Skip to main content
Category

Mental Health

Mar 17
Love0
How Do I Know if My Teen Has Clinical Depression?

How Do I Know if My Teen Has Clinical Depression?

By Mental Health

Teenagers experience many mood and behavioral changes. Sometimes, parental figures have difficulty recognizing the signs of mental health disorders, including clinical depression. According to MedlinePlus, “Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in the teens or early adulthood.” Depression is a risk factor for and common symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD). The Redpoint Center offers personalized treatment programs for teenagers struggling with SUD and clinical depression. 

What Is Clinical Depression?

Clinical depression, also called major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and loss of interest in everyday activities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), clinical depression “can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.” 

The most common symptoms of MDD include: 

  • Reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities 
  • Social withdrawal 
  • Unusual irritation 
  • Sadness
  • Frequent crying 
  • Mood swings 
  • Low self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem
  • Exhaustion 
  • Lack of focus 
  • Low energy levels 
  • Anxiety

Depression affects everyone differently. Some people may have multiple signs of depression, while others appear outwardly happy despite internally experiencing severe mental health symptoms. According to CMAJ, “Although more than 40% of people with depression experience onset before adulthood, depression remains [often] undetected.” Untreated depression increases the risk of self-harming, suicidal, and risk-taking behaviors in teens and young adults. 

Risk Factors for Depression in Young Adults

The risk factors for teenage depression include: 

  • Genetics 
  • Family history of mental health or substance use disorders 
  • Substance abuse 
  • Sexual, physical, or verbal abuse
  • Neglect 
  • Adverse childhood experiences(ACEs)
  • Bullying and peer harassment
  • Grief or loss 
  • An unsafe or stressful living environment
  • Lack of social support 
  • Inconsistent parenting styles 

Teenagers are vulnerable to depression and other mental health disorders if they have an unstable home life. Consistency, a nurturing environment, and positive social support are essential to teen mental health. 

How Does Clinical Depression Manifest in Teens?

Depression and other mood disorders may manifest differently for some teens. Adolescents and young adults often express anxiety and other symptoms of MDD through aggression, acting out against parental figures, and combative behavior with peers. Instead of feeling sad, teens may have sudden angry outbursts or experience attachment issues. Depression also affects focus and motivation. Many teenagers with untreated clinical depression struggle academically and socially. 

When to Get Help

Parental figures and guardians of teens with depression may not know when to get help for their child. The symptoms of depression are often cumulative. Early intervention and treatment reduce the risk of teens experiencing severe symptoms or mental health disorders later in life. 

Regular mental health checkups for teens ensure issues like depression are detected and treated quickly. According to Health.gov, “If your child is between ages 12 and 18 years, ask the doctor about screening (testing) for depression — even if you don’t see signs of a problem.” A mental health screening consists of a few easy-to-answer questions and generally takes about five minutes. 

Treatment Options for Clinical Depression

The treatment for depressive disorders is the same for any age. Prescription medications and psychotherapy often have the most successful outcomes. Teens may also benefit from group therapy and other forms of peer support. Treatment programs address mental health issues and their underlying causes to ensure teens do not return to maladaptive coping mechanisms, including substance abuse, after completing treatment and returning home. 

How Can The Redpoint Center Help Teens With Depression?

The experts at The Redpoint Center are experienced in treating teens. Clinicians understand how best to reach teens experiencing mental health or substance abuse issues. The care team takes the time to build a strong foundation of trust with each client. Clinicians ensure clients develop essential coping skills for managing symptoms. Families are also educated about the realities of depression and other mental health issues and guided through the process of ensuring teens have a safe and comfortable home environment to return to after treatment.  

Some of the treatment modalities and services offered at The Redpoint Center include: 

  • Case management
  • Aftercare planning 
  • Psychotherapy
  • Experiential therapy
  • Behavior modification
  • Family therapy 
  • Group therapy and support groups 
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Alumni services

The Redpoint Center offers partial hospitalization (PHP) and other outpatient programs for teens and young adults experiencing depression, substance abuse, and dual diagnosis. 

Family Engagement in Treatment

Individual and family therapy strengthens family connections and creates healthier dynamics. According to Psychiatry, “A psychiatrist or therapist doing family therapy utilizes the connection that exists between child and family with the goal of improving the overall functioning of the family.” The clinicians at The Redpoint Center understand that “when a family functions better, the child functions better.” 

The Redpoint Center encourages families to actively participate in their teen’s treatment and educate themselves on depression or other mental health issues affecting their child. The clinical team provides guidance, reassurance, and resources. 

Parents and guardians may worry if their child begins to struggle with mental health issues. Often, disorders, including major depression, present differently in teens and young adults. Instead of feeling sad or helpless, teens may feel angry and begin exhibiting aggressive behaviors. Parental figures benefit from educating themselves on what signs to look for if they believe their child may have a mental health issue. The Redpoint Center provides interventions, education, and guidance to families with teens experiencing mental health issues. Our clinical team ensures family members know how best to support their loved one during treatment. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (303) 710-8496.

Nov 21
Love0
4 Ways to Maintain Positive Mental Health During Full-Day Treatment in Colorado

4 Ways to Maintain Positive Mental Health During Full-Day Treatment in Colorado

By Mental Health

Full-day treatment programs help clients focus on their recovery while allowing them additional freedom to attend to personal responsibilities. Many people continue to work or care for their home during outpatient treatment. Maintaining positive mental health is essential to ensure progress in recovery. According to the Journal of Affective Disorders, “[P]ositive mental health may be an important resource for individuals to recover from mental illness and stay mentally healthy.” Treatment programs at The Redpoint Center provide clients with the tools and skills they need to establish and maintain positive mental health.

The Importance of Positive Mental Health During Recovery

Positive mental health reduces the severity of symptoms and helps clients focus more fully on establishing healthy routines. According to MedlinePlus, “Mental health is important” because it can help individuals:

  • Cope with the stresses of life
  • Be physically healthy
  • Have good relationships
  • Make meaningful contributions to your community
  • Work productively
  • Realize your full potential”

Recovery from substance abuse involves becoming a part of the sober community and building healthy relationships. Individuals in treatment gain confidence as they learn new life skills to increase emotional stability. The care team at The Redpoint Center uses evidence-based methods, including psychotherapy, prescription medication, and peer support, to help clients establish and maintain positive mental health.

