Taking Care of Yourself During a Crisis: The Benefits of Professional Mental Health Care in Your Time of Need

When we experience a crisis, whether it's a natural disaster, a personal loss, or a divorce, it can take a significant toll on our mental health and well-being. As a mom, it's important to prioritize your own self-care during these times, so you can be present for your family. Seeking professional mental health care and support for substance abuse can be an essential part of this process. In this article, we'll explore why these resources are so important, and how you can access them.

Acknowledge Your Emotions

During a crisis, it's normal to experience a range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to sadness and anger. It's important to allow yourself to feel these emotions, rather than pushing them aside or pretending they don't exist. Acknowledging your emotions can help you process what you're going through and take steps toward healing. This is important whether you're experiencing divorce, the loss of a loved one, or even overcoming a traumatic event.

Prioritize Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is essential during a crisis. This can mean different things for different people, but some examples of self-care include getting enough rest, eating well, exercising, and doing activities that bring you joy. It can be easy to put your own needs on the backburner when you're focused on caring for others but remember that you can't pour from an empty cup.

Connect With Loved Ones

Social support is a key component of mental health and well-being. During a crisis, it can be helpful to connect with loved ones, whether it's through phone calls, video chats, or going out for a cup of coffee. Talking to others about what you're going through can help you feel less alone and provide a sense of comfort and support.

Seek Professional Mental Health Care

While it is crucial to take care of yourself during a crisis, sometimes it may not be enough to manage the stress and emotions that come with it. Seeking professional mental health care can be immensely beneficial for those struggling to cope with a crisis. There are some steps you can take when seeking mental health care. The first is to reach out for help.

Contact your primary care provider or health insurance company to get a referral to a mental health specialist. Alternatively, you can search for a mental health professional in your area through websites such as Psychology Today. You can also consider the different options you have for mental health care.

There are many types of mental health professionals, including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors. You can also look into women only dual diagnosis treatment centers if you are experiencing both mental health and substance abuse issues.

Address Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can be a common coping mechanism during times of crisis, but it can also exacerbate mental health issues and create additional problems. If you're struggling with substance abuse, it's important to seek help from a professional. They can help you identify the root causes of your substance use and provide strategies for managing triggers and cravings.

Utilize Online Resources

During a crisis, accessing in-person mental health care or support for substance abuse may not be possible or practical. Fortunately, there are many online resources available that can help you access the support you need. These can include online therapy services, support groups, and virtual recovery meetings when you are overcoming substance abuse.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. It can be a helpful tool for managing stress and anxiety during a crisis. Mindfulness techniques can include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and body scans. There are many resources available online that can guide you through mindfulness practices.

Create a Plan for Your Future

It can be difficult to envision a future during a crisis, but creating a plan for the future can help provide a sense of hope and purpose. This can include setting goals for your mental health and substance abuse recovery, as well as planning for future emergencies or crises.

Conclusion

During a crisis, it's important to prioritize your own mental health and well-being. Seeking professional mental health care and also getting support for substance abuse can be essential components of this process. By acknowledging your emotions, prioritizing self-care, connecting with loved ones, and accessing online resources, you can build the foundation for a healthier and happier future.