Treating substance use disorders, depression disorders, and anxiety disorders requires participating in various programs to learn how to control their symptoms and lead healthy and productive lives. It’s necessary to teach clients several healthy coping mechanisms that they can use to manage symptoms and triggers. These skills range from reciting a personal mantra to calling a trusted friend, deep breathing exercises, and communicating your intentions so that everyone can understand.
The Ranch TN is a full-service addiction and mental health treatment center that works with those who are struggling with addiction, depression, and other treatable conditions. Our team has experience treating all types of disorders through our mental health treatment programs. We have residential and outpatient treatment programs, separate men’s and women’s rehab programs, family therapy programs, and more to ensure you reach your treatment goals.
The Importance of Self-Care
Substance use disorders and mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorders are treatable through psychotherapy, medication, life skills training, and self-care practices. Self-care is an essential part of the recovery process as it can teach clients about the benefits of self-care and how it can improve their physical, emotional, and mental health.
Treatment programs teach self-care techniques to build self-awareness and confidence, improve relationships, increase productivity, and boost your physical and mental health. Some examples of self-care include:
Physical Self-Care
You can improve your physical health easily by ensuring you get enough sleep each night. During the day, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious meals. Join a gym to build an exercise routine, or get some friends and go for a run or hike after work. Don’t forget to take time for yourself as well. You need time to rest, recharge, and relax.
Emotional Self-Care
You can give your emotional health a boost by practicing self-compassion, positive self-talk, and gratitude every day. Start writing your thoughts down in a journal at night and talk about them with a therapist or trusted friend. Enjoy the healthy emotions you feel, and don’t hide away from the negative ones.
Mental Self-Care
Your mind is a muscle, and the more you use it, the better. Take time to plan healthy activities, such as reading a book or learning a new skill or hobby. Give yourself a break from social media and instead work on a puzzle or an art project.
You can learn more about the importance of self-care by talking to a therapist and participating in private and group therapy sessions.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Developing coping skills is imperative for anyone who is struggling with a substance use disorder and other mental health illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and other treatable conditions. Part of an effective treatment program will include cognitive-behavioral therapy and other types of behavioral therapy that will teach you healthy coping skills based on your unique symptoms and triggers.
Here are some healthy coping mechanisms:
Emotional
This skill includes talking things out with a trusted friend, therapist, or mentor to cope with negative emotions. Clients learn several emotional coping skills that include meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, spending time with loved ones, and practicing gratitude.
Behavioral
This coping skill includes building healthy routines, such as an exercise program, weekly running, hiking, or swimming, and other healthy routines. During therapy, you will learn about setting realistic goals, practicing self-care, and avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive
These coping skills include cognitive restructuring to help identify and challenge negative thoughts. Cognitive coping skills include problem-solving, self-monitoring, and various distraction techniques.
Social
Social coping skills can help alleviate stress and anxiety and make social events more enjoyable. These skills include positive self-talk, practicing gratitude, and creative self-expression such as singing, dancing, or writing.
Relaxation Coping Skills
These coping skills can relax the mind and body and are very effective at reducing stress and anxiety levels. They include coping skills like deep breathing exercises, which can slow heart rates and allow you to focus on the matter at hand. Other relaxation coping skills include:
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Guided imagery
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Aromatherapy
These are just a few of the healthy coping mechanisms that can improve your overall mental health. You can learn more about developing coping skills by enrolling in a treatment program.
Schedule a Tour of the Mental Health Treatment Program at The Ranch TN Today
The Ranch TN welcomes Nashville residents who want to learn healthy coping mechanisms to treat substance use disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and other treatable conditions. Our programs feature cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and medication-assisted treatment to address all aspects of the disorder. You will participate in group and private therapy sessions where you will learn more about the disorder and several coping skills to improve your mental health.
For more information about our mental health treatment programs, call 1.844.876.7680 today or fill out our online contact form, and we will respond within 24 hours.