What I learned from attending the Bell Let’s Talk Hope Conference in January I haven’t written for a while in this space. Over the last number of months, I have taken some time to step back from writing because it became too much. I was attempting to write a new post every day, and my … More Mental Illness Doesn’t Have to Be An Illness!
Guest article by Jake Moreno Addiction recovery treatment programs are divided into two groups: inpatient and outpatient. The fundamental difference between them is that inpatient care involves residing in a rehab center for the extent of their treatment and outpatient care involves staying at home and attending treatment during the day. Inpatient rehab has a … More How to Get the Most out of Outpatient Treatment
I am a fan of the Netflix Sci-Fi thriller, Stranger Things. If you are not familiar with the show, imdb contributor Charles J. summarizes it this way: In a small town where everyone knows everyone, a peculiar incident starts a chain of events that leads to the disappearance of a child, which begins to tear at … More “Rebellions (and Recoveries) are Built Upon Hope”
What’s the hardest thing you have ever done? This week I read an article by Mayo Oshin, “The Comfort Trap.” I highly recommend the article because it uses science and a bit of philosophy to make a case for how struggle (while unpleasant) is good for us. Having some struggle in our lives is a … More How Comfortable Can Become a Trap
Recovery begins when we admit that we are powerless. But admitting our powerlessness will not change us. Admitting we are powerless to drink, to drugs, to food, to overbuying, and being over-busy will do little more than make us see how empty we really are. Recovery begins when we admit that we are powerless. But … More The Playful Path to Recovery
Athletic performance and substance use ___ Guest Post by Nancy B. Irwin, PsyD Retirement is a major life transition for most people, but for the professional athlete, it can be cataclysmic. Most retired athletes have been competitors since childhood. With that in mind, many feel like their entire identity is gone when their professional sports … More After the Ticker Tape Parade
Last week I wrote about what Batman taught me about happiness. In the post, I ask the question, “What’s holding you back from doing the things that make you feel alive?” “Jason Todd (Robin) is a survivor, someone who could be considered damaged goods. But even with his trauma, Jason has been able to do … More Batman and Robin: Mental Health Superheroes
The British Psychological Societies Research Digest reported on a 15 week study of 377 adults that looked into which specific behaviors helped change to stick. Perhaps you, or someone you know wants to make changes to their drinking, substance use, smoking or overeating to cope with stress, isolating themselves rather than being with people, or … More Habit Change and Lasting Recovery
What’s holding you back from doing the things that make you feel alive? ___ Happy Halloween. I am sitting alone in a coffee shop. Dressed like Batman. You might think I am dressed up for Halloween. Nope. When I wrote this, it was October 30. I call today my Halloween warm up. The way I … More What Batman Taught Me About the Secret to Happiness
Guest post by Christine Hill Do you ever find a certain worry dogging your thoughts? Do you blow problems out of proportion, envisioning the worst-case scenario again and again? Are you often restless, unable to focus, with shaky hands and your stomach twisting into knots? Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health challenges in the … More A Toolbox for Coping with Anxiety
Getting High on Recovery 