Column: Families, communities can make a difference for better mental health

Oftentimes, individuals who experience mental health or a substance use disorder feel isolated and alone. Yet, every year, millions of Americans experience these conditions. It’s important that we offer support to individuals facing mental health and substance use disorders. In fact, we need to create environments and relationships that promote acceptance. Support from families is essential to recovery, so it’s important that family members have the tools to start conversations about prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Having worked directly in the behavioral health field for more than 30 years, I have witnessed the positive reality of recovery. Individuals who embrace recovery achieve improved mental and physical health and form stronger relationships with their neighbors, family members, and peers. We need to make more people feel as though recovery is possible.

September is National Recovery Month designated to promote and support evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.

The past 18 months have been challenging on everyone, especially for those who are in recovery. Consider your own anxiety and the coping tools you turned to manage emotions and your well-being through the pandemic, maybe it was friends and family, therapy, hobbies, or meditation and spirituality. The isolation and stress, worsened by effects of the pandemic such as unemployment, pushed many struggling with addiction to their substance of choice as a means to cope.

Mental health and substance use disorders affect people of all ethnicities, ages, genders, geographic regions, and socioeconomic levels. Too many people are still unaware that prevention works, and that mental health and substance use disorders can be treated, just like other health problems. They need to know that help is available, and these individuals can get better, both physically and emotionally, with the support of a welcoming community.

Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicate the four major dimensions that support recovery:

• Health—overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms and making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being.

• Home—having a stable and safe place to live.

• Purpose—conducting meaningful daily activities and having the independence, income, and resources to participate in society.

• Community—having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

Recovery is characterized by continual growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness that may involve setbacks. Because setbacks are a natural part of life, resilience becomes a key component of recovery.

The process of recovery is supported through relationships and social networks. This often involves family members who become the champions of their loved one’s recovery. Families of people in recovery may experience adversities that lead to increased family stress, guilt, shame, anger, fear, anxiety, loss, grief, and isolation. The concept of resilience in recovery is also vital for family members who need access to intentional supports that promote their health and well-being. The support of peers and friends is also crucial in engaging and supporting individuals in recovery.

Offering support to those experiencing mental health and substance use disorders can make a huge difference. Together we can help others realize the promise of recovery and give families the right support to help their loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance disorder, free, confidential help is available through Community Care Services 313-389-7500 and 24 hours a day through Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network 800-241-4949.

Susan Kozak has been a licensed social worker for the past 35 years and currently serves as the executive director of Community Care Services, a position she has held since 2011.