At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we offer substance abuse detox for alcohol and drug addiction. After detox, you can begin the process of recovery from both a physical and mental standpoint. Even after you embark on the road toward improved wellness, you may suffer from signs of depression. That’s because the road to recovery is not a straight path. Therefore, it’s important to use your coping skills to safeguard your mental health during this vulnerable time.
Symptoms of Depression
The signs of depression include:
- Prolonged sadness
- Lack of interest
- Low self-esteem or self-worth
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you notice any of these symptoms or other unusual feelings of doom and gloom, seek professional help or call your therapist right away. Here are five tips to help you deal with depression after detox and recovery.
Assess Your Lifestyle
If possible, work with a professional to identify the source of your depression. Often, the slightest things can drag you down for the day. It could be as simple as staying up too late or skipping a meal that weighs down your spirit. Exercise, eat regular meals and maintain a consistent sleep pattern to help avoid bouts of depression.
At times, the source of depression remains elusive. Try different things to alleviate your feelings of pain and despair. This could include journaling or taking up a new hobby. Consider joining our alumni program for activities and events that help you maintain your hard-won sobriety.
Find a Mentor
During your detox program, supportive, caring professionals surround you in a supervised environment. Once you leave the safety of Pines Recovery Life Detox, you may feel overwhelmed by various triggers when you return to your outside life. Find a sponsor or mentor who you trust with your emotions. They can offer support and suggest ways that you can cope with periods of depression and anxiety.
Keep Up With Your Journal
When you keep a journal, you can express your feelings and thoughts without judgment or fear of reprisals. Writing is an excellent outlet for frustrations, feelings of depression and anxiety, and celebrations. By recording your achievements and challenges, you can take pride in what you have accomplished during your sober living journey. Putting negative feelings to paper can also help you expunge them from your mind and heart. Additionally, it’s essential to see a therapist when you get out of recovery to help you continue your transition to drug-free living.
Look Out for Your Health
Drug and alcohol abuse takes a toll on every part of your body. Eventually, you may feel like you have more energy, which could improve your sense of well-being and even your happiness. Give yourself time to make the transition. In the meantime, focus on eating nutritious food and engaging in fun, sober activities.
Develop a Solid Support Team
When you feel depressed, you may want to isolate yourself from your friends and family. Remind yourself that you need your friends to get through the bad times and the good ones. By sharing your problems with those who care about you, you can gain strength from their love and support. Address issues of depression quickly and don’t let them fester. Negative feelings can bring on relapse and affect your mental health over the long haul.
Substance Abuse Detox in South Florida
At Pines Recovery Life Detox in South Florida, we provide a treatment evaluation to develop a personalized detox plan for you. Our inpatient treatment programs address both alcohol and drug addictions, with a focus on your physical health. Our detox programs include treatment for cocaine, alcohol, heroin, meth, OxyContin, and other addictions. Contact us at 800.263.3869, or contact us online to begin the first step of recovery.
