Spring is a time for new beginnings. The weather is getting warmer,and hopefully the sun will brighten things up for you as each day passes. Let's make the most of this beautiful time of year by getting outside and connecting with the world around us! It feels good to do something you enjoy! Here are some ideas... we'd love to hear your ideas, too! Just click on the "Contact Us" button and drop us an email.
Take a walk... Go shopping... Visit a museum... Feed the birds... Go to the gym... Take a swim...
Get a coffee at the local shop... Go to a movie... Fly a kite... Go to a live sporting event...
Check out a local fair... Play Bingo... Finish up a small task... Spend time with a friend...
Create your kind of art... Barbecue some tasty food... Read a good book outside...
Soak in some sunshine... Visit a local greenhouse... Go to a concert... Take a Yoga class...
Get a massage... Drive somewhere you've never been... Start a new hobby...
I've reached some memorable times in my life where I've simply had enough. Enough drugs... enough pain... enough self-imposed dysfunction. When I reach these limits, I'm able to make a change that lasts. Whether it's losing weight, quitting bad habits, or starting an exercise regimen, there are turning points we all reach, some sooner, others later... sometimes too late.
My hope is that in recovery from addiction and mental illness, I can scrutinize my life regularly, and make the changes I need to make. It seems that in recovery, the "miracles" that occur are not monumental events, but instead, a series of small changes resulting in real progress. What would you like to change in your life? Would you like to attend school or find a new career? What about your relationships? Are the people in your life aiding your recovery, or detracting from your health and happiness. You deserve only the best, and only you can decide if you've reached a turning point that will have a positive impact on your life. For help, try our Resources page, and you're invited to email us confidentially any time from our Contact Us page.
"So many of us in recovery seem to become "stuck" in place. While we are able to stop using substances, and may be able to make some progress in alleviating the symptoms of our mental conditions, we don't move forward toward genuine health and happiness. The above statement captures the essence of recovery. We are given a fresh start and an opportunity to live completely new lives, filled with hope and dreams that do come true, if we make the effort required to achieve them."
Bill Rowell
When we make a real effort to improve our lives, hope is possible...
What is the ECT Experience?
Whenever most people think of ECT, or what’s commonly called “electro-shock” therapy, they have images of a patient being tortured by an evil doctor in a dark laboratory. The truth is that ECT has been saving lives for decades and helping patients recover their mental health when all other treatments have failed.
Electro-Convulsive Therapy is a drug-free treatment that seems to work by “re-setting” the brain. For some patients, the therapy is used only for a short time, while for others, the treatments continue indefinitely.
The actual treatment is painless. When I arrive at the hospital, my vital signs are checked and an I.V. is placed on my arm. Through this tube, the Anesthesiologist administers the medicine that puts me to sleep. While asleep, I’m monitored by a team of providers who keep a constant check on my respiration, heart rate and other vital signs. The doctor performing the procedure places two electrodes near the frontal lobes of my brain (my upper forehead, right and left) and low amounts of electricity are discharged.
This electric current causes the brain to “convulse” and while I’m unaware of it, my body reacts by tensing my muscles, including and involuntary biting motion which is controlled by a device inserted into my mouth just prior to the procedure.
A few minutes later, I awaken and leave the hospital to rest at home. Some of the treatments cause fatigue over several days, while others have no noticeable side effects. The significant effect for me has been that my thoughts of suicide and overwhelming depression are nearly gone, and I’m able to live a reasonably happy and productive life.
I don’t want to imply that ECT is a “cure-all” for depression or any other mental illness. And while it’s true that even in this modern age of technology, we still don’t understand the exact mechanism at work in the brain during and after treatments, ECT is a proven and safe treatment for people who would otherwise not survive. Any recovery from mental illness must include a willingness to regain your health, and it takes a positive attitude along with real work to improve. ECT and the right mix of treatment options, produces results in a surprisingly large majority of patients.
Speaking from my personal experience, having well over 100 treatments in the last 4 years, ECT has been directly responsible for treating my depression and in saving my life. I cannot imagine what the outcome would have been for me with only anti-depressant medication and counseling. While ECT has been invaluable, it’s also enabled me to follow up with the necessary medical and psychiatric options, and has allowed me to live a full, active and productive life that seemed out of reach only a few years ago.
Learn more about ECT (Electro-Convulsive Therapy)...
http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/electroconvulsive-therapy
http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/treatment/electroconvulsive-therapy-ect
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/electroconvulsive-therapy/MY00129
http://bipolar.about.com/od/ect/a/sfe_shock1.htm
Feeling S.A.D.?
Some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up. The condition is often referred to as seasonal affective disorder, and can also include heightened anxiety. For those of us who live with depression year-round, the feelings of sadness and/or anxiety can simply increase during winter, especially in colder climates. It takes effort to handle this increased challenge, but there are lots of things we can do to improve our mental health during this time of year.