4 Ways to Stay Positive During Full-Day Treatment

Staying positive helps people feel more in control of their emotions, moods, thoughts, and behaviors. An optimistic mindset is not always easy to maintain. However, people benefit from focusing on the positives in their lives instead of the negatives. Below are four ways clients increase positivity while participating in full-day treatment programs.

#1. Journaling to Overcome Challenges and Maintain Positive Mental Health

Journaling is one of the most common ways to reduce stress, improve positivity, and increase mindfulness. Clinicians at The Redpoint Center encourage clients to use journaling and other therapeutic tools to manage their symptoms and find healthy ways to express how they feel about their recovery.

Journaling does not always involve physically writing down thoughts in a notebook. Some other forms of journaling include:

  • Using an app to track mood, thought, or behavioral changes
  • Keeping a digital or physical dream journal
  • Audio or video recording of thoughts and feelings
  • Artistically expressing feelings and thoughts using various mediums

Regardless of the method, self-expression decreases stress and allows clients to better process their internal and external experiences. Focusing on positive experiences or writing about past trauma can be equally helpful for individuals with SUD. According to JMIR Mental Health, “Positive affect journaling (PAJ), an emotion-focused self-regulation intervention, has been associated with positive outcomes among” individuals with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

#2. Regularly Connect With Loved Ones to Improve Mental Health

Connecting with friends and family significantly reduces stress and mental health symptoms for most people in recovery. The added support of engaging with loved ones helps clients feel motivated and inspired to continue making progress in treatment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for helping a family member who is drinking too much, using drugs, or dealing with a mental illness, research shows that family support can play a major role in helping a loved one with mental and substance use disorders.”

A few ways clients often connect with friends and family include:

  • Chatting on the phone, through video calls, or over text
  • Emailing regularly or direct messaging using social media apps
  • Spending time attending events together
  • Engaging in outdoor activities, sports, or other hobbies

Clients often feel more focused on their recovery goals when family members support them and hold them accountable for their continued participation in treatment.

#3. Share Achievements and Other Happy Moments to Maintain Positive Mental Health

Sharing positivity with others and seeking positive news from friends and family reduces stress and improves mental health. According to the American Journal of Community Psychology, “Sharing of positive news (i.e., capitalization)—one specific type of shared positive experience—has been associated with subsequent increases in positive affect (i.e., positive emotional states) and subjective well-being; greater vitality; self-esteem and job satisfaction; less loneliness, and more happiness and life satisfaction.”

#4. Participate in Activities You Enjoy and Practice Regular Self-Care

Self-care involves putting mental health first. People recovering from substance abuse or mental health issues benefit from practicing regular self-care and engaging in healthy activities they enjoy.

Some examples of everyday self-care include:

  • Spending quality time with friends and family
  • Taking time alone to meditate or relax
  • Eating nutritional meals
  • Getting quality sleep each night
  • Relying on a support system

According to SAMHSA, “When you take care of your mental health, your physical and emotional health improves; you become more resilient; and it makes it easier to find ways to manage life stressors in a healthy and positive way.” Redpoint Center provides clients with the skill development they need to maintain self-care during treatment and ongoing recovery.

Recovering from substance abuse or mental health issues requires time and dedication to change. Engaging in regular self-care and maintaining positive mental health reduces the risk of relapse and increases the effectiveness of treatment programs and services. Psychotherapy, peer support, and alternative holistic therapies provide clients in treatment with the help and guidance they need to establish and maintain healthy lifestyle changes. The Redpoint Center encourages clients to try different methods to improve mental health during and after treatment. The care team helps clients focus on the positives and find healthy ways to process and overcome challenges they may face during early recovery. To learn more about our programs and services at our locations in Colorado, call (303) 710-8496.

Nov 12
Love0
Understanding The Benefits of Fort Collins Mental Health and Addiction Care

Understanding the Benefits of Fort Collins Mental Health and Addiction Care

By Mental Health

Finding the right place for recovery, right away, can be crucial for long-term success. According to Addiction Relapse Prevention by Nicholas Guenzel and Dennis McChargue, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.” Yes, finding the right place for recovery is crucial. Fort Collins mental health and addiction care is some of the best in the country.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Recovery Program

One of the biggest hurdles people face in recovery actually comes before the recovery process even begins. That hurdle is deciding to get help. So, when someone makes that leap and is ready to commit, it is important to know where to go and what places offer the best chances for recovery. When someone is willing to accept help, that “willingness window” is often very small. Choosing the right recovery program can help ensure that that window “stays open” long enough for the treatment process to begin.

Choosing the right recovery program involves many factors. One of which is the level of severity at which one’s mental health and/or addiction issues are at. If they are in the later or more severe stages, it may be important to find a recovery program that begins with a clinical examination and/or a detox. This also may include a residential recovery stay as well.

If someone is willing to get help but does not require close medical monitoring, the right recovery program may involve a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), or a general outpatient program (GOP). This will allow the individual to focus on their recovery, while also staying engaged in their everyday lives. All of these options are available with Fort Collins mental health and addiction care.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Recovery Location

When it comes to recovery, especially early recovery, there must be as minimal outside distractions as possible. An individual needs to focus fully on their recovery. This includes staying away from certain “people, places, and things” (as they often refer to it in 12-Step recovery).

“Place” or environment is critical for recovery because the outside world can be very triggering to someone who is in recovery. This is why many people choose residential recovery, because the treatment facility can help shield some of those environmental triggers. However, it often cannot do so entirely.

Many people choose to start their recovery journey in another location because it helps them to disconnect from potentially triggering situations that could lead to relapse. It also helps to go somewhere where there is exceptional sobriety and unparalleled beauty. This is why many people choose Fort Collins mental health and addiction care.

