Fueling Your Recovery from Depression

According to the Depression and Bipolar Alliance, nearly 15 million men and women are currently battling a major depressive disorder. And, it impacts individuals from every socioeconomic background, race and gender.

While no one is immune, unfortunately, women are more susceptible than men to depression with more than 12 million women in the United States diagnosed with the condition each year.

Though, the good news is that depression is a highly treatable condition. Many find help through the combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, prescription medications including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and holistic treatments such as yoga and acupuncture.

But, it may be surprising to know that what you put in your grocery cart can also help relieve the symptoms of depression and aid in your recovery.

3 Good-Mood Foods to Combat Depression

1.    Omega-3 Fatty Acids. One Norwegian research study, encompassing more than 22,000 participants, found that individuals who regularly consumed nutritional supplements rich in Omega-3 fatty acids were 30% less likely to report symptoms of depression. Natural sources of this inflammation-fighter include flaxseeds, walnuts, sardines and salmon.

2.    Complex Carbohydrates. While an excessive consumption of refined sugars and processed foods have been shown to increase insulin levels and spike blood sugar levels, that doesn’t mean that you should avoid carbs completely. Complex carbohydrates, which are slower to digest, can help you curb the symptoms of depression by supporting healthy levels of serotonin, known as the “calming” components of your brain chemistry.

3.    Lean Meat, Fish and Legumes. Eating a balanced diet that includes natural sources of protein can also help you beat the blues. Why? Foods rich in protein such as turkey, tuna and beans are great sources of an amino acid critical to your brain chemistry, called tryptophan, which supports the production of serotonin, a powerful mood regulator.  

Depression and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. Sometimes those dealing with behavioral health issues turn to drugs and alcohol in an effort to self-medicate and tame the uncomfortable emotions and urges associated with their disease. If you are dealing with a mental health issue or an addition to drugs or alcohol, it’s important to get help from an experienced addiction counselor or behavioral health professional.

Find Lasting Sobriety – Healing Your Mind, Body and Spirit

On your path to addiction recovery, we can help you overcome the emotional roadblocks that may have tested your sobriety in the past.

If you are looking for a partner and support system to help you start a new life, Rising Roads Recovery can help. We are dedicated to helping women get - and stay sober.

Contact us for more information at (866) 746-1558.

Why Art Therapy Works

If you are battling an addiction or behavioral health issue, you are likely familiar with the most common forms of treatment available including 12 Step programs, cognitive behavioral therapy and talk therapy.

But, did you know that many leading addiction treatment facilities now recommend the use of art therapy to help augment the recovery process?

What is Art Therapy? 

Art therapy is a powerful tool that enables you to freely express your thoughts, emotions and improve your self-esteem.

While art therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, art therapy has been shown to effectively treat those battling substance abuse issues. It is important to note that art therapy is much more than the act of creating art. It’s actually a two-step process where you are first encouraged to visualize your thoughts and feelings and then create visual expressions of those emotions using mediums including music, dance, painting and drawing.

Then, with the guidance of an experienced art therapist, you are able to explore the underlying meanings and the personal experiences that have helped to inform your artistic expression.

3 Benefits of Art Therapy 

Art therapy has been shown to help addicts overcome substance abuse issues and provide a wide variety of benefits.

Three of the most powerful outcomes from art therapy include:

1. It gives you the freedom to communicate feelings that you can’t verbalize. When you are dealing with memories or emotions that are hard to process, art therapy provides a safe outlet for release. And, it offers the opportunity to revisit those emotions at a later date when are you are more comfortable talking about those issues.

2. A healthy stress relief. Everybody experiences stress periodically. With hectic work schedules and personal commitments, it’s important to consciously create outlets to relieve your stress that don’t involve drugs or alcohol. With art therapy, you can tune out the noise and get peace of mind knowing that you are doing something truly good for your emotional and physical well-being.

3. Your art therapist may identify opportunities for personal growth. Sometimes it takes the perspective of someone else to help you understand what you are feeling and why. Art therapy is unique in that you may paint something or draw an experience from your past that you didn’t realize was creating an emotional blockage. With the insight from an experienced art therapist, you can help explore subconscious toxins that need to be addressed.

Holistic Addiction Therapy 

Art can be a phenomenal tool when used to promote emotional and cognitive growth. Through image making and creating you can tap into parts of your inner self.

Rising Roads uses both “Art therapy” which is facilitated by a therapist as well as “Art Expression” which can be facilitated and encouraged by anyone on our staff. Our hope is to enhance your therapeutic experience with the incorporation of artistic expression in many different mediums.

Begin your individual journey to recovery in our serene and supportive environment by calling 866.746.1558.