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How to Overcome Loneliness in All Journeys of Mental Health Recovery

Recovery is a difficult but rewarding process. It can be hard to stay on track, but if you are feeling lonely, there is hope. There are many things that you can do to combat loneliness and stay motivated during your recovery journey.

Admit Your Loneliness and Don’t Be Ashamed of It: Don’t be in denial. The first step in overcoming loneliness is admitting and accepting it. You may feel embarrassed or ashamed of the way you are feeling but understand that these feelings are normal. Acknowledging your loneliness will help you move past it because then you can start taking action to change it.

Gratitude: Keep an Attitude of Gratitude! Practicing gratitude helps shift your thoughts and energy from negative to positive. Write down three things each day that you are grateful for and focus on those items instead of the loneliness.

Be Aware: When we get caught up in our own problems, we may not realize how much more difficult other people’s struggles can be compared to ours. Becoming aware of other people’s situations can make us appreciate our own lives and take away some of the loneliness we may feel in recovery.

Help Another Person in Recovery: One great way to combat loneliness during recovery is by helping out another person who is also going through the same process as you are. Helping others can give you a sense of purpose while also allowing you to connect with someone who understands what you are going through.

Move A Muscle, Change A Thought: If a negative thought comes into your mind, try physical activity like walking or running as a way to distract yourself from those thoughts and clear your head. Exercise releases endorphins which can boost your mood and help reduce stress levels associated with anxiety or depression brought on by loneliness in recovery.

Go To a Meeting: Reach out for support from others who understand what it’s like to go through the process of recovery – these people know exactly where you are coming from! Attending a meeting with others who have similar experiences as yours can provide an invaluable boost in morale when feeling lonely during recovery efforts. Download My Mental Health App to connect you to a meeting now.

Have A Plan and Purpose: Having an action plan for each day helps provide structure when recovering mental health issues that often cause feelings of loneliness due to isolation or exclusion from unhealthy activities enjoyed before you were in recovery. Making plans ahead gives more purpose outside of just focusing on overcoming adversity while providing a sense of accomplishment once tasks have been completed successfully throughout the day.

Connect with Nature: Taking a walk outdoors allows one to appreciate nature while being surrounded by positive energy that disconnects them from whatever caused them distress before stepping outside. Breathing fresh air has calming effects which helps ease tension, decreases stress, increases energy, improves sleep, boosts immune system, lowers blood pressure & increases productivity.

Get Professional Help: Talking with an understanding professional about how one feels provides an outlet for expressing oneself without judgement. Having someone listen & empathize with emotions often makes one feel less alone & less overwhelmed by the situation at hand. If you’re not ready or shy about a face to face meeting be sure to download the My Mental Health interactive self-guided virtual
recovery system app at mymentalhealth.org.

Enjoy Solitude as a Choice: Learn to be alone without being lonely. Doing something enjoyable by yourself, such as reading books, writing poetry or completing puzzles. This allows you to disconnect from all the noise and concentrate solely on yourself. This can be meditative, providing for self- reflection.

Feeling lonely during recovery doesn’t have to be an insurmountable obstacle; there are many steps that can be taken in order to overcome these feelings so that one does not become discouraged along their path towards healing & successful recovery. By admitting your loneliness, practicing gratitude, becoming aware of other people’s situations, helping others, “move a muscle, change a thought”, attending meetings, making plans & purposes for each day, connecting with nature, getting professional help, if necessary, & choosing to do something for yourself -you will find yourself better equipped when facing the emotional challenges that come with successful recovery!

Download Our Mental Health App for Free!

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5 Simple Ways to True Self-Love

How to Simply Overcome Anxiety-5 Simple Steps

Self-love is an essential part of our well-being. Many of us struggle with self-doubt, negative self-talk, and feelings of inadequacy. Self-love involves accepting ourselves for who we are and recognizing we deserve love and respect. Emotional wellbeing leads to greater self-confidence and peace of mind. This article will explore some practical ways to improve self-love and find true self-love.

Step 1: Connect with Yourself Spiritually.