The Benefits of Fort Collins Mental Health and Addiction Care

Fort Collins, Colorado, is an ideal place for recovery as it has the best of both worlds. It is just a short drive to the ever-growing urban hub of Denver and an even shorter drive to the majestic Rocky Mountains. Also, Fort Collins mental health and addiction care is some of the best in the country.

Fort Collins also has an exceptional recovery community. Many people head to Fort Collins, Colorado, for recovery and discover that it is also the ideal place to maintain recovery, so they opt to stay and help others. This is why Fort Collins also has such a vibrant 12-Step community.

Fort Collins mental health and addiction care doesn’t just stop at treatment centers either; there are many outstanding sober living facilities. Fort Collins is a place where people not only recover, but they recover a newfound sense of what life is all about. Whether it is climbing up one of the Rocky Mountain’s peaks, or snowboarding down, Fort Collins is like no other place around.

The Redpoint Center, Fort Collins Mental Health and Addiction Care, and Our Recovery Mission

Here at The Redpoint Center, we understand the importance of finding the right recovery center that works specifically for each person’s needs. No one’s addiction journey is the same, so their recovery journey shouldn’t be either.

Fort Collins mental health and addiction care is ideal for anyone who wants to engage with their treatment while also engaging with a recovery community and an area of natural beauty that often exceeds expectations. Because one’s environment matters when it comes to recovery, choosing the right recovery center is key. For many, Fort Collins mental health and addiction care is that key.

Finding the right environment for effective mental health and addiction care can be crucial for long-term recovery success and wellness. Fort Collins, Colorado, is an ideal place for that type of recovery, with its serene Rocky Mountain setting, as well as its proximity to exciting city living in Denver. The Repoint Center in Fort Collins, Colorado, offers some of the best recovery opportunities in the country. If you feel like you or a loved one may be struggling with issues of addiction, mental health, or both, we can help. For more information on how we treat clients through applicable recovery skills that they can use in everyday life, please reach out to The Repoint Center today at (303) 710-8496.

Aug 25
Love0
Longmont Mental Health Treatment Options When Utilizing a Full Day Treatment

Longmont Mental Health Treatment Options When Utilizing a Full-Day Treatment

By Mental Health

According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), “13.5 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25 had both a substance use disorder and any mental illness in the past year.” Additionally, “Nearly 1 in 3 adults had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness in the past year, and 46 percent of young adults 18-25 had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness.” These statistics are emblematic of why it is critical to treat issues of mental health in tandem with those of addiction. In Colorado, many Longmont mental health treatment programs offer this dual focus.

Longmont Mental Health Treatment Options: Understanding Full-Day Treatment

When it comes to treating co-occurring issues of mental health and addiction, there are many recovery options. These options range from residential and inpatient programs to non-residential and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) to community and 12-Step recovery programs.

Many people are also under the misconception that comorbidities of mental health and addiction correlate to extreme diagnoses and thus require residential treatment. While, of course, everyone’s recovery needs are relative, not everyone with comorbidities requires inpatient care. For example, an individual may be struggling with addiction and an anxiety disorder that may best be treated via medication and psychotherapy but is not at the level of severity that requires a residential treatment program.

However, regardless of which treatment program one begins their journey with, the important part is that they begin it by working with a professional. Not only can a professional or specialist in the treatment field help determine the right recovery route to take, but they can also help determine if issues of comorbidities are present. The truth is that co-occurring disorders can often be hard to detect because one often overshadows the other, making a diagnosis difficult.

An Ideal Recovery Setting: Longmonth Mental Health Treatment

Just as important as which treatment program one chooses is where the recovery center that offers that treatment program is located. Some individuals may choose to relocate for treatment, while others may opt to stay local. However, regardless of the distance one wishes to travel, Colorado can offer the ideal setting for anyone’s recovery program. This is especially true in the City of Longmont.

Longmont mental health treatment options are ideal for those who want to experience some of the best natural settings that the country has to offer. Many people may not realize the very real and quantifiable effects that nature can have on one’s psyche. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Besides physical health improvements, nature exposure can bring about positive influence upon psychological constructs such as boredom, friendliness, well-being, and liveliness,” and “across more than one hundred studies on nature/wildlife exposure, stress mitigation has been shown to be one of the most consistent and important psychological benefits.”

Longmont is also less than an hour away from Denver, one of the most unique urban hubs in the country. Being able to be hiking in the Rocky Mountains (less than 40 minutes away from The Redpoint Center in Longmont) one day and engaging in a fast-paced yet craft-driven cultural hub the next can be the perfect variety of settings for those needing stimulation in recovery.

The Redpoint Center and Longmont Mental Health Treatment Options and Modalities

Equally as important as what happens outside of the recovery center is what is offered inside. At The Redpoint Center, we believe that comprehensive recovery is key when it comes to treating issues of mental health and/or addiction. By offering a variety of modalities and therapy tools, we can create recovery plans that focus solely on individual needs rather than offering an overarching “cookie-cutter” program.

Our full-day treatment modalities are varied and include “traditional,” holistic, and experiential options. For example, for individuals that need to focus on the underlying core issues of their negative behaviors, we offer evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Our professional clinicians are able to use these therapies to address these underlying issues and help clients work through them rather than escape from them.

Then there are more experiential and holistic options such as breathwork, meditation, and yoga. These practices have been shown to aid in stress management and also have the potential to physically change brain chemistry to help in cognitive functioning and emotional regulation.

The Importance of Community Integration at The Redpoint Center

Here at The Redpoint Center, and specifically our Longmont mental health treatment facility, we are proud of what we have to offer our clients, as well as the exceptional recovery community that we both contribute to and are a dynamic part of. We know that having a community outside of the recovery center to keep individuals engaged and accountable is crucial.

The world often gets very small for individuals that are struggling with issues of mental health and/or addiction. Here at The Redpoint Center, we believe that recovery under the shadow of the Rockies can enlarge that world back to the size that everyone needs and deserves.

