Moving full-steam ahead after a mental health crisis can be difficult because you may feel like you’ve changed and can’t go back to who you were before. With a major mental illness, transitioning from crisis care to normal life can be challenging. Proper therapy and follow-up care can help anyone suffering from mental illness reclaim a normal, fulfilling life with friends, family, and work.
Acceptance is a crucial component of moving forward after undergoing intense treatment for a mental disorder or addiction. You can and will lead a good life, despite your condition.
Long-term care
Once you’ve completed your residential treatment, your therapists may suggest that you enrol in an intensive outpatient program. The addition of an intensive care management component to an outpatient setting means that you will receive more therapy sessions with greater flexibility. Intensive outpatient programs are often the best option for those who require intensive treatment but are unable to do so due to work, school, or family obligations, or they have recently completed a hospital, clinic, or rehab stay. It is a step-down from inpatient or hospitalisation treatment. Nonetheless, it is more intensive than a regular outpatient setting in order to provide enhanced care and access to treatment modalities.
Make gradual lifestyle changes
Although mental illness caused the crisis that necessitated therapy, other things in your life are likely to have exacerbated the symptoms. Recognize that you may need to make some changes as you return to your home and a new way of life. However, take it easy on yourself and make the changes slowly.
Perhaps you have a friend that drains your energy and causes you anxiety. You may need to take a step back from that friendship and spend more time with people who make you feel whole and tranquil. New social activities may also be a step forward so try carving out time for new interests that will help to provide stability and give you something to look forward to.
Physical lifestyle adjustments, such as emphasising sleep when you used to get only a few hours a night, or making better eating choices, can also be beneficial.
Bigger steps
Sometimes bigger steps are needed to distance yourself from your triggers. Moving to a new environment can be life-changing, giving you new opportunities to learn and grow. A new neighbourhood may provide a safer atmosphere, reducing drug and alcohol exposure while also assisting individuals in overcoming negative experiences that might lead to relapses in substance abuse or mental breakdowns.
Making time for positive and enjoyable activities, rather than dwelling on the negative, can help reduce stress and enhance your mood. Therapists and other mental health specialists can teach you the tools you’ll need to recover and avoid a mental health crisis from happening again. One of the most crucial things you’ll learn is how to alter your lifestyle to prevent stress and the likelihood of a relapse. Finding relaxing, uplifting activities to break up your routine, whether it’s meditation or social activities, can have a significant impact on recovery and integration.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg.