One way to improve self-love is consciously connecting with your spiritual core. Setting aside time daily for practicing prayer and meditation is a great way to start. Keep in mind there is no right or wrong way to pray or meditate. Something as simple as speaking to God, the universe, nature or whatever your concept of a higher Power as you would a trusted a friend is an easy form of prayer. Quieting your mind, breath and energy so you may hear the answers to your prayers is meditation. Walking, light exercise, painting, time spent with a pet or even knitting can be ways of unwinding and calming the voice in the head. Tapping into your spiritual core is an important part of learning to love yourself. This doesn’t have to involve any particular religion; it simply involves taking time out of your day for introspection and reflection. It’s important that you make time for yourself so that you can start understanding who you really are and what makes you unique.

Step 2: Self-Talk.

Start talking positively about yourself! Identify some key qualities that you love about yourself and make them the focus of your positive self-talk. We all have some. Remember you would not be here experiencing this reality at this time if the Creator did not wish it. You have been given gifts and talents to be shared with the world. Rather than focusing on what others think of you or what society expects from you, hone in on the things that make you unique and special – then start loving them!

Step 3: Self-Support.

In order to truly love yourself, it helps to show yourself the same kind of support that you would show someone else whom you love deeply. Ask yourself what kind of advice or comfort you would offer a friend or family member going through a hard time—then take the same steps for yourself! You deserve as much care and compassion as anyone else. Be kind and gentle with yourself; remember that everyone has their own unique journey in life, and there is no “right” way or “wrong” way to go about it.

Step 4: Self-Help

If you need additional help in learning how to love yourself again, don’t be afraid to seek professional help! There are plenty of options available – from individual counseling sessions with a mental health professional, to group therapy sessions, support groups, community support groups, and of course the My Mental Health App that offers free guidance and self-directed advice on ways to practice self-love every day.

Step 5: Be True to Yourself Above All Else.

Be yourself, everyone else is taken. Remember that there is only one version of “you” in this world – so it’s important that above all else, you stay true to who YOU are! Don’t let anyone else dictate who they think YOU should be; instead focus on loving and accepting the person YOU already are! Practicing self-love may seem daunting at first but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! By following these five easy steps – connecting with yourself spiritually, talking positively about yourself, supporting yourself like a friend would support another friend in need of help, self-help, and being true to who YOU are–you can take control over your own journey towards finding true happiness and LOVE within yourself today! Start practicing self-love now – because when it comes down to it – loving ourselves is truly one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves! Celebrate YOU!

For more tips and advice on mental health, please visit My Mental Health. We are here to help you find the perfect balance between self-love & mental wellbeing! Stay safe & healthy everyone!

Why Donate to My Mental Health:

1. Mental health is IMPORTANT. It’s a vital part of our overall well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
2. Mental health challenges are common. Mental health conditions are actually very common. In fact, 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences a mental illness in any given year. That means that each of us knows somebody who is living with a mental health condition.
3. Mental health is treatable, and we can help! Mental challenges are not a personal failing. It’s a real medical condition that requires support just like any other medical condition. My Mental Health’s assessments, programs, and tools users provide self-direct recovery options.
4. Make your TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION below!

Making a difference in the world has never been more accessible than it is with My Mental Health. Through its no cost receiving of award-winning Virtual Recovery programs and assessments, everyone in need can access lifesaving treatment– and make a difference with as little as one donation. Our mission of providing mental health support to those around us– regardless of insurance, copays, or time constraints– is achievable thanks to your generous donation. Take on the effortless yet powerful task of becoming an agent for change and make a difference by contributing to the mission of giving everyone access to proper mental health care. Thank you for lending your energy and resources to make this mission possible.

Though often left unspoken, mental health is vitally important to each of us. It’s nothing to be ashamed of admit can happen to anyone. My Mental Health is committed to helping people suffering from mental illness through our assessments, programs, and tools. Our application provides users the ability to self-direct their recovery and live fulfilling lives. Donate now and help us continue our mission!