Jul 19
Love0
Choosing Mental Health and Addiction Treatment for a Loved One: Aspen Valley Mental Health

Choosing Mental Health and Addiction Treatment for a Loved One: Aspen Valley Mental Health

By Mental Health

Choosing Mental Health and Addiction Treatment for a Loved One: Aspen Valley Mental Health19The influential 20th-century psychiatrist Viktor Frankl once said, “The more one forgets himself – by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love – the more human he is.” This is the action we take when we choose to help a loved one that is struggling with issues of mental health and/or addiction. Most people will go to any length to help a loved one that is struggling. So it is important that that effort is matched by an exceptional recovery center and treatment program. Regarding Aspen Valley mental health, The Redpoint Center is a leader in recovery and shares that willingness to go the distance.

Reaching Out to a Loved One Struggling With Mental Health and Addiction Issues

It is important to remember that individuals struggling with issues of mental health and/or addictions like alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD) need to be willing to accept help before any help can be given. With that in mind, the first step in getting them that help is recognizing the warning signs that they may need it. The following are just a few of the warning signs that a loved one may require some mental health care:

  • They have become unusually withdrawn, secretive, and isolated
  • An individual may exhibit extreme mood swings
  • They may express uncharacteristic feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and emptiness
  • If struggling with addiction, they may show physical signs of alcohol and substance abuse, such as poor coordination and slurred speech
  • They may appear to struggle with their sleep patterns, such as insomnia or sleeping too much
  • An individual may express feelings of self-harm or experience suicidal ideations

If any or many of these warning signs are present, we here at The Redpoint Center recommend reaching out to a mental health professional or a reputable recovery center right away. Getting help sooner than later can be the difference between short-term issues and long-term consequences for a struggling loved one.

Aspen Valley Mental Health: Reaching Out to the Right Mental Health Treatment Center

After making a connection with a struggling loved one, it is critical that a connection is made with a quality and qualified recovery center right away. Sometimes the window that a loved one is willing to get help is very short, especially with something like AUD, so it is important to take advantage of it.

An exceptional recovery center is going to be able to help determine the right path to start a loved one on their recovery journey. They can determine the severity of the situation and what level of treatment program to start with. For example, someone in the later stages of AUD will require a professionally supervised detox, most likely followed by a stay in a residential program.

However, a good recovery center will not just stop there; they will also work with the individual and their loved ones to create a long-term recovery plan moving forward. Again, for example, an individual struggling with AUD should also have a plan after residential treatment, such as transitioning to an effective outpatient program like the one offered at the Redpoint Center, a leader in Aspen Valley mental health.

Aspen Valley Mental Health: Choosing an Effective Outpatient Treatment Program

One of the keys to choosing an effective outpatient treatment program is to choose one that is going to keep the family and the home life front and center. After all, it can be very difficult for an individual to recover if they are hearing and seeing one thing in the recovery center, but experiencing something totally different at home.

Again, let us take someone in an outpatient program for AUD. For certain struggling individuals, it can be critical that steps are taken at home to make it a safe and alcohol-free environment. It can also be critical that an individual with AUD engages with a recovery and/or 12-Step community outside of the recovery center, and that their loved ones support that engagement.

Taking these steps while in an outpatient program can help a loved one make a smooth transition back into their day-to-day lives. It also allows the members of the family to get the help and support they need before their loved one is fully back home.

Aspen Valley Mental Health: The Recovery Mission at The Redpoint Center Aspen Valley Mental Health

Here at one of the premier Aspen Valley mental health facilities, The Redpoint Center, we believe in those previously quoted words of the iconic Viktor Frankl. Our mission is to serve others before we serve ourselves. It is our paramount purpose to help our clients recover.

The iconic Frankl also famously said: “Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for.” Our goal is to remind each and every client that they have meaning. They have a purpose, and their mental health issues are not going to stop them from living the type of life that they desire and the type of long-term recovery they deserve.

Effective recovery from alcohol use disorder involves transformative changes both in a dedicated treatment facility as well as at home. Home environments can play an important role in continued sobriety. The key is to take advantage of the many tips and strategies for curating a new alcohol-free culture at home. It is also critical to maintain this alcohol-free home environment while also continuing to engage in an effective outpatient treatment program like the one offered at an Aspen Valley mental health facility such as The Redpoint Center. For more information on choosing the right mental health treatment for a loved one and the recovery options available, please reach out to The Redpoint Center today at (303) 710-8496.

Jul 17
Love0
Embracing Spiritual Healing at Home

Embracing Spiritual Healing at Home

By Mental Health

Embracing Spiritual Healing at HomeTruly transformative healing and recovery addresses many different needs and goals. For those overcoming the use of drugs or alcohol and beginning a life of sobriety, creating an entirely new lifestyle is paramount. However, each person will also be tasked with tending to their spiritual needs in addition to their needs to overcome substance use disorder. The Redpoint Center is committed to this comprehensive approach to sobriety. Embracing spiritual healing and incorporating effective practices at home throughout outpatient care can help to truly embrace this new and sober life.

The Importance of Spiritual Healing

Spirituality is something that can easily go overlooked during a person’s recovery journey. However, it is just s essential as other aspects of an effective recovery. Spiritual healing is the act of tending to personal needs and beliefs beyond the immediate physical body and incorporates mending emotional scars, past traumas, self-belittling beliefs, isolation, and more. This kind of healing is paramount for not only providing direction throughout the recovery journey in outpatient care but is also crucial to challenge feelings of isolation, emotional stresses, and providing purpose, belonging, and a new perspective in sobriety.

Embracing spirituality as part of effective healing and treatment can also empower those in recovery to be more resilient in their continued journey in outpatient care. It can be impossible to predict all of the various stresses and challenges that each person may face throughout their recovery. Finding a core set of spiritual beliefs and practices can help each person maintain their effective transformations and process various challenges that may manifest throughout each person’s sober journey.

Spirituality and religion are also not necessarily the same thing, and it is wholly possible to explore spiritual healing without ascribing to any particular religious denomination or belief in a higher power at all. Spiritual practices and healing throughout the recovery journey will always be a personal journey with no definite “right” or “wrong” way to pursue such goals.

