The goal of mental health services is to provide healing and coping skills so that you can cope with everyday life on your own. While there is no cure for major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, treatment can reduce symptoms and make it easier to get by on a day-to-day basis.
Still, when the treatment plan has been successful and therapy is ending, it is important to remember the tools and coping mechanisms you learned in therapy. There are many things you can do to maintain mental well-being after treatment.
If you’re still struggling with mental health after treatment, reach out to Active Path today and book an appointment.
Maintain Your Physical Health
Managing the physical symptoms of major depression or anxiety disorders is difficult enough without having other health conditions. It is important to visit your primary care provider routinely to ensure your health. There are many health benefits to seeing a primary care provider on a regular basis. There are also mental health benefits to maintaining prime physical health.
Engage in Physical Activity
Research shows that physical activity can improve the symptoms of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptoms in particular are improved when one engages in exercise on a regular basis. Regular exercise such as a bike ride, a walk, or a jog at least a few times per week will help you maintain your mental health after treatment.
Physical activity doesn’t have to be limited to exercise. Physical activity can also refer to actively engaging in hobbies and interests. It is important to have hobbies and interests that keep you active and engaged during downtime. Being physically active can also make you sleep better at night, which is also important for mental health.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, regular physical activity has many health benefits, including improving cognitive function and the brain’s ability to adapt to new changes and circumstances. Studies suggest that physical activity wards off depression and anxiety.
Manage Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts can feed depression and anxiety. It is important to avoid them as much as possible. Don’t spend hours ruminating on the negative. Replace the negativity with positive thoughts and affirmations. Affirmations can also improve self-confidence in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety. The more you practice controlling your thoughts and behaviors, the better your mental health will be. Avoiding triggers is also important.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for mental health. Good sleep hygiene starts with going to bed at a decent hour and getting up at a reasonable time. It also often means avoiding naps and engaging in physical activity during the day. Exercise is a great way to prepare for bed, tiring out the body while opening up the neural pathways for mental health.
Avoid Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a common way for people to cope with mental health conditions. However, it is not a healthy way to do so. Substances can interact with psychiatric medications used for treatment. They can also make symptoms of depression and anxiety worse rather than better.
Rely on Your Support System
When stressful situations arise and they feel overwhelming, rely on your support system. Talk to friends and family members about the situation and how you are feeling. They may have advice, or they may remind you of coping strategies learned in therapy. Regardless, people benefit from talking about their problems with those they know and love.
Have a Plan for Feeling Overwhelmed
It is easy to feel depressed in daily life. There are a lot of wrongs going on in the world today. Have a plan for when life feels overwhelming. Relaxation techniques are a great way to cope with social anxiety disorder. Regular exercise can also reduce symptoms when one is struggling in stressful situations.
Continue Medication Management
There is no cure for major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. If your doctor has prescribed medication as a part of your treatment, it is important to continue medication as prescribed even if your psychiatric visits aren’t as frequent. Taking medication as prescribed is important for mental health.
Rely on Talk Therapy When Needed
Even though talk therapy isn’t meant to last forever, it can be beneficial to keep in touch with your therapist after treatment. When stressful situations arise and you find yourself faltering, your therapist can meet with you for a few sessions to help you cope with daily life.
If you need immediate help, the crisis lifeline is there 24/7 for your use. Simply dial 988 from your phone to access the crisis lifeline. A social worker will speak with you about your needs and help you calm down so you can focus on moving forward.
Turn to Active Path Mental Health
If you find yourself in need of a mental health professional after treatment, Active Path Mental Health is here for you. We have therapists and psychiatrists on staff to help you with managing your symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Contact our team at Active Path at 503.719.4648 for a no-obligation consultation on your treatment options. Life after treatment can be an adjustment, but you don’t have to go it alone—Active Path is here to support you in reclaiming your mental wellness.
Contact us today for an appointment or an initial consultation at Active Path today.