Still not convinced. Go to our Page for more About Us about our story!

Are you someone who struggles with PTSD, substance abuse problems, anxiety or depression? If so, it’s likely that fear has heavily impacted your life. Fear is an instinct designed to keep you safe in situations of perceived danger. It’s the fight or flight reaction we all have when threatened. Fear can also be a paralyzing emotion that keeps us stuck in the same toxic cycles. This type of fear is an intense unpleasant emotion and that is often caused by the anticipation of events that have not yet taken place. Habitual emotional fear is a misguided use of our imagination. Most fears of this type never materialize.
Fear is seductive and habit forming and a complete waste of our time and energy.

But what if we could break through our fears and start living lives full of joy and hope? That’s where affirmations can be of enormous value. Intelligently focused affirmations, when practiced daily rewires our brain. This change in consciousness stops us from focusing on limiting beliefs, the type caused by fear, and installs a new uplifting message. In today’s post, I’m going to share how simple affirmations can help us confront our fears and open up possibilities for leading more meaningful lives. Read on to find out how to kickstart your journey of overcoming fear with powerful affirmations!

Learning to overcome fear through affirmations is an effective way to nurture our mental health and self-esteem. By committing to memorize affirmations, we are able to reprogram our subconscious mind and shape a new reality for ourselves. This process is key in allowing us to improve our opinion of ourselves, which then builds a strong foundation allowing us to manage our fear from an empowered place. With a little dedication and effort, we can boldly march forward and fearlessly tackle whatever life throws our way! Below are 5 affirmations I wrote way back in 1990 when I was getting sober and upgrading my beliefs. At that time, I was struggling not only with substance use but also trying to develop a working spirituality. My affirmations reflect the goals I was trying to accomplish. I am not suggesting you need to start your affirmations with the word God unless you feel moved to do so. I am simply showing you affirmations that worked for me.

God wants me sober.

God wants me happy.

God wants me spiritually fit.

God wants me abundantly wealthy.

God wants me to help others.

It was in early recovery that I really began to create affirmations for myself that were custom designed to where I was at in life. Every time fear, negativity, or craving for drugs and alcohol entered my consciousness, I repeated these 5 affirmations. I had used substances and lived selfishly beforehand, so releasing the weight of that burden left me feeling suddenly grateful and increasingly connected to something greater than myself. I repeated these affirmations until I believed them. I chose God as part of my affirmation because I needed all the help I could get. I understand believing in a higher power is not for everyone and we create our own paths towards healing. However, my affirmations ultimately encouraged me to stay on the course of true recovery. The longer I practiced saying these words back to myself, out loud, the easier it became to keep going and create positive change. I wrote these affirmations thirty-three years ago and I still use them today whenever I feel overwhelmed, or I need a reminder of how far I have traveled.

There are many benefits to creating and using affirmations. By customizing them to fit your own life and goals, you can make them even more powerful. Memorizing, practicing and repeating your affirmations will help you to recall and use them more effectively. Repeating them regularly will help to embed them into your subconscious mind, where they can help to shape your thoughts and beliefs. As you reap the benefits of using affirmations, you will find that your life becomes more positive and abundant.

Download Our Free App for more insight on how to overcome fear.

https://www.mymentalhealth.org/downloads/

Reference to Brain McAlister’s Book Full Recovery Audio

https://www.amazon.com/Full-Recovery-Recovering-Persons-Unleashing-ebook/dp/B0147CN2O2/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Success is One Click Away.

It’s that time of the year when many of us start focusing on our 2023 New Year’s Resolutions. To improve our 2023 outcomes, it’s a good idea to take a retrospective look at our 2022 resolutions.

If you shutter at the thought of measuring the success of your 2022 resolutions fear not, statistics show that over 75% of resolution writers admit defeat or stop trying during the first week in January. Only 9% of the people making New Year’s resolutions stick with them for the entire year. That leaves 91% with nothing more than good intentions. So, what group do you want to belong to in 2023? If you want to understand how to be successful in keeping your 2023 resolutions and become part of the 9% who achieved their goals read on.

