How to Find Stress Relief at a Mental Health Treatment Center

Stress is a common symptom of mental health disorders and a risk factor for developing them. Many aspects of everyday life cause stress for people struggling with mental health issues. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), “Occasional stress is a normal coping mechanism. However, long-term stress (also called chronic stress) may contribute to or worsen a range of health problems including digestive disorders, headaches, sleep disorders, and other symptoms.” Mental health treatment programs reduce the effects of chronic stress. Corner Canyon Health Centers uses evidence-based and holistic therapies to help clients manage stress. 

How Does Stress Affect Mental Health?

Chronic stress makes it more difficult to maintain positive physical and mental health. Early treatment is the best way to avoid long-term side effects of chronic stressors. According to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), “Preventing and managing long-term stress can lower your risk for other conditions — like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression.”

Stress affects mental health by doing the following: 

• Making it more difficult to focus 
• Increasing mood swings
• Causing unusual irritability or anger 
• Increasing worry or anxiety 
• Causing depressive symptoms 
• Affecting sleeping and eating habits

Everyone reacts to stressors differently. Individuals with healthy coping skills and access to a strong support system have an easier time overcoming challenges in everyday life. However, individuals with fewer social supports or a lack of healthy coping mechanisms may struggle to function if they experience acute or chronic stress. 

Common Stressors Experienced by People in Early Recovery

Major life events and multiple minor daily irritations or inconveniences can cause stress. Individuals with heightened symptoms of anxiety or depression often experience higher levels of stress during treatment and aftercare. Mental health treatment centers focus on creating a welcoming community where people feel safe and supported. Therapy and other treatment services reduce stress and help clients find healthy ways to cope with daily challenges in early recovery.  

Some everyday stressors experienced by people in early recovery include:

• Making significant lifestyle changes
• Building new relationships 
• Engaging in new activities 
• Processing trauma

Stress is not always a bad thing. During treatment, sometimes people feel stressed when talking through difficult topics. However, verbalizing thoughts, beliefs, concerns, and traumas often reduces overall stress and helps people heal. According to the previously mentioned article by OASH, “Some stress is hard to avoid. You can find ways to manage stress by:

• Noticing when you feel stressed
• Taking time to relax
• Getting active and eating healthy
• Finding solutions to problems you’re having
• Talking to friends and family”

Residential and outpatient programs provide clients with the tools and skills they need to identify and manage stress during recovery. 

Coping With Stress at a Mental Health Treatment Center

The stressors people experience while undergoing treatment are often easier to cope with if they communicate their needs with the care team. Open and honest communication ensures the care team knows the triggers for various stress responses, making teaching preventative measures and coping skills easier. Mental health programs are meant to reduce stress and not cause heightened anxiety. The care team can assist clients in problem-solving various issues if they communicate their needs.

How Does Corner Canyon Health Centers Reduce Stress?

Corner Canyon Health Centers offers clients multiple levels of care, ensuring they have access to the level of support and types of services they need to feel safe and comfortable during treatment. 

Stress reduction comes in many forms. However, some of the most effective ways to reduce stress include: 

• Positive peer engagement
• Individual and group therapy 
• Self-care routines 
• Focusing on the positives and remaining mindful

There are also plenty of small ways people reduce stress throughout the day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Here are some ways to reduce stress by connecting with others:

• Reach out to your community, family members, or friends.
• Talk with someone you trust about your feelings or any concerns.
• Make time for cultural, spiritual, or religious activities.
• Volunteer with organizations that interest you.
• Giving back to others can help you too.
• Get outside with others, connect with nature, and explore green spaces.”

Corner Canyon Health Centers encourages people to participate in the local recovery community and engage with peers during treatment. 

Remaining Stress-Free After Attending a Mental Health Treatment Center

Stress reduction during treatment makes focusing on healing and personal growth easier. However, some people have difficulty maintaining low-stress activities during ongoing recovery. Case managers at Corner Canyon Health Centers ensure clients with more complex mental health issues have referrals to outside resources during the transition out of structured care. Clinicians also work with clients to create comprehensive aftercare plans and offer alumni support to individuals who have completed the programs. Individuals with mental health disorders can successfully manage their stress and live a low-stress life after treatment. 

People with mental health disorders often have a reduced stress tolerance, making it difficult for them to identify healthy ways to cope with everyday challenges or significant life stressors. Often, people turn to maladaptive behaviors to cope with untreated stress, including substance misuse or self-harming behaviors. Early intervention and treatment for mental health issues reduce stress and make it easier for clients to cope with stress during recovery. Corner Canyon Health Centers uses trauma-informed care and alternative holistic therapies to help clients reduce and manage stress during treatment and ongoing recovery. Peer support is also an essential stress reliever. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (877) 717-6237.