Creating Effective Spiritual Practices at Home

Each journey with spiritual healing in outpatient care will be unique. Exploring a wide array of various spiritual options in recovery can empower each person to find the practices that best resonate with their beliefs, goals, and challenges throughout addiction recovery.

An individual may not also experience all the expected benefits of spiritual healing practices immediately. Exploring effective spiritual healing at home not only means being open to a myriad of new practices and ideas, but also engaging with them a few times to best benefit from them, or to determine if exploring other options may benefit an individual more in their own journey.

Dedicate a Space

Spiritual healing can take many forms, and establishing a sense of consistency can empower those in recovery to make the most of their spiritual practices at home. Dedicating a specific space to spiritual healing at home throughout outpatient care and beyond can ensure continued engagement with whatever form of spiritual healing is most effective, furthering each practice’s efficacy.

For some, this can mean having a room wholly dedicated to meditation or yoga. Others may dedicate a portion of a room to a relaxing atmosphere, surrounding themselves with plants, natural images such as posters, paintings, and more, or even filling the space with sounds that can calm and soothe otherwise trying emotional states.

Some may have a particular place that helps them relax in nature itself that is not necessarily within their own home. Having a favorite hiking trail can help an individual connect with nature and their spiritual beliefs, so long as it remains consistent and accessible whenever needed.

Using Affirmations

Reinforcing a person’s continued success, beliefs, and more throughout the day can ensure that those in recovery are able to focus on their continued needs and healing, both in terms of overcoming substance use disorder and spiritual healing. Reciting a particular mantra at home, keeping words of affirmation or notes to oneself in a wallet or purse, or even posting notes to oneself at common spots throughout the home can all be ways to reinforce these spiritual beliefs and affirmations.

Exposing oneself to these affirmations or reminders of spiritual beliefs can help to normalize these ideas and make them an integral part of each day and decision to facilitate continued commitment to each person’s spiritual well-being.

Journaling for Spiritual Healing

Spiritual healing can be complicated, and it can be difficult to quantify effective healing while engaged in such a metaphysical practice. Journals can be a great way for those in recovery to track their own spiritual healing and perspectives. For some, chronicling the events of the day before bed can be a great way to examine their own needs and beliefs. Others may commit to a gratitude journal to reinforce spiritual beliefs, all while providing a safe outlet to express emotions and find the best way to communicate complex ideas and challenges still prevalent throughout addiction recovery.

Starting Your Own Rituals

Having routines and rituals at home can also be a great way to further each person’s spiritual healing. For some, these rituals can take the form of saying a prayer before bed. However, others can simply find peace in meditation after lunch, lighting a candle at night to calm oneself as the sun sets, or any other simple and consistent practice that helps a person process the stresses of the day and connect to their own thoughts, bodies, and needs.

Engaging in an array of mindfulness practices can also be the beginning of effective and consistent rituals that can be used to further spiritual healing for those overcoming the effects of substance use disorder or navigating urges, cravings, or the continued effects of mental health disorders. The professionals available at The Redpoint Center can help to scaffold these practices through Boulder County IOP treatment, amending each journey to ensure they can be used both at the facility and at home.

Spiritual healing is a necessary part of a new, sober lifestyle, and we at The Redpoint Center are committed to helping you explore your own spiritual needs and best practices while empowering you to continue tending to these needs at home. Our comprehensive approach to outpatient treatment allows us to support your continued growth and healing in sobriety during our programs all while instilling the skills, perspectives, and strategies necessary to maintain sobriety in daily life. From personalizing your treatment program with spiritual healing to introducing you to a community of peers and professionals exploring their own spirituality, we can help you today. For more information on how we can support your sober change, call us today at (303) 710-8496.

Jul 15
Love0
How Bipolar Disorder Affects Substance Use

How Bipolar Disorder Affects Substance Use

By Mental Health

How Bipolar Disorder Affects Substance Use15Mental health disorders and substance use are often intimately intertwined, with each individual needing to address the effect of substance use and these disorders in tandem throughout their healing journey. However, for those overcoming the impact of bipolar disorder, addressing the use of addictive substances is even more paramount. Identifying the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder, understanding how they can be exacerbated through substance use, and preparing for the additional challenges that addictive substances can present are all paramount to pursuing the most effective treatment possible. The Redpoint Center’s Glenwood inpatient rehab is primed to help each individual begin their journey to a healthy and fulfilling sober life.

Identifying the Effects of Bipolar Disorder

Mental health disorders of any kind are difficult to process, and there is no easy or straightforward way to address mental health needs. However, bipolar disorder can present uniquely challenging situations to overcome. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that can vary from person to person, with professional treatment being necessary to understand the various effects of bipolar disorder on each individual. However, identifying the common signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder is the first step in pursuing effective healing at The Redpoint Center at Glenwood Springs. Some of the common symptoms may include:

  • Drastic mood swings, moving from periods of elation to intense depression
  • Sudden increases in energy or hyperactivity
  • Impulsive or rash behaviors
  • Increase in risk-taking behavior
  • Difficulty managing an emotional state
  • Intense depressive symptoms, such as sudden lack of energy, focus, or motivation

Those overcoming bipolar disorder may move rapidly from manic episodes of increased energy, racing thoughts, impulses, inability to sleep or lack of need for sleep, and more to intense depressive episodes, marked by not just a lack of energy, but also feelings of worthlessness, doubt, guilt, and more. Professional treatment to address the various challenges of bipolar disorder is paramount to creating an effective and personalized recovery plan.

However, the need for professional treatment can be further informed by the use of addictive substances like drugs or alcohol. Understanding the connection between these substances and bipolar disorder is the first step in creating an effective treatment plan at The Redpoint Center.

The Effects of Substance Use

Bipolar disorder is already challenging enough to overcome. Many of those experiencing bipolar disorder may look to any outlets possible to mitigate its symptoms and effects on their emotional health, with the use of drugs or alcohol being a common method in which to attempt to self-medicate. For some, the use of these substances may be considered to address intense feelings of depression during depressive episodes or to cope with feelings of helplessness, suicidal ideation, or other challenges, while others may turn to these substances to address racing thoughts or impulses prevalent during manic episodes.

