Maintaining Recovery and Mental Health During the Holidays

Maintaining Recovery and Mental Health During the Holidays

The holiday season, often filled with joy and gatherings, can be a minefield for those in recovery from addiction and mental health issues. In this episode of the 'Hope Discovered' podcast, we meet Danijela Vranesevic, the new Director of Recovery Services at CommQuest. Dani brings nearly a decade of experience in community mental health, focusing on dual diagnosis individuals.

As the daughter of immigrants, she has a unique perspective on resilience and self-actualization, which she shares with us in this episode. Dani dives into the challenges that the holidays can bring, from the availability of alcohol to the loneliness that can come from missing loved ones. She offers practical tips for self-care, like role-playing scenarios to decline drinks and setting realistic expectations for the season. Dani also emphasizes the importance of limiting social media exposure to avoid unnecessary stress.

Recognizing that the holidays can trigger feelings of depression and anxiety, she advises on how to spot these signs and seek professional help or use crisis resources like the Crisis Text Line. This episode is packed with valuable advice on how to navigate the holiday season while prioritizing your mental health and recovery. Tune in to hear Dani's insights and find out how you can make it through the holidays with your well-being intact.