The first reason people typically fail to keep their resolution commitments is they never make a firm “decision” to keep their commitments. The Latin root of the word decision, “decidere,” means, “to cut away.” That means mentally, and more important emotionally, cutting off any means of escape. It means failure is not an option. If failure is an option, we will find a way to justify taking that option. Failure is not an option. We need to be as emotionally invested in the outcome as a skydiver is in their parachute. The deeper our emotional commitment, the greater chance of success.

New Year’s resolutions like any goal need to be written. Writing your New Year’s resolution is the first action step you take towards achieving them. You can’t think your way into right action, but you can act your way into right thinking. Many people do not take the time to write down their resolutions, and the ones that do, throw them in a drawer somewhere never to be seen again and forgotten. This is not a recipe for success.

A better idea is to put your written resolutions in a place where you will see them and read them aloud several times a day. If your goal is to eat healthier, for example, you may want to hang them on your refrigerator or cookie drawer. The idea is to have auditory and visual reminders of your worthwhile goals. Remember, you are creating a new habit and new habits take time. Typically, it takes as little as 28 days to break an old habit and 90 days to create a new habit so stick with it.

It also helps to write both daily and yearly goals. Daily goals, or to do lists, are important because they keep us focused on the prize and give us a reason to celebrate our success every day. How do we accomplish our yearly goals? One day at a time.

Now that you have written down your resolutions, made a decision to place them where you will read them aloud daily and stick with it, you want to write down as many as possible emotional, heartfelt, reasons WHY you are absolutely committed to achieving your goal as you can think of. The emotional reasons WHY you are committed to achieving your New Year’s resolutions are even more important than how you will achieve success. Emotional reasons WHY are crucial because they create leverage on you when you are tempted to quit. Always give yourself emotional reasons that leave no room for retreat. Ask yourself, why is this resolution important to me, my physical and mental health, my family, my self-esteem, my career and my financial security? Emotional reasons are as important as a parachute is to a skydiver. Another way to keep leverage on yourself is to share your resolutions with the important people in your life. It will help you stay committed when a moment of weakness arises.

It also helps to write both daily and yearly goals. Daily goals, or to do lists, are important because they keep us focused on the prize and give us a reason to celebrate our success every day. How do we accomplish our yearly goals? One day at a time.

It’s important to be careful how you talk to yourself. Be sure to do your best to avoid negative self-talk. When you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts immediately remind yourself that you are a winner. The creator has built into you the ability to accomplish all your goals. Tell yourself that achieving your goals is pleasurable and practice positive self-talk throughout the day. We become what we think about. Our actions become our habits. Human minds are conditioned to move away from perceived pain and towards perceived pleasure. The caveat is that we get to decide what is painful and pleasurable. Make achieving your resolutions the most pleasurable thing you do and failure the most emotionally painful experience you can ever experience, and your brain will do the rest. Fake it until you make it if necessary.

Enlist the help of someone who already knows how to accomplish your goal. No matter what your resolution is, someone else has figured out the easiest way to success. Do what they did, and you’ll get what they got.

Make a decision to have fun and celebrate all the small victories along the way. If you stumble during the race don’t throw in the towel, just dust yourself off and get back in the race. Nothing is a failure until we accept it as such. The only way to truly fail is to not try.

If you are committed to your being the best, you can be in 2023 download the mymentalhealth.org app. And use it daily. Don’t let last years unfulfilled resolutions keep you from making 2023 the best year ever.

Brian McAlister

Mymentalhealth.org is a resource that provides information about the causes, treatments, and resources related to PTSD. Symptoms of negative thinking patterns and emotional anguish related to the traumatic event can include fatalistic thoughts about oneself and others, hopelessness, memory problems, (including not recalling aspects of the traumatic event), difficulty maintaining close relationships, detachment from family and friends, apathy towards activities that were once enjoyed, difficulty feeling positive emotion, emotional numbness and nightmares. To be diagnosed with PTSD according to official DSM-5 guidelines, these symptoms must last at least a month and affect your life on various levels including work or school performance, relationships etc. Mymentalhealth.org ensures people with PTSD do not have to fight this battle alone. We provide actionable solutions producing measurable results. 

