When It’s Time To Try an Alternative Approach to Depression, Addiction, and Stress Management
Contributor: Susan Treadway
susan.treadway@
Stress can impact anyone in any profession, but because of the responsibility that goes with their jobs, managers in particular can be extremely susceptible to mental health issues related to depression, anxiety, and even addiction.
First, it’s important to remember that therapy and treatment for mental health issues don’t come with a label that says, “One size fits all.” Whether you’re struggling with depression, addiction, or both, there are many factors to consider. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, readily available treatment needs to be able to address the multiple needs of the patient, not just his or her drug abuse.
Fortunately, today there are programs for just about every type of individual that works closer with their unique set of characteristics. ZenMen takes a look at a few.
Medical Records
When visiting your doctor, having your medical records organized and readily accessible can streamline the appointment. By using a scanner app, you can store important documents as PDFs directly on your phone, ensuring they are available whenever needed. To make the process easier, explore techniques to scan a document clearly, such as ensuring proper lighting and aligning the document flat on a surface. This method helps keep everything in order and makes sharing your medical history with your doctor more efficient.
12-Step Recovery
For those struggling with addiction spurred on by workplace stress, let’s take a look at the traditional 12-step program. This long-standing, fellowship-based program has been around since 1935, and seen remarkable success. And while it’s seen multiple iterations bringing it into the current century, it doesn’t fit the bill for all types of addicts. For example, its basis in religion leaves non-seculars feeling isolated.
SMART Recovery
Perhaps the most recognized program for addiction aside from AA is the SMART Recovery Program. The abstinence-based program guides participants through four core ideas, they are 1) building and maintaining motivation, 2) coping with urges, 3) managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and 4) living a balanced life.
Supplements
Nutritional supplements can play a vital role in supporting your recovery journey by filling nutrient gaps and boosting your overall well-being. ZenMen offers a range of high-quality capsules and tinctures designed to enhance your body’s natural healing processes. Whether you're looking for supplements to support immunity, reduce inflammation, or promote energy, ZenMen's carefully crafted products provide a simple yet effective way to complement your recovery efforts.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy or CBT
CBT is one of the most common counseling techniques for managing stress. A competent therapist can help you recognize your triggers and work with you on ways to manage and cope with those situations. Anxiety, stress and depression can lead to serious health problems and learning how to mitigate those feelings can leave you feeling better physically as well.
Workplace Therapy
Stress isn’t limited to only those in management and a stressed-out manager can be one of the factors leading to an anxious work environment. Love to Know has some ideas for relieving stress that the whole office can take part in. Calmer and more engaging groups mean less stress for managers.
Art Therapy
Whether using pens, pencils, paints, clay, or other art materials, art therapy is therapeutic because it allows participants to relax. They also feel empowered by creating something beautiful and unique. And sometimes therapists can help you tap into the art to uncover emotionally unresolved issues.
Watch Your Eating Habits
According to a report in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, you’re more likely to have a relapse if you have poor eating habits. They suggest the following guidelines:
- Develop and adhere to regular mealtimes.
- Select foods that are low in fat.
- Eat more protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber.
- Consider vitamin and mineral supplements that may aid in recovery, such as B-complex, zinc, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.
Remember, your treatment can be uniquely tailored to meet your specific needs. Talk with your counselor or your rehabilitation specialist before considering a change. Learning as much as you can about, and practicing these coping therapies, can be vital steps in any treatment program.