We have covered a lot of ground this week in our focus on mental health. The willingness to be totally honest with ourselves and others and becoming more aware of our strengths and shortcomings leads to a healthier and more vibrant life. Staying successful in sobriety first requires commitment, one day at a time, one moment at time, even in the face of conflict. In day 1 we learned that much of the conflict we experience is normal to life. Remaining peaceful and entering into serenity is key to responding to conflict in a safe, healthy, and positive way. Remember the serenity prayer? God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Day 2 brought us into a better understanding of depression. We looked at the difference between a passing, temporary or situational depression, and a long-term depression which may require more treatment. 
Compliance with necessary medications is critical. There are many benefits in finding a good counselor to speak with about our experiences and feelings. We come to realize that we are not alone in what we are experiencing, and that there is help. Acknowledging the normal ups and downs of life were discussed too. We feel sad or angry when we lose a loved one, a job, or certain expectations aren’t met. Just as conflict is normal to life, so is grieving. In fact, grieving is a very healthy and natural process.
Our day 3 discussion shared information on cannabis or marijuana. We looked at the truth of the substance and how it affects the brain, and things like concentration and memory. The flood of overactivity of the neurotransmitters in our brains with an influx of THC is quite different from normal activity. We also looked at the difference between medical grade oils for serious ongoing and terminal illnesses which contain cannabinols but not the THC levels that cause hallucinogenic affects. Legalization of marijuana for medical use requires a person to have certain medical conditions. The legalization for recreational use is currently in 9 states and the District of Columbia.
During day 4 we talked about the importance of being decisive and making necessary changes, starting with small manageable ones. We looked at our everyday decisions related to our routines of daily living such as what we will eat, what will we wear as well as decisions like what career path we will take or what work we will do. We decide if we want to have a family or not, and reflect on what is truly most important to us. The Jordan Peterson video talked about changing unwanted behaviors. He said that we can work to set the schedule we want for our life, being realistic about necessary responsibilities. Each week we can live intentionally and improve on the week before. There is a positive momentum that comes in making good decisions and being responsible for the results of those decisions!
Remember the metaphor of being in the river? If the current is flowing into calm safe waters, we can relax and let go. If we are heading towards a waterfall ready to crash into the rocks at the bottom, it is crucial to get out and onto dry ground. When we don’t have the strength to get to safe ground on our own, we need to reach out to the help available, embracing a lifeline like 24/7 Sobriety Success. We know we are in dangerous waters IF
- We are using illegal drugs
- Are abusing legal ones like alcohol and tobacco
- Are spending our time and energy with people who aren’t our true friends.
Remember true friends have our best interests at heart. They are concerned for our well-being.
Day 5. We learned about the symptoms of PTSD along with incredible testimonies in the video. With this condition, people feel they are in danger or trouble now based on traumatic experiences from the past. Many people who are experiencing PTSD and/or moral injury are prone to substance use and abuse. Compliance with necessary medications is vitally important, along with proper counseling. No one needs to suffer alone in silence. Getting these feelings, experiences, and emotions out of the dark and into the open go a long way towards healing. There are many who have experienced traumas of various kinds and need to know that others are out there who have survived and are living healthy productive lives filled with purpose. The past can motivate a new beginning.
Day 6 brought us the personal moral inventory as shown in the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This lesson dove into being completely honest with ourselves about our past. Our experiences with drugs and alcohol can leave in its wake a long trail of resentments, fears, misguided sexual conduct, and wrongs against others. Acknowledging these by writing them out on paper is a powerful tool in recovery. There are very real dangers in holding onto resentments and unforgiveness which include becoming isolated, substance abuse, overly aggressive behavior, physical and mental illness.
One alcoholic who has since achieved long-term sobriety had this to say about doing the personal moral inventory.
The resentments and fears that were locked
inside of me started to flow out. As I began writing
my list of resentments and fears, it was like
the curtains were pulled back on the window of my
soul. I felt like I could breathe again. Being that open
with my feelings and past mistakes, allowed me to
be open and honest with others. I was able to start
healing the relationships that I had neglected for
so long.
What we say, think, and do matters. What we have done and where we have been can affect our current lives in profound ways. These experiences become fuel for positive change as we accept that a power greater than ourselves is needed to untangle us from the briar bush of addiction. We can come clean of our wrongs and resentments and be renewed to live the quality of life we want to live. Our willingness to take responsibility for our decisions and do the challenging but satisfying work of recovery are key parts of maintaining mental health.
Question for Reflection: What does having good mental health mean to you?
Helpful Links
12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson
National Center for PTSD
Suggested Book on Handling Conflict
The Peacemaker by Ken Sande