Taking an assessment can be a vital step in becoming aware of your PTSD symptoms, severity and available solutions. The tools within the app allow people to examine their own experiences and understand their PTSD-related thoughts and behaviors so that they can get more targeted help. Users benefit from having greater insight into how their reactions have been shaped by past trauma, sparking a process of increased self-awareness that can lead to relief from many of the debilitating effects of PTSD.

Don’t suffer from PTSD alone- download today!

Download Our App Now for No Cost for Our Free Assessment

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The relationship between PTSD and substance use disorder is well documented. 

Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol is common but not a good long-term solution for dealing with PTSD. Substance abuse, including excessive alcohol consumption or taking drugs, is sometimes used to self-medicate in an attempt to relieve PTSD symptoms. When suffering from PTSD, individuals may resort to substance abuse as an attempt to cope with the invasive thoughts and emotions associated with the disorder. Substance use can also provide temporary relief from psychological distress – making it easy to cycle between using substances and using them in larger quantities and more frequently than intended. The mymentalhealth.org app provides support specifically designed for those struggling with substance abuse caused by trauma, offering compassionate guidance every step of the way. 

If you’re struggling and feel like there’s no help, Mymentalhealth.org is here for you. Our app provides immediate access and support, at no cost and is available 24/7 on your phone, tablet or PC. It’s never been easier or more convenient to access solutions for improved mental health and wellbeing. The mymentalhealth.org app provides people suffering from PTSD with assessments, information, resources, and support.

The app can also help people track their symptoms and progress, as well as set goals for recovery. So don’t hesitate, download the mymentalhealth.org app today to start your journey to PTSD recovery. 

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Mymentalhealth.org

Best All-in-one

First and foremost, the app is completely free! From assessments for those just starting their journey of sobriety, to support and guidance for those who are already in recovery—there is something for everyone in this compassionate platform.

Additionally, you have access to over 500 video clips designed for motivation and encouragement during your recovery process. You also receive daily mental health tips and tools specifically tailored to facilitate abundance in recovery.

For a more comprehensive experience, you won’t want to miss out on the 28-day program provided by best-selling author Brian McAlister. Through his energetic voice and helpful advice, he will lead you through each stage of getting—and staying—sober with confidence and grace. The app also offers a relapse prevention toolkit along with useful functions such as: a gratitude journal, sobriety tracker, meeting finder, etcetera.

Mymentalhealth.org App not only provides amazing resources but also allows users of all levels feel comfortable throughout their healing journey. Download today to begin taking control of your life! Author Brian McAlister takes you through program. This app is packed with everything you need to improve your mental health and well-being. With this app you can easily track your progress, find motivation when you need it, and even find support groups near you. What are you waiting for? Download our app today and start on your path to better mental health!

Sober Meditation

best for meditation and Prayer

Sober Meditations App is the perfect tool for anyone who is looking to deepen their recovery process by using meditation. Their library of mediations covers a variety of topics including cravings, disturbance, letting go, and loving your body — as well as step-by-step guidance through the 12 steps! With hidden PDF files, you can easily access worksheets to help you confront old behavior patterns and build healthier new ones.

Sober Meditations App provides an opportunity to tap into peace and self-love that lies within each one of us; an easy way to break out of self-destructive cycles and find balance in our lives. So, if you are looking for the tools to truly reorient your life and achieve greater clarity – look no further. With Sober Meditations App is easy, fast, and totally free!

Recovery Elevator

Best Sobreity Tracker and Unique Features

Recovery Elevator App – the perfect tool for those on a journey to lasting recovery. Discover how this groundbreaking app can help you break away from addictions for good.