Click here to learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder...
http://www.webmd.com/depression/tc/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-topic-overview
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002499/
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder.html
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/seasonal_depression_sad/article_em.htm
Here are a few suggestions on how to deal with the winter blues…
Volunteer…Finding a good volunteer opportunity in your community can be a truly rewarding and helpful experience. By giving of ourselves, we’re able to make a difference in the lives of those around us and increase our sense of self-worth. There are lots of programs near you that need your help and will, in return, make the season a little easier for you.
Don’t Isolate… Our tendency may be to close ourselves off from the world around us, especially as the days leading up to the holiday approach. Instead of staying at home, find something fun to do. Maybe a movie or a trip somewhere you’ve never been will help pass the time. It might be a good idea to get in touch with an old friend or acquaintance you haven’t seen in awhile, too. Others might be feeling lonely at this time of year and your call could very well brighten up their day and yours.
Stay Healthy… It’s so easy to fall into a compulsive eating binges during the winter months. Holiday cakes, cookies and other “treats” always seem to be within arms reach. Don’t fall into the trap of overeating or eating the wrong foods that will make you feel even worse. That cookie may taste good, but the consequences can increase not only your waistline, but your mental outlook as well.
Exercise… It seems like the last thing we want to do. When the colder weather arrives and we’re feeling down, our inclination may be to stay on the couch. Instead, a walk outdoors or a trip to the gym may be exactly what we need to improve the way we feel. When we actively look for ways to stay busy and get the circulation going, those holiday blues will begin to ease up. When we feel better physically, it’s a sure bet that our attitude will change for the better. Try forcing yourself to do something physical and see for yourself how you feel the rest of the day.
Treat Yourself!… You deserve your love and affection as much as anyone. Winter is a perfect time to treat yourself to something special. Maybe it's a night out at your favorite restaurant, new clothes or the latest electronic device at the mall. Whatever fits your budget and brightens your day will help lift your spirits.
There really is no “cure” for the winter blues, but we can make our lives a little better by finding the recipe that works for us. Winter, especially in the colder climates can be a challenging time, especially for those of us in recovery from substance abuse and struggling with mental health issues. It takes an extra effort to stay positive and healthy, but it’s worth the investment in yourself.
PODCAST UPDATES
In our latest interview (on our Podcasts page), learn about an amazing program that helps people in recovery connect online! The Bradley Foundation in Westbrook, Maine provides low cost computers and training to people with disabilities, both mental and physical, low income people and senior citizens. This program is helping people who may otherwise be isolated, connect to the internet, opening up a new world of resources.
Also, Check out our interview with Darren Littlejohn, author of The 12 Step Buddhist, on our Podcasts page. You can also learn more about Darren's work by clicking here http://the12stepbuddhist.com Enjoy!
Our first podcast is also online on our Podcasts page. We're honored to invite Dr. Harold Urschel, III, MD, the CEO and founder of the Urschel Recovery Science Institute to join us to discuss his work and his book "Healing the Addicted Brain," a New York Times Bestseller. Please take a moment to visit Dr. Urschel's website at http://www.enterhealth.com to learn more.
You'll find new podcasts on The Recovery Site that give you up-to-date information and compelling interviews with both experts in the field of substance abuse and mental health, along with inspiring conversations with those who have succeeded in regaining their health and are leading productive and happy lives.
For immediate help, be sure to check our Resources page. You'll find links to many programs and services designed to aid you in your recovery. Many of the links will connect you to free services for both those in recovery and their families.
Exactly what is addiction? Here's a definition from the American Heritage Dictionary:
addiction ad·dic·tion (ə-dĭk'shən)
n.
Habitual psychological and physiological dependence on a substance or practice beyond one's voluntary control.addiction ad·dic·tion (ə-dĭk'shən)
My personal view is that addiction is any involuntary behavior or substance abuse that is so dominant it interferes with a person's life activities. There is help for addiction. There is a way to regain your health and happiness. Just take a little time to explore the links on this site, and drop us an email with any questions or suggestions you may have.
The reason I’ve chosen to create this website is that I have just completed four years of successful recovery from mental illness and drug addiction. My anniversary date is June 28. 2011. and my work continues daily. I’m incredibly grateful for all the help I’ve received and for the opportunity to attend college. My hope is to make a real difference by creating awareness of current treatment methods and the connection between addiction and mental illness.
Even now, in 2012, recovery treatments are still offered separately in what is called “siloed” care. Substance abuse is treated in one program, while separately, mental health issues are addressed. Simply put, my belief is that both conditions need to be treated together, and providers need to work much more closely to achieve higher rates of successful recovery.
Recovery is a unique path for each person, but we all deserve to live fullfilling and happy lives. The most effective way I've found to achieve happiness is by managing the circumstances of my life in the best ways possible. I've also found that by offering a helping hand to those around me, the rewards are received immediately. You can make a positive difference in the world and you deserve the best.
Where do you want to go? Click on the links below to get started.
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