Treatment and Recovery Part 7: Feeling Well, Staying Well

Once you are feeling better, make plans using the ideas from part 6 of this series that will help you keep yourself well. Include simple lists:

• to remind yourself of things you need to do every day, like doing thirty minutes of exercise and eating three healthy meals;
• to remind yourself of those things that you may not need to do every day, but if you miss them they will cause stress in your life, like bathing, buying food, paying bills, or cleaning your home;
• of events or situations that may make you feel worse if they come up, like a fight with a loved one, receiving a big bill, or loss of your job. Then list things to do (relax, talk to a friend, practice a hobby, etc.) if these things happen so you won't find yourself resorting to unhealthy ways of coping, like drinking or self-harm.
• of early warning signs that indicate you are getting worse, like always feeling tired, sleeping too much or too little, overeating, dropping things and losing things more than usual, hearing voices, etc. Then list things to do (get more rest, take some time off from work, arrange an appointment with your health care provider, cut back on caffeine, etc.) to help yourself remain as stable as possible;
• of signs that things are getting much worse, such as feeling very depressed, not being able to get out of bed in the morning, or feeling negative about everything. Then list things to do that will help you feel better quickly (get someone to stay with you, spend extra time doing things you enjoy, contact your doctor, etc.);
• of information that can be used by others if you become unable to take care of yourself or keep yourself safe, such as signs that indicate you need their help, who you want to help you (give copies of this list to each of these people), the names of your doctor or other mental health professional and pharmacist, all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications being used, things that others can do to help you feel better or keep you safe, and things you do not want others to do or that might make your condition deteriorate any further. 

This marks the conclusion of the Treatment and Recovery series. I hope you have found some ideas that will help guide you in your own wellness plan. Don't attempt to do everything listed in this series all at once. One change at a time is the way to do it for long lasting improvement. You can incorporate these ideas into your life gradually, and as you do, I'm confident that you will begin to feel better and better.

Best wishes in your treatment and recovery!

-Amy Purdy


Resources:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
"Recovering Your Mental Health"
www.samhsa.org