Welcome to September!

It is now completely acceptable to begin drinking pumpkin spice lattes, buy fall decor at HomeGoods, watch the Great Pumpkin, and to even break out those stylish new boots you have been dying to wear because you definitely bought them during our time in quarantine (because I know I did). While September brings cooler air and leaves to change color, one of the most important things is actually being celebrated during this month, as September is National Recovery Month! 

This September is the 30th anniversary of National Recovery Month in America.

This milestone anniversary is something worth celebrating loudly because recovery is both extremely difficult and rewarding for any individual. Whether you are recovering from an eating disorder, substance use, or from a mental health disorder it is essential to raise awareness surrounding the mental health treatment and recovery process, as well as, celebrating the victories that have been made on the road to recovery! 

National Recovery Month, or Recovery Month, not only celebrates the people that are in recovery but strives to educate others about substance abuse, use and treatment, as well as, shedding light on the mental health epidemic. Recovery Month also educates individuals about the potential mental health services that are available for those that are struggling or trying to receive assistance. 

Each year Recovery Month selects a focus or theme that will spread a message about recovery and open the door for others to share their successful treatment and recovery journey. This year, the 2020 National Recovery Month is striving to work to inspire people to recognize the strength and resilience of those living in recovery, as well as, supporting those with substance use disorders to consider seeking treatment.

The message behind this year's theme is the idea that we need to celebrate all of the victories that have been made by those that are in recovery, as well as, celebrating those who support them. 

So, whether you, yourself, are recovering or you are a part of a loved one’s support group, there are ways for you to join and get involved in this month! And even though we are still in the midst of a pandemic, we can safely celebrate this month through many virtual events! Here are some: 

Recovery Month Event Run/Walks

Peer Services is holding a virtual Step up for Recovery 2020 walk/run 

https://rm.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/event/step-up-for-recovery/

Bridgeway Recovery Services is holding a virtual run between September 1-September 15

https://rm.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/events/today/?hide_subsequent_recurrences=1

Recovery Month Challenges 

Complete the September 2020 30-day Awareness Challenge 

This is a 30-day challenge that you can utilize to not only share your recovery story but encourages you to be more mindful throughout the month! 

https://rm.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/event/art-30-day-challenge/

Sweatember--Held by The Phoenix 

Sweatember is 23 days of consecutive activity to represent the 23 million in recovery. During these 23 days, those that are in recovery or those that know someone in recovery, are able to sign up for FREE workout classes that include meditation, yoga, and/or full body workouts. 

https://thephoenix.org/sweatember/

Webinars and More

Voices of Recovery Art Show 

Artwork by people in recovery and people who support recovery will be featured on Voices of Recovery website throughout the month of September. This art show strives to bring awareness to the importance of recovery and treatment. So, if you're interested in art, you should definitely check it out!

https://www.vorsmc.org

Webinar Wednesdays: The Harm Reduction Continuum 

Every Wednesday in September the Northwest Community CARA will be meeting via Zoom. During this time, people who have real life experiences with recovery will share their story, experts will speak, and resources about recovery and how to get connected to the recovery community will be provided!

https://rm.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/event/webinar-wednesdays-the-harm-reduction-continuum/

#SHECelebratesConnectionTogether Online 

These online Zoom gatherings are facilitated by professional SHE RECOVERS coaches. If you are a woman (cisgender or transgender) and/or a non-binary individual in recovery, this platform welcomes you to join them for daily voluntary gatherings that are judegement free. SHE RECOVERS provides a space that is full of support, understanding, and fellow travelers to journey recovery. 

https://sherecovers.org/together-online/

 There are also a number of other activities that you can get involved in! If you want to find some more, visit the National Recovery Month 2020 website! (link: https://rm.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/events/today/?hide_subsequent_recurrences=1)

By celebrating this vital month, we are able to discuss the gains that have been made by those in recovery, share success stories, increase awareness, and further others' understanding about mental and substance use disorders. 

If you are looking for a therapist to support your recovery or you are a loved one in need of additional support, we have recovery specialists who can help. Reach out today to set up a 15 minute phone consultation with one of our recovery therapists!

About the author:

Julia Salerno is a graduate intern at Spilove Psychotherapy and is working toward her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Villanova University. Julia received her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Health Services with minors in Psychology and Health Care Ethics from Saint Joseph’s University in 2019. Julia strives to create a warm, comforting, and safe environment for her clients to share their story with her. Julia utilizes both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialect Behavioral Therapy (DBT) when working with clients. She enjoys working with adults and the geriatric population. Julia believes that the cornerstone of therapy is taking the necessary time to build and nurture the client-therapist relationship, as doing so allows for clients to feel a sense of trust.