Mental Health Advice for Dealing With the News

Whether you turn on the news or scroll through social media, it often seems like you can’t escape the many horrible things going on in the world. Violence and trauma in the news is tough on everyone – and it’s often more difficult to handle if you’re also struggling with a mental illness like PTSD, anxiety or depression. There’s a higher risk factor for anxiety [and related issues] for someone with a traumatic experience in their background,” Stephanie Dowd, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in the Anxiety and Mood Disorders Center of the Child Mind Institute, told Teen Vogue. 

Unfortunately, you can’t just shut it all out – nor should you because it’s important to stay current. So how can you deal with the extra stress and anxiety that the news can bring? Here are a few tips to safeguard your mental health if you find yourself particularly sensitive to the news.

• Expect and accept your reactions. If you react strongly to the news,
  don’t beat yourself up. Practice some self-compassion by taking a deep breath and reminding yourself that it’s okay to experience these emotions. 
• Limit visual news sources. It’s one thing reading about a tragedy and another looking at visual images of a tragedy. If you’re sensitive to the news, then it’s best to keep up on current events via written form.  
• Relax your senses. Listen to relaxing music, meditate or soak in a bubble bath – do your best to engage your senses in a soothing way. 
• Seek support. When your emotions are fragile, it’s always best to reach out to your supports. Call a family member or friend or anyone with whom you feel close and comfortable. 
• Focus on the helpers. This Mr. Roger’s quote went viral after the Newtown tragedy in 2012: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me ‘Look for the helpers; you will always find people who are helping.” Focusing on the helpers can help restore your faith in humanity and provide some hope amid the disturbing headlines. And it may even inspire you to give back in some way. 

Rewards of Volunteering
At HAUS Recovery, we believe your recovery is strengthened when you serve others. Studies show that volunteers are less likely to feel isolated or depressed. Volunteering also helps you develop a more accurate view of your life and reminds you of the importance of the shared human experience. To learn more about our volunteer placement service, call today: 888-551-4715.

Surviving July 4th Sober

Dreading the upcoming holiday? No matter where you are in your sobriety, the Fourth of July can be tough and reminiscent of partying and drinking. To help you have a fun, safe and sober holiday, we’ve put together some tips to help you enjoy your Independence Day and your freedom from addiction. 

Stick with your sober friends. Whether you choose to hang out with one close sober friend or a larger group from your recovery community, make this holiday about being social and sober. Start the day with a group hike or arrange a movie or bowling outing or head to your local parade. If you get stuck on ideas, just pretend that you're kid again. Run around in the heat, have a water balloon toss or roast some marshmallows before heading to the fireworks.

Get active. Physical activity is a surefire way to boost your mood and it will also help balance out all of those extra calories from hot dogs and burgers. Gather up some sober friends and family and test out these fun ways to stay fit this July 4^th: 

• Three-legged race
• Sack race
• Freeze tag
• Scavenger hunt
• Tug of war
• Frisbee
• Soccer

Host a BYONB party. BYONB stands for “bring your own non-alcoholic beverages” and it’s an easy way to stay social and enjoy your holiday without any temptations.

Do something for someone else. Especially if you’re not in the mood to celebrate, the 4^th of July can be the perfect time to give back to others. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or simply help another friend in recovery.

Don’t suffer in silence. You deserve to have a fun 4th of July and sober celebration with family and friends, so reach out if you’re having a bad day, feeling insecure or are tempted to drink or do drugs.

A Fun Sober Life at HAUS Recovery

Sobriety is the beginning of a fun, fulfilling and lifelong adventure. Our schedule of activities is designed to strategically fill your time, nourish your body and enrich your spirit. To learn more how we can help you transition from rehab to everyday life without losing your way, call us today: 888-551-4715.