in theatre that changed everything.
As you can see from the cover of this book, this is a story of hope after trauma and adversity. It’s a life-affirming story about love, hope, and rediscovering joy in simple things.
Emily returned to writing during her recovery, publishing her third book SUNSHINE, sharing her cancer journey. Once fully recovered, she re-trained as a mindfulness and meditation practitioner and will embark on her teaching practice in 2025, supporting cancer patients along with other members of her community in learning these beneficial practices.
Emily is always helping others whether that is through her talent as an author and sharing her thoughts in writing and now through her work helping people.
The book is beautifully written and hugely eye opening about a cancer that does not get huge amounts of media air time. Emily goes through treatment and comes out the other side stronger. As she says,
‘A chance discovery leads to a shock diagnosis;.
A traumatic experience leaves me questioning everything.
But in the darkness, I discover the light. My light, my sunshine.’
SUNSHINE by Emily J. Johnson is a remarkable book and is out now on Amazon here.
I have been quite quiet on here for a while but in the background, I have been working on my NEW self-published children’s picture book. I can exclusively tell you it is called ‘Arabella and the Worry Cloud‘ and will be illustrated by acclaimed artist (and good friend) Shelley Levy.
Here is our journey with Arabella…
In 2019, shortly after my book Bring me to Light was published, I wrote a short story that came into my mind about a little girl called Arabella (aged around 6/7) who had anxiety about lots of things in her life- her homework, her cat dying for example. Arabella is followed around by the Worry Cloud, a cloud who represents all her negative thoughts and worries, who threatens to rain on her. Can Arabella learn how to be ready for the Worry Cloud and replace him with positive and happy thoughts?
As a little girl, I struggled with anxiety. Some of my earliest memories are of being sick in the school lunch room aged 4 every day because I had bad separation anxiety and didn’t want to be around the bigger children. When I was about 7, I was also bullied at school and Sunday school (I was a very sensitive child) and this caused me to panic and not want to attend Sunday school so I was home schooled for a bit. I always have been a worrier. Then aged 15, anxiety reared its head again and I was diagnosed with bipolar as part of a depressive episode. I have lived with worry and anxiety most of my life…and I was born in the 80s and grew up in the 90s, where it was less understood. Though my family were amazing at supporting me.
My aim through writing Arabella is to help children to process their feelings and emotions around anxiety and to help them feel less alone. I hope that this book can be used in classrooms and therapy clinics to help children struggling with anxiety. It is for 5-7 year olds and explains Arabella’s journey with anxiety through the metaphor of finding the light in the dark storm.
The illustrator of Arabella and the Worry Cloud is my good friend, Shelley Levy. Shelley is an incredible artist and she has drawn the illustrations on her Ipad, using software. My vision to Shelley was to use old fashioned illustration, while making it contemporary and she has truly delivered and brought my characters to life. We can’t wait to show you the finished book once it has been formatted and printed and ready for sale! I am self publishing as I had sent it to various publishers including Welbeck and Pan Macmillan but for various reasons, they couldn’t publish it. However, I truly believe in the story and luckily so do others too 🙂
The sign
I knew Shelley was the right person to illustrate my book (she had given us a painting a a wedding gift) and was so thrilled she has come on board. I asked the Universe for a sign. Shelley is a friend of my dad Mike and they had gone to the theatre. At this time, I had put feelers out to Shelley, that I would like her to illustrate the book. A group of school children were sitting in front of them. They asked one of the girls their name and the girl said ‘Arabella‘. I got tingles hearing this as I had asked for a sign and had already written the title of the book (and Shelley was there)! Also, my late Grandpa Harry kept saying before he passed away in 2021, that I should write a children’s book and be the next Enid Blyton (I wish!).
8 Year Blog Anniversary
As well as this exciting project, this blog turned 8 years old on the 1st March and I just want to thank all of you for sticking with me for this long and to every single writer who has written for Be Ur Own Light this year March 23-24. Too many to list all of you but we have covered so many mental health topics and I’m so proud of all we continue to achieve together, to spread important high quality content about mental health.
