Self Care for Families of Addicts: The Mental Health Guide for Parents & Spouses
When you live with someone stuck in the cycle of addiction, it’s not uncommon for all your energy to get sucked into their orbit. The worry, anger, fear, and guilt manifest as depression, anxiety, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Whether you’re aware of it or not, taking care of other people usually means you don’t take care of yourself.
Self-care is a crucial part of helping someone else recover. Sometimes we’ve got to be an example of what healthy living looks like. Without it we aren’t capable of helping ourselves or anyone else.
Understanding Addiction: Education is Key
The first step in taking care of yourself while helping a loved one struggle with addiction, is taking time to learn about what they’re going through. Although thoroughly debunked, a lot of people still believe addiction is a choice. Addiction is a disease. Just as heart disease runs in a family and can attack your heart, addiction can also run in a family and attack your brain.
Placing blame on your loved one in the midst of frustration can lead to ineffective communication and ultimately cause harm to your relationship. Knowing your loved ones triggers and understanding that relapse is possible, while hard to cope with, is important in being an excellent support system. Mentally confirming that there will potentially be hard times if your loved one is in the recovery process, will allow more room for growth, and less feelings or guilt or frustration.
We All Need Someone to Learn On: Support Groups
The most important thing to remember while going through this time is that you’re not alone. While it can feel overwhelming and isolating, there are so many people in your area that are facing those same feelings. Most areas have an abundance of resources for family members and loved ones of people in recovery, treatment, and active addiction.
Local treatment centers often offer family groups, al-anon is in nearly every state, and most churches and community centers have active support groups. If you’re unsure where to start, contact your local treatment center, church, therapist, or doctors office and ask for help. These resources are specifically made for you so don’t be afraid to utilize them!
Everything’s Zen: Mindfulness Exercises
When everything feels overwhelming and you’re not sure what to do next - just breathe. It’s not selfish to take time for yourself. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help ground you in the present moment and relieve those pesky negative thoughts and emotions.
Check your area for yoga classes, meditation groups, or google basic breathing techniques. You don’t have to be a guru to appreciate living in the moment.
Finding Help at Holland Pathways
Holland Pathways is more than just an addiction treatment program; we’re a community of people in recovery and we’re here to help you and your family. You’ll never be alone on this journey. Reach out today to see how we can help you and your loved ones.
