For many people, summertime is a time for fun in the sun, vacations, and time spent with family and friends. For some, it can also be a difficult time. For those in addiction recovery, especially those who are also struggling with mental health issues, summertime can be especially challenging.

That's where Recovery Care comes in - we offer mental health counseling services that can help you get through these difficult times. Here are just some of the ways you could benefit from our mental health services:

Many People In Recovery Also Struggle With Mental Illness

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 50% of people with addiction also have a mental illness(opens in a new tab). That's because addiction and mental illness often go hand-in-hand—some people with mental disorders may turn to substances to cope, but sometimes substance use can also cause mental health problems.

Moreover, though we tend to associate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with the winter, depression symptoms growing in the summer is more common than you might think. There are multiple reasons for this:

• In the summer, many people have their sleep schedules disrupted. Whether that's because you're staying up later, dealing with children who are out of school, or even going on vacation, these disruptions are known to cause or worsen depression symptoms.
• People who live in poverty are also more likely to experience summertime blues. This is because they may not be able to afford air conditioning, which can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other health problems. Or, a working parent may have to spend a lot of money on daycare, summer camps, or babysitters, which can cause financial stress.
• Body image issues are also more like to pop up in the summer. Our culture puts a lot of pressure on us to have 'beach-ready bodies,' which can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
• For those of us with social anxiety, the summer can be a difficult time because there are more opportunities to be around people, whether that's at a cookout or pool party.
  

If you're struggling with addiction and mental illness, our counselors can help you address both problems simultaneously, no matter the time of year. We understand that these issues are often interconnected, and we will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets all of your needs.

You'll Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms

A 'coping mechanism' is any behavior or thought pattern that helps you deal with stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions. Some coping mechanisms are healthy, like exercise or talking to a friend, while others can be harmful, like drinking alcohol or using drugs.

With counseling, you can learn healthy coping mechanisms that will help you deal with stress in a constructive way. Our counselors will work with you to identify the thoughts and behaviors that are causing you stress, and then teach you how to replace them with healthier alternatives. These skills can help you manage your stress in a healthy way and prevent you from turning to substances when things get tough.

You'll Learn How To Make A Mental Health Recovery Plan

One of the most difficult things about addiction and mental illness is that it can make you feel like you're all alone. But you don't have to go through this journey by yourself—Recovery Care is here to help. Our counselors will provide you with the support, guidance, and encouragement you deserve as you make a plan for your recovery journey.

In particular, a Wellness Recovery Action Plan can be an important tool in your recovery process. This plan will help you outline the steps you need to take to achieve your wellness goals. Your Wellness Recovery Action Plan might include things like learning early warning signs of relapse, developing a support network, making positive changes to your lifestyle, and identifying what a meaningful life would look like to you.

You may also learn how to set SMART goals to help you take control of your own recovery. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. By setting SMART goals, you can create a detailed plan for your recovery that will help you stay on track and make progress toward your goals.

You'll Get The Support You Need

We also offer group counseling for those seeking out the kind of peer support often offered by support groups. Forming supportive relationships with mental health professionals, other health professionals, and peers in recovery can make a big difference in your mental health journey.

In addition to our mental health care services, we also offer primary care services at Recovery Care. Substance abuse and certain mental health conditions can often lead a person to neglect their physical health, but by having a PCP on your mental health team, you can ensure that you're taking care of your whole self.

For Those in Recovery, Mental Health Counseling Can Help

We understand how difficult it can be to recover from addiction issues and mental illnesses, but we also know that it's possible. Our counselors are experienced in helping people through their recovery while managing a mental health condition, and we can help you, too.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and mental illness, please reach out to the experts at Recovery Care. With our mental health and primary care services, your recovery journey can begin today. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (855) 502-2273 to get started!