There will be more about Arabella and the Worry Cloud coming soon, including images- we hope to sell it on Amazon!
You know a soul bird by the intention with which they live their life. Us soulbird’s are seeking to give life to our wings and wings to our dreams.
With the intention of making our world a better place.
One person at a time beginning with OURSELVES!
A soul bird can be a thinker, a dreamer, a lover, a warrior, a spiritualist, a seeker, a teacher, an adventurer, an artist, a helper, a doctor, a mom or dad. See the thing is its not WHAT you do, its WHY you do what you do.
Simply put a soulbird is a person living with the intention, growing, rising up, elevation, because we know that like Ghandi said ‘we must be the change we wish to see in the world’. Lets spread the wings of our souls and elevate.’
– India Arie.
10 years ago, I wrote this teaching by the singer and spiritualist India Arie on my old blog ‘Mirror of my World’. I was 25, just 6 months before I became really ill with my bipolar again and India was like this big sister I had never met but she spoke to my soul. I was a soulbird then and despite so much time elapsing, I feel like one now. Everything that I do (most things) are intentional and to help others- in my work life and I try to do so in my personal life too.
I am going through a lot of changes in my life right now. The pieces that came together with my career, physical health and other things (like our move) seem to be drifting apart. However, I know this is temporary and change will come. My dreams will manifest and things will get better, but it is hard when you are in an uncertain place and things can feel overwhelming.
Until I feel ready to write and open my heart fully, sometimes its good to look back and see who you were, are and who you are becoming.
Keeping dreaming, holding love in my heart and ten years later, I have the partner I need who supports me and is kind. Despite some losses that I am feeling keenly today, I know I have the support of my husband and family and good friends, as well as a supportive therapist, which means the world. I am lucky and I know that this too shall pass.
Coping mechanisms are strategies that people use or develop in order to deal with, or avoid dealing with, difficult and stressful emotions or situations. Whilst some people may use exercise, a healthy diet or meditation as a way to process difficult feelings, it can be very easy to fall into unhealthy habits instead, especially if we have pre-existing mental health conditions.
For example, those who have suffered with eating disorders may automatically fall back into restrictive eating habits or fall into a pattern of binge eating when life gets difficult. Whilst we can easily beat ourselves up for not ‘handling things’ in a healthy and productive manner, it’s important to remember that coping mechanisms serve an instinctive purpose. In times of stress, we seek comfort and safety. On a biochemical level, unhealthy coping mechanisms are serving that purpose.
That doesn’t mean we should allow them to continue, however. Part of overcoming mental illness is learning how to cope in healthy ways that serve a higher purpose for you long term. Here, we will take a closer look at how mental illness can affect our coping mechanisms, and how you can learn to shift your unhealthy coping habits into more helpful ones.
Why mental illness makes us vulnerable
Mental illnesses come in a wide variety, and each person will experience them slightly differently to the next. But essentially, mental illness means that our brains aren’t working exactly how they should. This can warp our perception, and make us feel more anxious, stressed, insecure and prone to depression than we would be otherwise.
When we are stressed, we seek instant comfort. Our brains instinctively drive us to seek the quickest fix and push us to run away from our cause of stress. This is why when you are really, really hungry, all you want to do is eat sugary foods such as chocolate – your body knows that’s the quickest fix for its hunger, even though you know consciously that it’s not the healthiest option.
For people with mental illness, this stress response can trigger a repetition of a familiar pattern of negative behaviour that instantly soothes or avoids the initial problem, but also creates bigger issues long term.
Recognise your behaviour
It’s important to recognise when we are relying on unhelpful coping mechanisms to avoid facing stress, as they can lead to more serious mental and physical problems. If you are fixating on something that is not going to help you long term, such as obsessive cleaning, isolating yourself from family and friends, or abusing alcohol, you need to consciously recognise the signs that your habits are not serving you.
You may find it helpful to write down the root causes of your negative habits, and commit to facing the problems head on instead of allowing them to cause you further problems. Talking to someone you trust can be a massive help and relief, and can help you springboard yourself into a better place mentally.