With Recovery Elevator, it’s easier than ever to keep track of and monitor your recovery journey from start to finish. The app offers detailed stat breakdowns of your recovery status, showing exactly how much money you save by not drinking or using drugs, down to even the calories saved. There’s also a daily checklist feature designed specifically with recovery in mind, allowing users to set regular goals and achieve objectives that put them one step closer to lasting sobriety.

But there’s more-it also connects you to valuable resources such as their podcasts and websites designed specifically to assist those in recovery. With Recovery Elevator, users have access to an entire library of helpful tools and content right at their fingertips!

24 Hour

Best Literture App

The 24 Hours App offers a variety of helpful resources, from Hazelton Literature reflections to AA thoughts of the day. You’ll also receive daily meditations and prayers for each day in your journey. They understand that some days are tougher than others, which is why their app also allows you to save favorite reflections so that you can access and reflect on them anytime – even when there’s no internet connection! 

Plus, their searchable library makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to 12-step basic literature. This way, you never have to worry about missing something important in your recovery process. And remember – with 24 Hours App, all of these features are 100% free! No need to worry about hidden fees or in-app purchases ever again. 

There are a lot of different ways that people in recovery can stay sober and on track. Some people prefer to go to meetings, some people like to get a sponsor, and some people find that working the 12 steps is helpful. But there are also a lot of great tools that recoveries can use that don’t cost any money. In this blog post, we’ve listed four of our favorite free apps for recovery. These apps are all completely unique and they’re all completely free. If you’re looking for some great tools to help you in your sobriety, definitely check out these four apps. They just might be what you need to set yourself up for success in recovery without spending any money at all.

When in the ICU earlier this week I asked myself this question. What regrets would I take into eternity should I not survive? The answer was none.

Brian McAlister

I am sending out this message of overwhelming thankfulness and gratitude to everyone who has kept Paula and I in your prayers this past week. When confronted with the loss of my eyesight while facing head-on my own mortality, it has been the spiritual and emotional clarity that has allowed me to remain positive. I have chosen to spend the past week reflecting on the joys I have experienced rather than fear, regret or missed opportunities. I am reinvigorated with a renewed sense of spiritual wonder and gratitude to the God of my understanding for allowing me to participate so fully in this adventure known as life. My belief in miracles allows me to live a miraculous life. Every setback carries with it greater seed of opportunity.

My belief in miracles allows me to live a miraculous life. Every setback carries with it greater seed of opportunity.

Last week, on what should have been a typical drive to the office, in a millisecond, my idea of self, the future and reality was forever changed. Today, my focus is on how I can turn this seed of opportunity into a blessing for myself and others. We all have experienced life challenges. We also have experienced moments of clarity. This latest moment of clarity is on par with the psychic change and rearrangement of ideas that has allowed me to stay sober for over 33 years. These moments arrive as a hunch, premonition, or an innovative idea that pops into our consciousness.

It is during these moments of clarity that the universal consciousness is reaching out to us. During these momentary lapses of our ego-based reality, the grace of God enters. I have learned to embrace these moments as I would a gift. I accept that my Higher Power built into me the ability to overcome any challenge. The same holds true for you. When in the ICU earlier this week I asked myself this question. What regrets would I take into eternity should I not survive? The answer was none.

That does not mean I do not have character flaws that have not yet been overcome or that I have always made the right decision. It means that when reflecting on the totality of life, I honestly did the best I could with the hand I have been dealt. I have been given more than I will ever be able to repay. I know all too well the darkness of mental illness and its accompanying hopelessness. Through willingness, spiritual growth, mentorship, and perseverance I have overcome the hell of addiction. I have known love and the deepest bonds people can share. I have enjoyed spiritual and material abundance. I am part of the solution and no longer live in the problem. I ask better questions and receive better answers. I have also experienced loss, and although it is sometimes challenging it is a gift for which I am truly grateful. All life’s experiences allow me to stay connected to the body of humanity. I am an individual, yet part of the whole. I get to relate to my fellow men and women through the gift of compassion that develops from shared mutual experiences. Part of the shared human condition is experiencing loss. Had I not had my own addictions, financial, physical, and mental pain, my mentalhealth.org would not have become reality. This is what I meant when I stated every setback contains a greater seed of opportunity. Life happens as it will. I embrace the fact that I am in control of but one thing, my own choices and how I react to situations.

