Bradford Recovery Center

Everyone who is recovering from a substance use disorder or healing from a mental health concern has a unique experience. Please don't compare your progress to anyone else's. As you reflect on 2020 and start to prepare for the new year, focus on how far you've come and plan to make 2021 your best year yet!

Forgiveness can be an indispensable part of the healing process. But many people don't realize that forgiveness isn't just something to extend to others. In the spirit of generosity that defines the holiday season, please grant yourself the gift of forgiveness, too.

At the start of the month, we shared a post that addressed the importance of gratitude. Expressing your appreciation for those who have helped you is a great way to encourage others to share support. But the many benefits of adopting a grateful mindset don't stop there. If you're in recovery, here's an article on the connection between gratitude and improved well-being: http://ow.ly/k3vT50CywUQ

From all of us at Bradford Recovery Center, please have a safe, happy, and memorable Thanksgiving!

The term "self-talk" refers to how you view, think about, and speak about yourself. A few days ago, we encouraged you to practice positive self-talk. It's easy to see how positive self-talk can improve your mindset, but many people are surprised to discover that this practice can also have a beneficial effect on your physical health and your ability to manage stress. Learn what the experts have discovered about positive self-talk here: http://ow.ly/kF8R102sT7k

Gratitude can show us the simple joys in life or turn a regular day into one we'll never forget. What fills you with gratitude lately? Share your thoughts in the comments!

On behalf of the entire Bradford Recovery Center team, we wish you a safe and happy Halloween!

One valuable lesson we've learned this year is that masks aren't only for Halloween. Now that flu season has arrived, we encourage you to keep yourself and your loved ones safe by wearing masks that cover your mouth and nose. Check out the CDC website for some quick pointers on making your own mask at home: http://ow.ly/jusA102qQRu

October is ADHD Awareness Month! Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a distressing mental health disorder. Unfortunately, even though the CDC and other respected organizations have definitively established the legitimacy of ADHD, myths and misperceptions continue to introduce difficulties into the lives of the millions of people who have this disorder. Every one of us can play a part in the effort to promote increased ADHD awareness. To learn more, visit the NIH's ADHD page: http://ow.ly/W6jR50C6BjX

Halloween is an opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate together. But if you're in recovery from an addiction to alcohol or another drug, Halloween can be frightening for very personal reasons. You realize that celebratory gatherings can be risky, but you don't want to be forced to decline every invitation you receive. Thankfully, it's possible to have a happy Halloween without undermining your recovery. When you prepare yourself ahead of time, you can have a ghoulishly good time without harming your health. http://ow.ly/4gBP102qEUd

Typically, October ends with a celebration of candy, costumes, and creativity. This year, though, the risk of being exposed to the coronavirus has complicated matters. As we approach the 31st, many communities are still struggling to find the ideal way to celebrate safely. We can still have a fun and happy Halloween. However, just like we've done so many other times in the past few months, we have to alter our plans a bit. Learn how you can have a fun and safe Halloween here: http://ow.ly/MXUu102qr38

As National Addiction Treatment Week comes to an end, we want to thank our employees, colleagues, and all the healthcare professionals that work tirelessly to treat addiction and save lives. http://ow.ly/hOP750C1Z61

We typically attempt to incorporate a motivational message into our first post of each week. We do this because we know what a challenge it can sometimes be to feel inspired and energized on Mondays. For the millions of people who have ADHD, though, the fight to remain focused and driven can feel like an endless uphill battle. In a recent Psych Central article, two ADHD experts described a few fundamental strategies that can yield significant benefits: http://ow.ly/5BUF102pNyI

Yesterday was the start of OCD Awareness Week, which runs through October 17. Research suggests that more than 2 million adults in the U.S. have been living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Symptoms of this disorder typically appear among adults and older teenagers, but children can also be affected. Even though OCD is not an uncommon disorder, many people continue to believe myths and false information. If we all work together, we can create a more understanding world for all who have OCD. You can learn more about OCD via this link: http://ow.ly/llNT102p8aW

The final day of Mental Illness Awareness Week has arrived. Today is also World Mental Health Day. WMHD 2020 is dedicated to promoting increased investment in mental health. The most prudent investment we can all make is to stay informed about this vital topic. Take the time to educate yourself about how to recognize potential warning signs, and don't be afraid to seek assistance if you think you need it. Today and every day, remember to practice self-care, support others in need, and work toward a healthier tomorrow. Learn more here: http://ow.ly/1GfF102oYPB

Self-care is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. But your efforts to maintain and improve your well-being have to involve monitoring your mental health. Awareness and understanding are vital tools in this endeavor. Today is National Depression Screening Day. If you suspect that you could be struggling with symptoms of depression, or if you're concerned about a loved one, taking a moment to complete a screening may be the optimal next step. Click here to learn more about depression screenings: http://ow.ly/mVH9102oMSf

If a person has been struggling with a mental health disorder, receiving comprehensive professional care can have a significant positive effect on their well-being. But access to treatment is just one piece of the puzzle. To ensure we are doing our best to support all who are impacted by mental illness, we must fight to eliminate shame and stigma. We invite and encourage you to support NAMI's StigmaFree campaign. Click here to learn how you can help: http://ow.ly/5RVq102oGI7

Here's today's truth bomb: If you've been experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, we want to be sure you realize that mental illness is not a sign of weakness or failure. All human beings are worthy of being treated with dignity and respect. This includes you! Even during difficult moments, don't lose sight of your many amazing talents, strengths, and capabilities. We see you, we celebrate you, and we will always be here for you!

Mental Illness Awareness Week starts today! Every year, this week is dedicated to promoting greater understanding about mental health disorders. Our staff is proud to support this important cause. Focus areas of MIAW this year include overcoming stigma and honoring the voices of people who are directly impacted by mental illness. We'll be posting several new updates throughout the week. If we all work together, we can make the world a more compassionate place. http://ow.ly/A0t2102oo4Z

As the leaves start to change colors and the days continue to get shorter, we all need to prepare ourselves and our families for flu season. Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of all who enter our facility. The continued well-being of those we treat will always be our most important responsibility. For the duration of flu season, we will remain vigilant, and we encourage each and every one of you to do the same. To learn more about flu prevention, visit the CDC's website: http://ow.ly/acrI102o2do