The other day I was speaking with one of our residents and I heard her say, “I just want to feel better.” Who wouldn’t? She had shared with me some of the things she was struggling with and my heart went out to her. But, as much as I would have liked to help relieve … Read More
One of the most common themes that I have observed working with people is the negative attitude they hold toward themselves. So often I hear the words, “I’m worthless,” or “I’m bad,” or “I don’t deserve….” What is striking about those words is they just don’t seem to fit the people who are saying them. … Read More
Taking part in residential treatment can be an essential step toward recovery from an eating disorder. But a person’s recovery journey doesn’t end when they transition out of residential care. The day an adolescent girl or adult woman enters the residential program at Timberline Knolls, we begin planning for her eventual discharge. We want to … Read More
One of the biggest burdens of the holiday season is that it can get overwhelming, fast. The schedule fills up, expectations are high, anxiety creeps in, the days get shorter and darker, and it can feel as though stumbling blocks to recovery are everywhere. Trying to maintain a balanced outlook, emotional health and a stable … Read More
It doesn’t have to take a series of blackouts, a drunk driving incident, or the recognition of withdrawal symptoms after a day away from alcohol to realize that you may be drinking too much. The little things can add up. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy alcohol use as consuming … Read More
So much of the foundation of a sustainable recovery is about learning how to tolerate, engage with and move through adverse emotions; learning how to cope with the inevitable pain and discomfort, anger and grief that comes in a way that is life-giving, rather than life-threatening. It is a process that takes unwinding, unlearning, and … Read More
Vaping might be a less harmful alternative to smoking, but that still doesn’t make it safe. There are still a lot of unknowns about vaping, including the chemicals that make up the vapor and how they affect a person’s physical health over the long haul. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance even … Read More
There is a troubling disconnect between the number of people who have alcohol use disorder and those who are actually getting professional help for alcoholism — and not because they haven’t seen a healthcare provider. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis evaluated survey data from more than 200,000 people who reported … Read More
September is designated as National Recovery Month, and each year, these 30 days are used to highlight the importance of seeking recovery from a wide range of mental health issues, the need for equitable access to quality care, reduce the stigma of seeking help, and recognize the hope that is possible in recovery. These are … Read More
Eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) both involve intrusive thoughts, fear, and ritualistic behaviors. The two disorders often occur together, and mental health experts continue to study their relationship to determine if one might cause the other. Regardless of the answer, there is ongoing evidence that links the two conditions, so treatment should address both … Read More