All life’s experiences allow me to stay connected to the body of humanity. I am an individual, yet part of the whole. I get to relate to my fellow men and women through the gift of compassion that develops from shared mutual experiences.

The Romans had a saying Amor Fati. The translation is “the virtue of loving one’s own fate.” It means accepting that whatever we are currently experiencing is not a cosmic conspiracy sent to make us miserable. They are same universal experiences all humans’ encounter. The Roman poet Terrance summed it up in one sentence. “Nothing Human is alien to me.” To embrace this type of thinking requires a moment of clarity and the ability to answer life’s challenges with a hearty yes! It is easier when I accept that there are powers at work that are beyond my control. They are working for my good and yours, too. What began as a moment of clarity has become clarity of vision. A vision once narrowed by addiction, small ideas, and pettiness has grown into a broad view of the horizon and the unlimited possibilities of life.

We, you, and I, are the solution. Waiting on the government, health insurers or anyone else to solve this problem will not get the job done. Mymentalhealth.org was a direct result of a previous moment of clarity when I recognized and accepted that my quality of life is in direct proportion to my spiritual, emotional, and mental health. I have never been so positive I am doing the right thing for the right reason at any time in my life. Just watch the evening news and you will witness the avoidable tragedies resulting from lack of access to mental health care.

Mymentalhealth.org was a direct result of a previous moment of clarity when I recognized and accepted that my quality of life is in direct proportion to my spiritual, emotional, and mental health. I have never been so positive I am doing the right thing for the right reason at any time in my life.

Please be an ambassador for positive change. My Mental Health delivers immediate access to mental health assessments and programs free of charge. Download them, use them, and pass along the good news, give it away. Join the movement. We are a 501 3C in the truest sense of the word. We have no employees; everyone is a volunteer. We can use your help. Mymentalhealth.org will NEVER bill for any of our programs. If you are so situated, please become a monthly donor so we may continue providing this life changing service. Please be part of the solution. Thanks again for your prayers, positive intentions, and continued support.

Substance use disorder is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans every year. It’s important for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of substance use disorder in order to recognize them in their own children and take the necessary steps to get help. Let’s take a look at some of the common signs and symptoms of substance use disorder.

Behavioral Symptoms

Substance abuse can cause many changes in behavior, some of which can be hard to spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Some common behavioral signs include sudden mood swings, changes in social circle, neglecting activities they used to enjoy, lying or stealing, constantly needing money, and avoiding family members or friends. They may also start engaging in risky behaviors such as driving under the influence or unprotected sex.

Physical Symptoms

Substance abuse can have physical effects on the body as well. These effects vary depending on the type of substance being abused but can include slurred speech, drowsiness, lack of coordination, red eyes, dilated pupils, sweating or shaking hands, nausea or vomiting, and an increased heart rate. If you notice any of these physical symptoms in your child, it is important to take action immediately.

Psychological Symptoms

The psychological symptoms associated with substance abuse are often overlooked because they are not always obvious from the outside looking in. Some of these symptoms may include depression or anxiety disorders; euphoria when using substances; impaired judgment; paranoia; memory loss; difficulty concentrating; and changes in motivation or energy levels. If your child is exhibiting any of these mental health issues it is important that they receive professional help right away.

It is important for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of substance use disorder so that they can recognize them early on and seek help if necessary. While there is no surefire way to prevent your child from using drugs or alcohol, recognizing and addressing substance use disorder early on can make all the difference in getting them back on track before it’s too late. If you think your child may be struggling with substance abuse it is essential that you get them professional help as soon as possible.

To take a mental health assessment please download our new APP.

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My experience is that the true joy of recovery is redirecting our “more” tendencies to achieve our positive worthwhile goals.