While common, the use of these substances can have destructive effects on an individual’s physical and mental health. Even if an individual feels better in the moment by using drugs or alcohol to push down these intense feelings, their use does little to actually process the effects of bipolar disorder, and can even further worsen its symptoms with continued use, leading to addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Increased Emotional Turmoil

The use of drugs or alcohol to address emotional needs often results in the opposite effect. Any temporary perceived relief quickly fades, and an individual is still left without the skills to actually navigate the challenges present. Coupled with the effects of addictive substances, the use of drugs or alcohol can often bring further feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, and more, compounding the emotional challenges already present and making it both further difficult to manage the effects of bipolar disorder while introducing additional challenges.

Developing to Dependence

Those challenged by bipolar disorder may also be at an increased risk of developing substance use disorder or dependence on these substances. Between increased risk-taking behaviors, compromised sense of self-worth, and more, the use of drugs or alcohol can be dangerously normalized, and an individual may not recognize their increasing need to engage with these substances. An individual may also need to engage with more and more of these substances in order to continue to quell the effects of bipolar disorder, leading to increased use and addiction.

Addressing substance use disorder (SUD) in a professional program is paramount, especially while also continuing to address each person’s needs and goals in overcoming bipolar disorder. Comprehensive outpatient treatment at The Redpoint Center is prepared to address both SUD and bipolar disorder in tandem for genuinely effective and transformative healing.

The Need for Comprehensive Treatment to Overcome Bipolar Disorder

A comprehensive approach to healing is paramount for sustained sobriety and success in recovery. Addressing the emotional effects of bipolar disorder without creating a plan to address substance use can leave those in recovery with continuing to worsen symptoms of substance use while stifling otherwise effective attempts to treat the effects of bipolar disorder.

Likewise, addressing a person’s relationship with addictive substances without addressing how bipolar disorder may have informed such use can leave an individual at an increased risk of relapse if the challenges of bipolar disorder are still prevalent. Truly integrated and proven comprehensive treatment plans to address bipolar disorder and substance use in tandem is paramount. The Redpoint Center’s Glenwood Springs location is prepared to address these mental health challenges, substance use, and their profound relationship with each other through proven strategies, professional staff, and a community of peers all committed to the same kind of transformative outpatient treatment.

Bipolar disorder is an incredibly difficult and complicated mood disorder that demands professional treatment. However, it can be further exacerbated by the use of drugs or alcohol, with additive substances informing further mental health challenges, behaviors, and more. At The Redpoint Center, we are committed to creating an integrated and effective approach to overcoming bipolar disorder and substance use in tandem for truly effective healing. Our proven outpatient treatment programs serving all across Colorado are designed to address mental health, substance use, and their intimate relationship, all while personalizing each program and supporting you with a community of peers and professionals alike. For more information on how we can address bipolar disorder and substance use, call (303) 710-8496.

Jun 18
Love0
Mental Health Outpatient Treatment for Teens

Mental Health Outpatient Treatment for Teens

By Mental Health

Overcoming mental health disorders is difficult at any age. However, teenagers can be exposed to any number of unique stresses and challenges that can further exacerbate the need for effective mental health treatment. At The Redpoint Center, our dedicated teen outpatient program is dedicated to these particular needs. While overcoming the challenges of anxiety and depression is difficult for teens, there can be many other factors involved in effective treatment. Curating a personalized and flexible approach to treating mental health needs in teens is paramount for addressing the nuanced world of teen mental health recovery. 

Facing Mental Health Disorders as a Teen

There are many factors that impact a person’s mental health. For some, a genetic predisposition to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders can all make mental health treatment for teens a priority. However, for many teenagers, there are numerous additional stresses that must be navigated. 

Social stresses, academic stresses, changing identities, exploring personal interests, and being tasked with planning out their future at such an age are all difficult. Coupled with teenage and young adult years being common times for mental health disorders to begin manifesting, this time can be exceptionally challenging. 

Many teens may have reservations about pursuing professional outpatient treatment to address these needs due to either a perceived effect on their social life or difficulty admitting the need for assistance in the first place. However, left unaddressed, these mental health disorders can have negative ramifications, including:

  • Worsening feelings of anxiety or depression
  • Self-doubt
  • Self-harm
  • Isolated lifestyle
  • Decrease in academic performance or attendance
  • Disinterest in previous hobbies or social outlets
  • Experimentation with addictive substances

Overcoming mental health disorders for teens demands a nuanced approach that addresses each of these unique needs and symptoms. Redpoint’s dedicated teen intensive outpatient treatment program is instrumental in creating this effective approach to overcoming teen mental health disorders. 

Mental Health Treatment for Teens at Redpoint

The Redpoint Center is committed to not just supporting teens in their journey to a healthier mental and emotional state but also creating an atmosphere that is accepting and prepared to address the unique needs of teens. Each program is designed to support teenagers through outpatient support, championing social and community engagement and instilling practical life skills and coping strategies while empowering teenagers to continue living their lives outside of the treatment facility. 

These programs take place after school from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. so as not to impede on teenagers’ social lives or obligations. Redpoint’s teen programs are also dedicated to the education and empowerment of teenagers through specific strategies, such as blending therapeutic modalities with processing skills for a holistic approach to age-appropriate care. Psychodrama, artistic opportunities, play therapy, and more are all combined with proven therapies for a comprehensive teen program.

Embracing education and personal strengths, along with exploring the role of trauma, family systems, resiliency, identifying stresses and triggers, and communication, Redpoint works with each individual to create their best approach to treatment both inside and outside the walls of a dedicated facility. 

Finding a Community for a New Perspective

Social life and engagement are core parts of an effective teen recovery, but overcoming many of the barriers that teens face can be difficult. However, Exploring a new community and perspective can empower teenagers to comfortably and confidently address their needs in mental health treatment. Redpoint creates a safe and effective space for teens to meet peers overcoming their own challenges to normalize effective treatment and discussion and prioritize the personalization of each recovery program. 