Make small changes
Often when our mental health is low, we can feel overwhelmed by the thought of fixing everything. Remember, your perception is magnified when you are struggling mentally, so everything will seem worse and harder than it truly is. Being kind to yourself and committing to changing just one small habit at a time can be really helpful in focusing on what you can achieve – one step at a time.
Speaking to a health professional can be an intimidating thought, but sometimes it is necessary in order for us to make profound changes to our health and wellbeing. There is no shame in asking for help, and you are not alone. By recognising when our coping mechanisms are beginning to be less than healthy, we can make the choice to improve them.
No one’s life is perfect. At some point, we all face difficult challenges and struggles that can leave us feeling lost, powerless, and alone. If you’re currently dealing with a big life change, know that you’re not alone. Here are some tips for how to cope with the big changes life throws at us.
Acknowledge that change is hard, and give yourself time to grieve the loss of what was
Acknowledging the difficulty of coping with emotional hardships in life can be the first step toward healing. Change is never easy and it is natural to experience grief or sorrow over losing something familiar or safe. Taking the time to sit with those feelings will help give space for understanding rather than running away and pretending like everything is fine. Being compassionate to yourself throughout this process can allow you to accept the struggles you are facing, ultimately helping you venture forward.
Lean on your support system – friends, family, therapist, etc.
When grappling with emotional struggles in life, it is helpful to remember that you are never alone. Caring and reliable support systems of friends, family, and therapists can make a significant difference in your journey of healing. A strong foundation of accepting people will lift your spirits and provide valuable perspectives on your situation. You might find this through your community at school, going to a local group therapy meeting, or through a religious or other network. Every individual has different needs when it comes to dealing with emotional difficulties; leaning on those around you as a source of comfort can be an extremely supportive outlet, as you navigate through trying times.
Find healthy coping mechanisms that work for you
When dealing with difficult emotions, it is essential to find healthy ways to cope. Each person has different needs and preferences when it comes to finding relief from emotional hardships. Luckily, there is an abundance of coping mechanisms available. Whether it’s exercise, journaling, painting, or something else entirely, identifying which coping activities work best for you can help reduce stress in your life and give you an outlet for negative emotions. Being proactive in finding techniques that bring relief is the foundation for healing.
Create a new routine or structure for yourself to help with the transition
When dealing with emotional struggles in life, creating a new routine or structure for yourself can provide much-needed comfort and stability. This can range from something as simple as coming up with a plan for your daily tasks or an overarching chart that breaks down what you want to accomplish each week. Furthermore, it may be beneficial to set aside time where you can focus on self-care or just unplug and take a breather from the world around you. Though this type of change may seem daunting at first, having an established plan can give us control, which is often otherwise lacking during hard times. By putting confidence in yourself and investing effort in your goals, you can take strides on the path toward healing.
Be patient with yourself
Making a major change in life can be traumatic, and it is important to be patient with yourself as you adjust. Healing often happens one step at a time, so allow yourself the time and space to take whatever baby steps are necessary to feel better. Finding people who understand and can offer meaningful support along your journey is important, but make sure that the people you turn to also help you focus on your sense of strength and purpose rather than simply engaging in a pity party. With patience, you will eventually discover that you’ve healed enough that growth can start to occur.
Going through tough changes in life is never easy, but there are ways to make it more manageable. Acknowledge your feelings, reach out for support, find healthy coping mechanisms, and be patient with yourself. Give yourself time to grieve and adjust, and eventually, things will start getting better. Remember that you’re not alone – Lean on your loved ones and professionals for help when needed. You’re worth it.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outdoors and researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
The global coronavirus pandemic brought mental health and personal wellbeing to the forefront of our working life. As more companies return to the office, employers need to think about whether or not they are doing enough to make mental health in the workplace a priority. We speak to consumer finance startup, CapitalBean.com, to get some insight.
Workplace Mental Health Post-Covid
“The coronavirus pandemic highlighted serious concerns regarding mental health and personal wellbeing,” explains Richard Allan of Capital Bean.
