Recovery and Mental Health: Support, Hope, and Next Steps

Key takeaways

• Celebrate Recovery in September

Celebrate Recovery in September

By its definition, recovery involves regaining control of something lost or stolen. For anyone in recovery, this means working to manage addiction and take charge of their life. And it’s a big deal. The path to self-improvement can be a challenging one. That’s why MHCS is here to offer support, especially during National Recovery Month . Keep reading to learn more and help us celebrate recovery in September.

National Recovery Month has grown and evolved since its inception. Starting in 1989 as Treatment Works! Month, its purpose then was to recognize the work of addiction specialists. Nine years later, it expanded to honor treatment professionals while highlighting the efforts of those working through substance use issues. As such, it became known as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

Every year, National Recovery Month includes a new theme. The theme for 2023 is Join the Voices of Recovery: Together We Are Stronger. This idea points out the importance of providing support from all angles to anyone challenged by substance use disorders.

September 4-10: Focuses on support for young people, especially from close friends and family members, and the role of loved ones throughout the path to recovery. That progress is challenging for everyone involved, including family and friends. So, it’s important to find a balance between support and self-care while encouraging your loved one through their recovery. This is a journey for the recovering person as well as everyone who cares for them.

September 11-17: Week 2 highlights the need for unbiased mental health and substance use care and resources for all cultures, races, and lifestyles. That means every population, including LGBTQI+, veterans, people of color, older adults, people with disabilities, and anyone else who needs help through recovery. Recovery assistance that is more aligned with the standards of the person seeking it tends to be more successful.

Practical next steps

For many people, recovery mental health support is easier to address when the next step is small and specific. Start by naming what has changed, noticing what helps even a little, and choosing one supportive action you can repeat this week.

Helpful steps may include writing down symptoms or patterns, talking with a trusted person, adjusting sleep or daily routines, reducing avoidable stressors, and scheduling therapy when concerns keep returning or start interfering with daily life.

When to reach out

If symptoms are affecting relationships, work, school, sleep, or daily routines, professional support can help you sort through what is happening and choose a realistic next step.

MHCS provides therapy and mental health support for individuals, couples, families, teens, and adults.