Finding a community of healing can be a transformative experience, and many of the challenges that teens face can be addressed by having peers who understand and accept the gravity and necessity of healing. Mental health treatment for teens is never the end of their social life or daily life as they know it. Rather, it can be a powerful force to empower teens to pursue their own interests and identity with the necessary support for a healthy daily life. 

This essence of community also extends beyond the walls of the facility, championing new social engagement opportunities and empowering teens to get involved in their own interests with a new therapeutic perspective. Combining proven therapeutic approaches like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with mindfulness practices, social opportunities, personalized coping strategies, and more can empower teens to overcome the effects of anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders while tending to personal interests. 

Holistic Mental Health Treatment for Teens

Mental health disorders never affect teens in isolation, and professional care for exploring the signs of developing mental health disorders and the factors that may inform them is paramount. Trauma-informed care, familial support and change, social and communication skills, real-world applicable skills and strategies, and more are all part of Redpoint’s effective and sustainable healing process. 

Redpoint also champions the opportunity to pivot to new strategies to find what works best for a holistic approach to mental health recovery. Not all teens will respond to the same strategies in the same way. Being able to identify when certain strategies aren’t as effective as one would like and explore a new opportunity is a crucial part of the genuine transformation and the exploration of identity through mental health treatment. 

Outpatient teen treatment with us at Redpoint is a unique and personalized experience, with professionals and peers alike ready to help you address your mental health needs and goals in the most effective and comprehensive way possible without disrupting daily life or academics. We take a flexible and customized approach to recovery, blending proven therapeutic modalities with personalized processing strategies and more to make your recovery experience pertinent and practical to your needs. We champion the opportunity to not only embrace a new path to healing but also foster a community where teens can continue to pursue their own best paths to a healthy future. For more information on how we can help you today, call us at (303) 710-8496.

May 16
Love0
The Connection Between Depression and Substance Use

The Connection Between Depression and Substance Use

By Mental Health

Overcoming addiction or mental health disorders of any kind is difficult, with many personal challenges, hurdles, and stresses along the way. However, for those challenging the use of drugs or alcohol, feelings of depression can be extremely common, facilitating the need for a personalized approach to recovery. The connection between depression and substance use can be intimate, with both these feelings informing the use of self-destructive coping strategies and adding to the emotional challenges ahead. Understanding their connection is necessary to create an effective approach to professional outpatient treatment available at The Redpoint Center.

The Intimate Relationship Between Depression and Substance Use

It can be difficult for those overcoming either addiction or depression to recognize how interconnected the two can be. Of those with major depressive disorder, some 16.5% also qualify for alcohol use disorder (AUD), and 18% engaged with drugs in an attempt to self-medicate. However, this connection can vary from person to person, and understanding the various ways in which depression and substance use can continue to inform each other is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan in outpatient care.

For some, pervasive feelings of depression and prolonged depressive episodes can cause an individual to feel desperate to get such feelings to stop, and many may turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to push down uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. With others, the pervasive use of addictive substances can make it difficult to regulate their mood, with the emotional effects of addiction having lasting effects and birthing newfound feelings of depression. Regardless of which affected an individual first, it is paramount to develop an outpatient treatment plan that treats them in tandem for the most effective and transformative results.

The Various Forms of Depression

Just as an individual will have their own unique journey with substance use, each person will also experience depression in their own unique way, with depression manifesting differently for each person. There are various forms of depression a person may experience.

Major Depression

This form of depression comes with intense symptoms that can impede a person’s ability to tend to responsibilities or basic needs, affecting workplace performance or attendance, at-home responsibilities, and even a person’s diet or daily hygiene routines. Major depression can make it difficult to even garner the motivation to get out of bed in the morning, with symptoms typically lasting over two weeks.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Also known as “dysthymia,” this form of depression often involves experiencing less severe symptoms than major depressive disorder but over a much longer period of time. While an individual may be able to tend to responsibilities, they may not do so with desired motivation. These symptoms can continue to impact an individual over multiple years until addressed, fundamentally affecting a person’s perspective, mindset, and self-confidence and informing the dangerous use of drugs or alcohol.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

This type of depression is often tied to changes in season, impacting an individual at a certain time of year. While most commonly associated with the winter months and dwindling temperatures and daylight impacting a person’s mood, it is also possible to experience summer SAD.

Common Symptoms of Depression

Any form of depression can come with a myriad of challenging symptoms that can inform the use of drugs or alcohol if untreated. Some of the most common symptoms of depression include:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Compromosied motivation or intense lethargy
  • Pervasive feelings of pessimism or doubt
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Comprmosied routines, from daily schedules to sleep schedules and appetite
  • Mood swings, from sadness to irritation, anger, and frustration
  • Intense fatigue
  • Disinterest in previous hobbies or interests
  • Compromised sense of self-worth or feelings of worthlessness

Other stresses can also lead to depression, from difficulties in the workplace to social stresses. This compromised sense of self can not only inform the use of drugs or alcohol as an attempt to “escape” from these challenges but can also compromise a person’s motivation to pursue treatment or belief that a sober future is possible for them, creating a complicated journey to sobriety that demands professional care.

Finding Treatment for Depression and Substance Use

Depression and substance use are difficult to overcome on their own, let alone simultaneously. Overcoming addiction without addressing symptoms of depression can increase the chance for relapse, while addressing depression without how it is informed by substance use can compromise any otherwise effective coping strategies. The Redpoint Center’s Glenwood Springs location can be instrumental in addressing the symptoms of both depression and addiction simultaneously while creating a personalized program for a transformed sober future.

Our outpatient programs available at Glenwood Springs are designed to incorporate proven and effective mental health treatment to address the signs and symptoms of depression, all while creating a community of healing from addiction for a truly transformative and supportive approach to change. Blending cognitive-behavioral therapies with unique experiential approaches, all backed by a community and atmosphere of acceptance, our approach to professional mental health and addiction treatment can ensure that each program is personalized to address depression and substance use in tandem while continuing to scaffold a healthy daily life.