“With ongoing uncertainty and a heightened sense of risk, it could be argued that we were experiencing an unprecedented global mental health crisis, often with no end in sight.”
“From a workplace perspective especially, many workers were facing uncertainty regarding their job stability, redundancies and, for some, navigating an entirely new way of working and interacting with colleagues.”
“In response, many companies started to take employee mental health more seriously and implement frameworks and best practices; however, now that we are returning to normal and trying to leave Covid-19 in the past, what is the extent to which companies are keeping up with their commitment to employee mental health?”
The Return to the Office
During the Covid 19 pandemic, the majority of workers were learning how to do their jobs remotely. This presented a range of new challenges to navigate and loneliness was widely reported. Not only were people missing the daily social interactions with their colleagues, but they were also finding the blurred lines between home life and work life difficult to navigate – with people’s homes doubling up as their offices, many workers were finding it difficult to switch off and reported working more hours.
Now that people are starting to return to the office, after adjusting to nearly three years of remote working, they are being faced with new challenges. People are finding the return to work difficult and reporting a great deal of anxiety regarding social interaction. In addition, after working from home, they are now having to juggle their home commitments alongside going to the office. Whether it is squeezing in laundry, balancing childcare, or even factoring in an extra hour for the commute, the return to the office is proving more difficult than expected for many and is causing stress and anxiety for some. Others prefer working from home, so there is a balance.
The Employer’s Role
Millions of workers are returning to the office or workplace with changed attitudes and new expectations. In order to attract and retain talent, it is important for employers to acknowledge this and respond empathetically. Many companies have included mental health in their promises to employees on return to the office but now it is their time to demonstrate that this is not merely lip service.
Employers need to proactively introduce programmes that are promoting workplace mental wellbeing and help employees with the challenges that they are facing. It is important for workplaces to create a psychologically safe space for workers and welcome conversations surrounding mental health and support.
(image: Luis Villasmil at Unsplash)
The Great ResignationAnd Mental Health at Work
After the pandemic, more people than ever before started evaluating their working life and what their main priorities were. With new focus on mental wellbeing and work-life balance, workers started to question what their expectations were and what they required from their place of work. The great resignation, the mass exodus of millions of workers in 2021, left employers having to think about what they needed to offer workers to not only attract talent initially, but retain it.
Workers who were asked about the great resignation pinpointed lack of workplace communication, sense of belonging, employee-manager relationship and toxic environments all as reasons to leave their jobs.
In a post-Covid era (and what should have been before this), it will fall to the employer to make sure their staff feel looked after, not just financially but also emotionally.
Employers need to make their employees feel like they are taken care of, respected and acknowledged, and that their personal wellbeing and mental health is a top priority. Going forward, this will be more important for jobseekers than free office lunches or staff drinks.
We all have mental health and it is vital this is acknowledged and cared for, and not ignored in the workplace.
This article contains links to partner organisations.
There is a strong correlation between debt and mental health which is often overlooked. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1 out of 2 adults with debts, also struggle from mental health and therefore it is something that certainly should be discussed more openly.
Not only can people with mental health such as anxiety or depression face difficulty with managing finances, but parallely, those with debt can often suffer anxiety or depression as a consequence.
Debt can start with basic credit cards or types of personal loans and get out of control due to shopping online, gambling or by being unable to keep up by losing your job or form of income.
With 1 out of 10 Britons suffering with debt problems, circa 6 million people, it is something that we need to be more conscious about and today we offer some useful guidance and support to be debt free and have good mental health for 2022.
Speak To Your Creditors
The stress of having debt starts with the letters demanding payments and it is remarkable how such a small piece of paper can cause so much stress and anxiety. Also just the feeling of having debt in itself is a painful and uncomfortable feeling.
But one of the worst things you can do is avoid any communication with the creditor. In fact, just speaking to the creditor or company that you owe money to, can ease things. There are always options available to you if you are struggling to pay back a credit card or you are behind on a loan.
For instance, credit card companies can offer you a minimum payment, which is 10% of the balance and you can recur this each month until you want to pay in full. The fees for doing so are very, very small and there is just a tiny negative impact to your credit score – but it offers huge breathing space.
