Continuing Wellness After Residential Treatment

Residential treatment can be a life-changing experience. It provides individuals with a safe environment where they can heal, rediscover their personal strengths, and lay the groundwork for long-term recovery. It is very normal for people to feel anxious about leaving residential care because of the structure and support they feel within that environment. 

Venturing out beyond the comforting confines of residential care can be overwhelming, and many wonder what the next stage of their life will look like. It takes time to learn how to navigate this chapter as you strive to break free from old habits and thought patterns and create a life of thriving. With the right planning and support, you can transition confidently into this next phase and continue to build on the growth made in treatment. 

Adjusting After Residential Treatment

The transition from inpatient care to daily life can be overwhelming at first, as the outside world can be louder, busier, and more unpredictable compared to the structured environment provided by residential treatment. Fear of the unknown, potential triggers, and worries of falling into old behaviors can loom over your head. 

It's essential to recognize that encountering challenges as you reenter the real world is normal. The key is learning how to be patient with your progress and giving yourself some time to settle into your new routines. Creating a daily plan to establish consistency and healthy habits can make a big difference. Prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule, nourishing meals, and periods of downtime is a great place to start.

For some, added stressors may arise, such as returning to work, reuniting with family, or reconnecting with social circles. This is where boundaries and self-care routines are especially important during those initial weeks. Despite these challenges, it is vital to remember that the hard work you invested in yourself in treatment has set you up for success. You have spent time learning helpful strategies that you can now apply in the real world and put into practice. 

Building on Progress

Leaving residential care does not signify the end of your growth. In reality, successful recovery is an ongoing process.

There are many ways to build on what you have learned in treatment, such as: 

• Action plans: Structure can give you something to fall back on when everything seems out of your control. Action plans will typically include things like therapy appointments, routine activities, coping strategies, and emergency contacts in addition to self-directed activities like journaling and professional support.
• Therapy: We can easily fall into the mindset that problems disappear when we are discharged, but seeking professional counsel is still important after treatment. With a therapist, you can discuss current challenges, review the progress you are making, and learn more effective strategies to apply in the future. 
• Technique practice: These can include skills such as mindfulness, meditation, positive self-talk, and other strategies that you learned during treatment.

Progress is not made in massive leaps, but in small steps. The little victories are a pivotal part of our growth.

Preventing Steps Backward

Many people leaving residential treatment fear the possibility of taking steps backward. While progress is not always linear, there are successful strategies for avoiding setbacks and staying on track:

Identify and Avoid Triggers

Learn how to recognize people, places, or potential situations that can trigger unhealthy behaviors. Investing in relationships that encourage overall wellness in your life, taking a new route home, or preparing your responses in advance can help you sidestep risky situations.

Connect with Supportive People

Opening up regularly to family, friends, or support group members that you trust can reduce feelings of isolation on the road to recovery. This also provides a forum for accountability and encouragement.

Invest in Hobbies and Meaningful Activities

When you feel tempted to fall back into unhealthy habits or behaviors, this is a great time to invest in positive individual pursuits. Music, exercise, volunteering, and other creative outlets can provide structure and help you feel a sense of accomplishment.

Practice Regular Self-Help

Practicing self-reflection techniques, mindfulness, and meditation are great ways to manage stress and anxiety. You can apply other self-help strategies learned in treatment to your daily life as well. 

Prioritize Nutrition and Physical Health

Regular sleep, consistent exercise, and healthy meals will help you feel more positive and energetic, better preparing your mind and body to cope with stressful situations.

Spend Time Outdoors

The benefits of fresh air and natural light are well-documented, and even something as simple as a daily walk can reduce symptoms of depression and improve your outlook on life.

Jackson House Aftercare Services

Support after residential treatment is absolutely vital. Jackson House offers aftercare services to extend support long after treatment. Before discharge, every client leaves with a safe living arrangement, detailed plans for dealing with stress and potential triggers, and a solid network of in-person and virtual support.

After discharge, Jackson House stays in regular contact for at least the first three months, offering weekly check-ins and providing a lifeline for any challenges that arise. Regular alumni meetings provide the chance for community, with activities such as:

• Online Zoom meetings 
• Social gatherings such as bonfires or group hikes
• Volunteering events to help you give back
• Weekly sports and recreation

Mental Wellness Support Near You

You do not have to navigate life after residential treatment alone. Building on your progress on your journey toward mental well-being is not always easy, but community resources, peer groups, and mental health professionals can offer support every step of the way.

If you are interested in learning more about our services at Jackson House and how we can support you, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.