I was born with the “MORE” gene. It’s part of who I am. That’s probably why I became an addict. Thirty-three years ago, I crawled into recovery a beaten and broken man. By following suggestions from people who were able to get and stay sober, I learned how to stay sober too. The challenge became, I didn’t just want to be clean and sober; I wanted a great life! Over time I began to realize that if the Creator built this “more” character trait into me, then surely, it could be put to good use. My experience is that the true joy of recovery is redirecting our “more” tendencies to achieve our positive worthwhile goals. If you are seeking solutions or just some fresh ideas on how to move your recovery dreams forward in 2023, let me offer a few suggestions:

1) Be careful how you talk to yourself.

We talk to ourselves all day long. And the conversations either propel us forward or drag us backward. During active addiction many of us developed the habit of mentally beating
ourselves up. This sadistic habit can stay with us long after we stop using. “The voice” in our head tells us: I’m not good enough, pretty enough or talented enough. Sometimes we reinforce weak suggestions such as: Someday I’ll fall in love. Someday I’ll finish college. Someday I’ll make more money. Remember – Today is Someday!

Suggestion: Write down four positive affirmations and read them aloud several times a day or whenever you drift into unproductive thinking patterns. Over time they will become part of your subconscious. This is an easy way to create a new positive habit. A few examples are, I was created to be sober, free and loved. I can achieve all my goals. I can create the reality of my choosing. I am healthy in body, mind and spirit.

I was created to be sober, free and loved. I can achieve all my goals. I can create the reality of my choosing. I am healthy in body, mind and spirit.

2) Ask yourself better questions.

Better questions produce better answers. Better answers ensure better results. What kind of questions are you asking? Do you begin your day with unproductive questions such as: Why do I have to wake up? How come I never get a break? Why do I have to go to work? I don’t know if I can succeed so why bother trying? These types of questions instantly produce negative emotions putting unneeded stress on your entire being. Physically our bodies tense up, self- esteem plummets and we can even feel achy and nauseous. Mentally we become anxious and depressed. These types of questions are carryover habits from our days in active addiction. They are a self-fulfilling prophesy and a complete waste of time.

Suggestion: Begin a new more empowering habit of starting your day in a productive way by asking better questions. Examples would be: What would I do today if I had unlimited time, freedom and money? How can I do something enjoyable and get paid for it? What would I do if success were guaranteed? How am I going to have fun TODAY? This is not idle daydreaming. This is how you design a life. All human accomplishments begin in the workshop of the mind. These types of questions, when answered intelligently, give you clues as to what really interests you. When you do something
you like, you do it with enthusiasm and it doesn’t feel like work. Do something with enthusiasm, instead of for a paycheck, and you typically do it well. Do something well it increases self-esteem, and you will earn more money.

3) Take Action.

Faith without works is dead. We all have had good ideas and grand dreams about what we
want to do, own, or accomplish but few of us take the consistent action required to turn our dreams into reality. A successful life rarely happens in a flash of brilliance or in a moment’s stroke of inspiration. More often, it happens, by taking consistent focused daily action over an extended period of time. A good idea might pop into your consciousness, but unless we take focused action, nothing will come of it. All the tools needed to maintain sobriety are transferable into everyday life. Sometimes the hardest part of becoming successful beyond sobriety is just getting started.

Suggestion: Write down one action step you could take today to turn your dreams into reality. It might be as simple as making a phone call. Maybe you want to register for a class. Perhaps you could find a mentor that already knows how to accomplish what you are seeking to accomplish. After all, isn’t that how most of us got sober? We took small steps on a daily basis, and it turned into a sober life. The same process can be used on your journey to abundance. At the very least write down your goal and place it where you will read it every day. Following through on these simple suggestions will increase your ability to make 2023 your best year ever!

Following through on these simple suggestions will increase your ability to make 2023 your best year ever!

Brian McAlister is President of My Mental Health, creator of Freedom 365 Virtual

Recovery system, author of the #1 Amazon bestselling book Full Recovery and

CEO/Founder of the Full Recovery Wellness Center licensed treatment facility in

Fairfield, NJ.

To learn more visit; mymentalhealth.org

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