When You Stumble – Tools for Getting Back Up

People who live with chronic illnesses like mental health and substance use disorders, , tend to have healthy times and times of illness throughout their lives. Most people with a dual diagnosis will experience times when symptoms are under control and experience times when symptoms return or even get worse. Throughout the journey of recovery, it is important to keep in mind that everyone experiences stumbles and falls. Therefore, what can we learn from the struggles of recovery?

1). Stay Encouraged

Many see a setback as a sign of discouragement. However, a setback is more of a hurdle that can provide valuable learning lessons for long-term recovery. Like any lesson in life, your stumble can become a springboard toward success. WestBridge provides the necessary support and opportunities to help participants learn from missteps.

2). Shift Perspectives

Experiences, both the positive and negative, can help shape future hopes, goals, dreams and ambitions. They can also help gain increased clarity and insight. The learning curve in recovery is unique to each individual, and each person’s misstep is a guide for learning. Mistakes teach us to clarify what we really want and how we want to live. It is a reality check. When we experience the consequences of mistakes, we get a clear message about which of our efforts are working–and which are not.

3). Seek Support

The challenge of stumbling extends to family members, as they often carry the burden of trying to help their loved one manage their struggles. Families and caretakers may report feeling frustrated, alone and afraid. WestBridge’s mentor services are an integrated component of care management. Mentors provide side-by-side support in the evenings and weekends. Through a supportive network of professionals, our mentor services help families process about what works, according to their unique needs.

4). Know That You Are Not Alone

Stumbles humanize people, whether they are in treatment as a participant or are a source of support for a loved one in recovery. From ups and downs, we can all relate to one another through compassion, empathy and support. Restoring hope is essential when facing challenges in recovery. WestBridge provides participants with a great way to feel emotionally strong and resilient in times of stress by connecting within a community.

5). Set Goals To Move Forwards

Developing goals for recovery, especially after a set of challenges, it is important. Consider personal interests, past accomplishments, activities that bring personal joy and things that enhance motivation. Having a deep investment in the goals that you set will increase the chances of completing them.