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Recovery from addiction, mental health disorders, or trauma can take a toll on one’s self-worth feelings. A “rock bottom” mindset can quickly set in and make even confronting one’s recovery a challenging prospect. Feeling a constant spiral of defeat is undoubtedly detrimental, but experiencing this state can also be a catalyst for change. Finding a way to realize one’s mindset and adjust can help each person take the first step towards leaving this self-deprecating emotional spiral behind and move towards regaining control over their future.
What is the "Rock Bottom" Mindset?
Experiencing “rock bottom” is a debilitating experience. It is a time where someone constantly reengages with destructive behaviors over and over again, even if they are aware that the results of their actions are actively detrimental. It can be an overwhelming feeling of defeat and powerlessness, where change can seem impossible, or one’s self-worth may be at an all-time low. Those experiencing this mindset may see recovery as impossible or even believe that they aren’t deserving of recovery or happiness. This defeatist mentality can strain all aspects of someone’s life. They may lose motivation or reasons to maintain relationships or take care of responsibilities personally or professionally.
Those experiencing addiction, mental health issues, or trauma can hit a “rock bottom.” A lack of coping skills, paired with a lack of support system or an unwillingness to use support, can cause daily stresses to build up and make someone increasingly desperate in their search for an outlet. “Rock bottom” can cause someone to begin trying things they may have never envisioned themselves doing. While living in a “rock bottom” mindset may feel hopeless, it can also be a point of change in one’s life as they can rebuild themselves wholly into a brand new identity.
One Day at a Time
Overcoming a “rock bottom” mindset doesn’t happen in a day. Reaching out to a new approach to one’s health, or trying a new hobby, doesn’t mean that someone has entirely recaptured their self-image. However, each person may notice a tipping point for themselves. It can come at any time, whether someone is just beginning a new recovery program or they have already been engaged in recovery for a while. Rushing the process of overcoming “rock bottom” can take time, and it can help by taking things a day at a time.
Times of “rock bottom” can make looking to the future difficult. Setting achievable daily goals can help someone realize that they can accomplish many things in their lives. It can also begin to reintroduce the idea of agency and autonomy back into their daily routines. Getting out of bed or maintaining personal hygiene can be challenging tasks that should be celebrated when addressed daily. Each small step is still a step forward out of such a dire situation.
Taking recovery one day at a time also means rewarding someone for their accomplishments appropriately. It can be difficult to motivate someone by offering a reward for later in the week. Having someone feel reinforced for overcoming their struggles will go a long way in helping someone begin to realize their strength again. Talking about these reinforcements may also help someone discover other interests they may have in life and start rebuilding their interests and identity daily.
Rebuilding from the Bottom
Daily reinforcement can also come from within the one struggling. Keeping a journal of one’s everyday emotional state and feelings can help someone see their progress and how interconnected many of their actions may be. Accurately tracking one’s progress can help someone build back their identity into something they are proud of by allowing them to look back at an honest recording of their days. Collages or taking photographs through the day can also help someone realize their highs and lows and further push someone to continue pursuing the goals they set for themselves. While it may be a time of intense depression, it can also be the blank slate that they need to begin deciding who they want to be and what traits they want to be associated with. “Rock bottom” is a time that demands change. It can be an all-encompassing stressor or a point of opportunity for someone to transform themselves from the bottom up.
Reaching a “rock bottom” mindset is incredibly difficult for anyone to overcome on their own. Recognizing your “rock bottom,” taking life one day at a time, and rebuilding from the bottom are all ways to help you achieve recovery. If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, mental health disorders, or trauma, START UP RECOVERY can help you begin to take those crucial first steps out of your “rock bottom.” By establishing a supportive, luxurious community full of professionals, mentors, and peers, your stay is personalized and filled with unique approaches, all backed by a robust set of core strategies and life skills. Realizing your strengths is the first step towards defining your identity, and START UP RECOVERY can help you set your own personal and professional goals while providing a network of supportive peers each step of the way. This supportive atmosphere encourages each person to explore their options while benefitting from the comfort of an understanding safety net through each step of the journey. For more information on the various ways, we can personalize your stay with us, or speak to a caring representative about your unique situation, call us today at (310) 773-3809.