For lenders, they are likely going to be able to freeze interest, delay payment for several weeks and months or spread your repayments over a longer period of time, via something called an arrangement to pay. So whilst you will still owe the repayment, it will certainly help by being able to delay repayment until you can get back on your feet.
And just having some repayment schedule in place can stop any calls, texts or letters coming through the door and take some stress off your shoulders.
(image: Unsplash: Towfiqu Barbhuiya).
Speak To a Professional
If you are struggling with debt and are unsure where to turn, consider speaking to a debt professional. Not only are there lots of forums online, but there are charities who will answer you and help you for free, such as StepChange and Citizens Advice Bureau. These establishments will be very used to the types of debts and problems that you are having and they will know very quickly the best ways to calm things down and help limit any further fees and charges being applied.
Speak to Your Family and Friends
Whilst many people are too embarrassed to speak to their close circle of friends and family about their debt or their mental health, you will find enormous strength and support from the loved ones around you.
If you have some debts to pay off, you may find that borrowing money from family and friends can be a simple way to elevate this. It is common for parents to help with any debt problems and not request any interest back. You should always be planning on paying your family back though, because this is always healthy for a relationship. But certainly if you have lost your job and just need some breathing space, this can always be a viable option for you.
Don’t Be Shy to Ask For Help
Being strong in times of mental health or financial problems can sometimes add even greater stress, by just having to hold everything in or still be required to attend birthdays, pay for gifts or go to restaurants with people you love.
But being open and honest with the loved ones around you, can be one step closer to helping with your current problems and getting back on your feet.
Just Realise That Everything is Temporary
You might feel like your debt is taking over, but in reality, it may only be temporary. After all, debt is something that can be wiped out once you have repaid or part repaid.
You may want to avoid selling important things in your life, such as your house and your car, but do not be surprised how much junk is lying around the house that people are willing to pay money for. Whether it is books, CDs, DVDs or clothes, there are people on various apps, Facebook Marketplace or even car boot sales who are interested in buying these things and you could quickly gather a few hundred pounds in very little time.
You will be surprised how quickly you can get your debt sorted – and one step closer to financial freedom and better mental health.
This article was written by a freelance writer and contains links.
When you were a child, your parents always took care of you. But now that you’ve grown up and may have kids of your own, it’s time to take care of them. And when their health starts to deteriorate, and they become too ill for in-home care, the question becomes: how do we find a great assisted living facility?
While the idea of having to send loved ones to an assisted living facility isn’t always a nice one, it’s often the best choice. Not just for their health, but for our own too.
In this article, we’ll walk you through each factor so that finding an assisted living facility feels like less of a daunting task.
The world of assisted living facilities is an industry that has snowballed. It’s now booming, and there are many things to consider before you make your final decision. The first step is understanding the different types of senior homes available.
A Care Home
This type of facility covers the personal and day-to-day care of your loved ones. They’ll handle things like washing, dressing, and taking medications on time. Many of them also provide activities and days out. But the quality and amount of these extras are provided depends on the home.
A Nursing Home
Nursing homes cover all the same things as care home, but it’s provided by qualified nurses. So they’re a great choice if your parents have health conditions that need a little extra attention.
A Care Home With Dementia Care
This type of home is targeted towards elderly loved ones with dementia. It’s designed to make them feel comfortable and to keep them safe.
A Dual-Registered Care Home
This facility accepts residents who have personal and nursing care needs. These homes mean that residents who arrive just needing personal care but eventually need nursing care don’t have to change facilities. Instead, they can stay in comfort in the place that has come to be their home.
Choosing a Care Home
One of the most important factors when looking for a senior living facility is the level of care. If your loved one needs special attention due to dementia or any other physical disability, you should find a facility with specialized services to have their needs met.
There’s plenty to consider when it comes to looking at care homes for your loved ones. Before you get into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth taking the time to make a list of what’s important to you in your chosen assisted living facility. That way, you can quickly sift through the homes on offer. Because there will be plenty to get through.