Depression and substance use are often interconnected, and there is no way to overcome one effectively without addressing the impact of the other. Redpoint’s Glenwood Springs location is prepared to create a personalized treatment plan to address your journey with recovery effectively, overcoming the use of alcohol and drugs and their effects on feelings of depression. With personalized treatment modalities and plans to create a community and atmosphere of healing and acceptance, we are available to help you challenge depression and substance use effectively for a healthy future. For more information on how we can help you, or for more information on how we can personalize your time with us at Glenwood Springs, call us today at (303) 710-8496.

Apr 18
Love0
Identifying the Need for Treatment in Overcoming Marijuana Use

Identifying the Need for Treatment in Overcoming Marijuana Use

By Mental Health

Marijuana use is incredibly common, with an estimated 48.2 million people reportedly engaging with the drug in 2019 alone. While ongoing discourse and pushes for legality surrounding the use of marijuana may impact each person’s perception of the drug, marijuana still carries many dangerous properties. Marijuana is an addictive substance that can have profound effects on a person’s mental and physical health.

Being able to identify the need for treatment and addressing the use of marijuana in oneself or a loved one is necessary to facilitate the necessary treatment and recovery. By challenging the misconceptions about marijuana use and identifying the signs and symptoms of marijuana addiction, it is always possible to pursue a healthier life while abstaining from its use.

The Effects of Marijuana Legalization

Marijuana legalization has had a profound effect on the common perceptions and attitudes surrounding the use of the drug. However, despite any legalization across the state and discourse surroundings its use, marijuana still carries many dangers with its use. First, marijuana has been explored to help with certain mental health disorders and trauma, which can further affect each person’s ideas of the dangers of the drug. However, any studies and use of marijuana in a medicinal setting are done so under the supervision of professionals, and such benefits do not necessarily extend to recreational use or use without such direction.

Misconceptions brought about by pushes for marijuana legalization can make those engaging with the drug less cognizant of its negative and harmful effects. Such misconceptions can also cause an individual to consider addiction to marijuana to be less dangerous than it actually is. However, professional treatment to address marijuana use and addiction may be necessary to understand the extent of its dangers and pursue a healthy and sober life.

Lastly, marijuana legalization on the state level does not mean that there are not still restrictions regarding the use of marijuana. Coupled with these important restrictions, marijuana is still a federally illegal drug even if it is legalized in some circumstances in the state. This leads to a complex network of laws and considerations that can greatly affect each individual, their mentality, and even the legality surrounding its use.

Recognizing the Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Identifying when a person’s use of marijuana demands professional treatment can be difficult. However, there are a number of signs and symptoms to be cognizant of in oneself or a loved one to best identify when professional treatment to address marijuana use is necessary. Some of these signs of marijuana addiction include:

  • A person uses more marijuana than intended
  • The use of marijuana comes at the expense of other responsibilities, such as missing work or inability to tend to at-home responsibilities
  • Experiencing negative repercussions of marijuana use and continuing to engage anyway
  • An inability to cease the use of marijuana, even if there is a desire to do so
  • The use of marijuana feels necessary to feel “normal”
  • Compromising other budgets in order to continue using marijuana
  • Someone has confronted another about their use, but they continued to use it anyway
  • Heightened feelings of anxiety, panic, depression, and more when not using the drug

Regular marijuana use can also carry a number of personal ramifications. For some, marijuana can have profound effects on their professional lives, compromising workplace performance and attendance or subjecting oneself to termination resulting from drug tests. Others may experience damage to personal relationships with family, friends, or partners.

Identifying any of these signs can indicate the need for change. However, overcoming marijuana addiction can be exceptionally difficult, with many changes needing to be addressed for a truly transformative approach to a sober future. Dedicated treatment programs are necessary to facilitate this kind of profound change.

The Role of Dedicated Treatment

Overcoming addiction of any kind is difficult, and an individual will not only have to address the direct use of addictive substances but also the lifestyles and mentalities that inform them. The outpatient treatment available at Redpoint can be instrumental in educating individuals and their families about the dangers and misconceptions of marijuana use while instilling the needed life skills, camaraderie, and atmosphere of healing needed to pursue truly transformative change.

Creating a Community

Overcoming addiction can feel incredibly isolating, especially with a wide range of attitudes surrounding marijuana and its use. Having a community that understands the need for change and creates a feeling of belonging throughout the recovery process can be instrumental in keeping focused on each person’s goals, progress, and more.

Especially throughout outpatient care, where an individual may be exposed to a wide range of attitudes around marijuana use, always having a supportive community to fall back on is instrumental for continued success throughout recovery from marijuana addiction.

Embracing a Transformed Life

Marijuana addiction affects every facet of a person’s life, from personal ambitions to mentalities, perspectives, professional life, and more. Recovery from marijuana addiction demands that an individual also address each of these areas, not just the immediate symptoms of marijuana use. Dedicated treatment programs are necessary for not only embracing effective coping strategies for navigating urges or cravings but also making changes to the lifestyles that may have been developed around the use of the drug.

From proven therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and experiential therapy options to exploring the effective practices of peers, professional treatment is a transformational experience that is committed to making the most of recovery and developing the healthiest approach to a sober life ahead.

Marijuana can be a wholly devastating drug, impacting not just your physical health, but also negatively influencing all other aspects of your life. At Redpoint, we understand the unique approach needed to address marijuana use and its continued effects on your life to create a sustainable and effective recovery plan. Our commitment to effective outpatient programs empowers you to address and overcome the use of marijuana while still tending to your daily life. Our Glenwood Springs location is just one of many across Colorado ready to help you take your first step to a sober future today. For more information on how we can personalize your time with us, call to speak to us today at (303) 710-8496.

Close Menu

We are here to help.



Address

The Redpoint Center
1831 Lefthand Cir, Suite H
Longmont, CO 80501


Phone

(888) 509-3153


Contact Us.

 

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.