Ideas to Bolster Your Mental Health – 12 Days of Hope Series
12 Days of Hope Series #1
Last year, we published a series of hopeful ideas for improving mental health during the winter holidays and beyond. (Even playing in the snow can be good for mental health!) We’re doing it again this year, beginning with the best ideas from last year. As we head into 2025, we offer help from experts, personal stories, hope for those who face mental health challenges, and tips for the happiest of New Years.
Read about or listen to how other folks managed a challenge.
Hearing about someone else’s personal experience can be a powerful catalyst for change, especially in the recovery community. Group therapy is an essential part of mental health treatment at Sanford Behavioral Health because we are drawn to those who share a similar history.ย Knowing that someone else was once in your shoes (and is now on the other side) relieves the loneliness and sense of isolation and inspires hope. [Read More]
About Those Resolutions!
Accomplishing any behavioral change requires an understanding that change is a process and not a single event or goal. Sanford’s Family Program facilitator, Carli Noffsinger, LMSW, CAADC,ย gives her perspectives on how humans make behavioral changes like resolutions that last for years to come. [Read More]
Consider getting the help you need (no excuses).
During the holidays (summer vacation, wedding season, a Wednesday), we get excuses as to why a person cannot go to rehab now, maybe later. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we understand that those with substance use disorders, eating disorders, and mental health conditions try to find reasons to put off getting treatment. Of course, the holidays present the ultimate excuse, but the best gift you can give any time of year is committing to the lifesaving help you need. We bust your justifications for waiting in the 4th article in the series. [Read More]
Find the activities, tools, and hacks that bolster your recovery and your mental health.ย
Whether it’s awe walks in the forest, sledding with the kids, or an escape plan from a family feast, we present a few of our favorite tools to put in your mental health toolbox, [Read More[
Pet a puppy or snuggle a cat – or find a treatment center with a therapy dog.
We like to sing the praises of the Sanford therapy dog, Appolonia. There are many benefits to having a dog like Apollonia at Sanford for patients and employees alike. Dogs arenโt capable of judgment the way humans are; they donโt know anything about the person they are interacting with. However, they are masters of reading emotions and body language – pet a puppy and experience the “good feels.” This article garnered almost 5,000 Facebook shares! [Read More]
Change the drinking “norms” and traditions at your get-togethers all year round (no hangovers or blackouts).
We provide 101 fun things to do that don’t involve alcohol and ten tips to change your and your loved ones’ relationship with alcohol. Now that’s hopeful and helpful! [Read More]
Be a role model for your children.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), โStarting at a young age, we begin to internalize messages that can lead to negative body image. Having a healthier body image is an important part of mental wellbeing and eating disorders prevention.” Between 23-35% of those with eating disorders (depending on the type of eating disorder) also have a substance use disorder, so early intervention is vital. Our article, with ideas for creating a safe environment for children, is a must-read. [Read More]ย
Get excited about the “trend” toward the dry or damp lifestyle.
The sober, curious, or โdamp lifestyleโ is the choice to be mindful and practice moderation when drinking alcohol. This includes avoiding binge drinking and overconsumption of alcoholic beverages. Interestingly, it is trending on social media. Get some great tips on cutting back or cutting out alcohol for a month or a lifetime. [Read More]
Look for hope and support from family, friends, 12-step meetings, and your Human Resources (HR) Department!
We interviewed Sam Domine (who is now HR Manager) about her long-term recovery and how it impacts her job in HR. She talks about being an advocate for others in recovery on the Sanford team. Sam says, “Those of us in recovery like to talk about our stories because it takes us a while to get here.” [Read More]
Sign up for outpatient treatment programs while living your real life.
Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness while also living busy lives. Atย Sanford Behavioral Health, we are ready to address todayโs busy lifestyles with flexible physical spaces and expanding outpatient and telehealth programs for substance use disorders (SUD), eating disorders, and co-occurring mental health treatment. [Read All About Real-Life Recovery]
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, eating disorders, or co-occurring mental health conditions, donโt wait to change your life โ click the link below to speak with an admissions specialist today.