The Staff
The staff at an assisted living facility goes a long way in determining the quality of life for its residents. They must be attentive, caring, and responsive to the needs of each individual. When you visit your prospective home, it’s essential to ask questions about their staff.
The Food
The food served at a senior home is also vital. If meals are not nutritious or flavourful, it can cause malnutrition, weight loss, and other health issues for seniors. Ask if they provide three meals a day or if that depends on what residents choose to eat. It’s important to note that while dietary restrictions can be accommodated at some homes, you may want to find one with more robust catering options and for diets such as kosher or halal.
The Amenities
Another thing to consider when looking for a care home is what kind of environment and amenities it provides. Does it feel open and welcoming? Is there an opportunity for outdoor activities? Are there pets on-site? How big of a community is there? These questions will help you determine which type of environment would best suit your loved one’s needs.
Amenities on-site provide your parents with something to pass the time, stay engaged, and most of all, feel a strong sense of community.
When our elderly loved ones come to need further care that we can’t provide, it’s a challenging time. And while it’s difficult for us to come to terms with, it is just as difficult for them. For many elderly people entering care homes, it’s a massive change to their daily life. Some may not be aware of what it entails, so informing them if possible is important.
Make sure that they’re a big part of choosing a facility. After all, they’re the ones that will be living there. While some health conditions may hamper their understanding of the situation, it’s essential to keep them as involved as possible. Making a list of what they want and then what they need can be helpful to find the best care home options available.
So while finding a care home can be difficult, it ensures that the quality of your loved one of life remains high. When caring for them becomes too much for you to handle, assisted living facilities are there as a helping hand.
This article was written by a freelance writer and contains affiliate links.
Running a startup is very stressful and there is a lot on the line, including your name, reputation and finances. The article highlighted that being an entrepreneur can lead to ‘self-doubt, imposter syndrome, loneliness and burnout.’
In a survey conducted, it showed that only 25% of startup CEOs have some kind of executive coach or therapist to help them overcome their daily anxieties and stresses – suggesting more support is needed to help those entrepreneurs manage the stress of running a high-risk venture.
Mental wellbeing is an important factor for any startup founder, Forbes continues. The levels of stress and anxiety can shape one’s creativity, productivity and ingenuity. Taking care and managing your stress will preserve your talent and innovation and help you to become the best leader possible.”
Daniel Tannenbaum, co-founder of startup news site TechRound and a partner at short term lender Pheabs, explains:
“Startup founders and entrepreneurs are often taking on a huge risk financially, with hopes that they can raise enough money, grow a large company or exit for huge sums.”
“In the short-term, this means taking a financial pay cut, working significantly more hours with the hope that their proposition becomes established and successful.”
“But the process can be incredibly stressful. For example, a lot of startups do not really make money until they exit or are bought out, so regardless of how many hours you work in the first few weeks, months or years, your financial position does not necessarily change. Bear in mind, that you might be missing crucial time with your family, loved ones or you are not fully present in the room because you ‘cannot switch off.’”
“Running a startup is a huge financial risk and there is always going to be someone better funded and getting more PR. So don’t sweat, just do it for enjoyment.”
“Meanwhile, it can be soul destroying to see other competitors in your space or people you know getting massive PR, large funding rounds or sales – and you can really start to doubt yourself and feel like you’ve hit a wall. It becomes a horrendous spiral of jealousy, anxiety and doubt, whilst you have been underpaid and overworked for too long.”
“More than 50% of startups fail, yet it doesn’t stop people creating them, and new businesses being created daily.”
“But I think before you get into a startup, it is important to manage your expectations and understand your vision.” explains Tannenbaum
“You might need to look at this like, ‘I am going to work hard for 3 to 4 years and then reassess if it does not work out.’”
“And also, you just have to do it for enjoyment,” he concludes. “After all, running a startup means that you are calling the shots, not having a boss and being able to hire who you want. So if you can enjoy the everyday part of running a business and a startup, that’s great, and if you happen to make a lot of money, well even better!”
