How I deal with negative people in recovery
Honestly, these tips can be put to use in most social situations!
Group housing, school, work, dorms, college I feel this is a good thing for everyone to learn. 🫶🏾
I've been in recovery for about 6 months now, and this seems to be the hardest challenge I have faced in a while. I've always been confrontational and angry when someone isn’t grateful for how rewarding, kind, and genuinely amazing this program is. So this lesson is one I’m still learning and practicing every second of the day. Being around people all the time can be very taxing on your mental health, so your sanity should always come first.
- Remember, “Not my circus, not my monkey”
This is one of the quotes I try to remember when others are acting out in a program…
Just because they are acting out doesn’t mean you did anything wrong, or that you are to blame for their feelings
Those are THEIR feelings, not YOURS, don’t take on anyone else’s emotions.
- HEADPHONES.
Probably the greatest defense against negativity is not hearing it at all!
Wearing headphones has helped me calm down in lots of situations.
I recommend having over-the-ear headphones so group therapists can see you listening to music.
- Distractions!
A sketchbook, phone, notebook, or even just a fidget toy can help distract your mind from the negativity in the room.
Make a gratitude list, plan for the day, color a picture, and do something you love to do!! It’s hard to stay focused on the negatives when you’re focused on something that matters to you.
- Practice empathy..
This is THE HARDEST SKILL TO LEARN.
Trust me, just today I decided to talk to a therapist who I trusted to complain and get angry with about how others are acting in the program.. this was very healthy and helpful for both of us! We had a safe place to talk with each other without others' negativity. We also came up with reasons why I might be irritated by their behavior.
Was that how you acted when you first came?
Maybe they aren’t in the same spot or recovery as you.
Maybe they just got some bad news from home? Or something happened in a therapist session.
Maybe it’s a hard day for them?
These are some things I have to consider before blowing up on someone for their negativity and bad behavior. In recovery, we learn to keep our side of the street clean at all costs. Instead of blowing up offering support, and talking to someone you trust about the situation, a second opinion can help times
I know this may seem selfish or too hard to do but I assure you that these skills can help manage your emotions and sanity. Recovery is sometimes selfish.
That’s all for today! I hope this helps some of y’all out 🫶🏾🍋
#mentalchanges #copingstrategies #mentalhealth #mentalhealthjourney #shareyourthoughts #adhd #addiction #recovery #positivevibes #vulnerabilitytips
Dealing with negative people during recovery can be extremely challenging, especially when surrounded by others who may not share the same mindset. It's essential to create a protective bubble for your mental health. Some effective strategies include: 1. **Practice Self-Compassion**: Acknowledge your own emotions and allow yourself the space to feel without guilt. Remember, it’s normal to feel frustrated. 2. **Set Boundaries**: It's vital to establish emotional boundaries to protect your energy. Know when to step back or disengage from conversations that do not serve your well-being. 3. **Utilize Support Systems**: Reach out to trusted friends, mentors, or therapists who can provide guidance or simply listen to your frustrations. Sharing your thoughts can relieve the emotional burden. 4. **Focus on Your Journey**: Concentrate on your progress and the positive changes you're making in your life. Keeping a journal to document your wins can serve as a motivational tool. 5. **Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques**: When overcoming negativity, practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and physical activities can help center you and improve your emotional state. Making mindfulness a regular part of your routine can dramatically enhance your coping mechanisms. 6. **Engage in Positive Activities**: Invest time in hobbies that uplift you, such as art, music, or exercise, which can create a positive atmosphere and distract you from the negativity. Remember, taking steps to prioritize your happiness is not selfish; it's a crucial part of your recovery. Combining these techniques can create a balanced approach to interact with challenging individuals while maintaining your mental and emotional health.
If you treat yourself as if you’re a very special story, then, you must protect the characters, the diction, the themes and so on. The best way is to remember keep it simple. Say, “I am unwilling to discuss this.” That is all you need.