Daniel Tannenbaum is the co founder of start up news site Techround
Everyone has their own mental health. But people who are addicted to drugs, alcohol, or any other substance abuse are more prone to develop mental illness. While on the other hand, individuals who have mental illnesses are also more prone to developing drug, alcohol, or substance addiction.
People struggling with addiction and mental health problems have complained about the co-occurring disorder. However, it can be tough to identify which one is the primary. A mental health diagnosis, such as clinical depression, can undoubtedly worsen an individual’s problems with addiction. Similarly, a person experiencing addiction may find that their mental health declines as their use grows.
If these conditions are left untreated, then co-occurring disorders can lead to a nasty cycle of repeated addiction and worsens mental health symptoms. To overcome addiction and mental health issues, professional care is necessary at a rehab center like Florida Addiction Treatment.
But before that, it is vital to understand the relationship between addiction and mental health when looking for help for yourself or a loved one. Because both addiction and mental health diagnoses are chronic medical conditions, they can be treated and managed with the right and approachable treatment while they cannot be cured.
Understanding the Link Between Mental Health and Addiction:
You might wonder if mental illness can cause addiction or if addiction creates the perfect storm leading to mental health problems. However, in most cases, it is rarely clear which one manifested first.
Addiction to drugs and alcohol or any other substance can occur due to people self medicating if they suffer from any mental health disorder. Self-medicating with addiction in times of crisis may provide temporary relief at first. But it may help you feel more comfortable connecting with your peers or boost your confidence. However, this is part of the danger of the link between mental health and addiction.
Continued use is hazardous and develops the risk of addiction. What you look at as a remedy to your problem can quickly put you on a brutal cycle of misuse and abuse.
Long-term use of addiction often produces side-effects such as anxiety and depression. Taking addictive substances alters your brain chemistry, and extended use of it only increases your chances of developing mental illness.
People coping with these specific mental health conditions are more likely to get addicted to drugs or alcohol (but not in every case)-
Major depressive disorder
Anxiety disorders
Personality disorders
Bipolar disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Potential Causes of Co-Occurring Disorders:
Addiction and mental health issues can occur because of many factors; however, some potential causes may involve genetics, age, and environmental factors.
Genetics or family history-
Genetics can play a critical part in the evolution of both addiction disorder and mental condition. It has been studied that genes contribute to many health issues.
As genes are passed down from generation to generation, the family history of a disorder is also a strong indicator. Autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, major depression are all examples of conditions that can be spread through your genes.
Environmental factors-
However, you don’t have to have the genes for a particular disease, which does not mean that you will develop the condition. The environment plays a key role in how their genes are expressed.
High-stress environments, trauma, physical or sexual abuse can also contribute towards a co-occurring disorder. Looking at your friends and family engage in dangerous behavior like addiction can also play a key factor. People likely to follow the examples of those they are close with. When your close ones behave poorly, you may be more likely to as well.
Age-
Exposure to certain things during teen years can also be an element. Being offered drugs or alcohol at an early age can also contribute to addiction and possibly mental illness. Since at an early age, the brain is still in the developing stage. Developing a mental health illness at an early age may also make you more susceptible to addiction.
Treatment for Mental Illness and Addiction:
The best treatment for both disorders is an integrated approach, where both the substance abuse problem and the mental illness are treated together. Whether your mental health or addiction problem came first, long-term recovery depends on getting treatment for both the disorders by the same treatment provider.
Obtaining professional drug rehab support is a crucial step in getting help for mental health struggles and addiction. Rehab centres aren’t just buildings; they’re your haven, your home away from home. They give you the tools and support to tackle the deep-seated reasons behind your addiction, often linked to mental health. Therefore, it’s highly advisable to find a reputable rehab organisation and start asking questions about how they work. Their helping hand will provide you with much-needed backup on your journey to long-lasting sobriety and a happier life.
Treatment for mental health may include medication, individual or group counselling, self-care measures, lifestyle change, and peer support.
Addiction treatment may include detoxification, managing withdrawal symptoms, behavioral therapy, and support groups to help maintain sobriety.
beurownlight.com 