This November, an arctic blast has been sweeping the nation with below average temperatures, icy winds and early snowfall. Although winter weather can be beautiful here at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the sudden change in seasons can quickly become a safety hazard. Brookhaven Retreat understands that feeling safe and stable is a critical component in managing mental health and substance abuse recovery, and encourages women to be prepared for all life and safety measures.
Mood, mental health and safety are closely connected. Mental health illnesses such as bipolar disorder or anxiety require stability to properly manage long-term. Women with mental health issues face different responsibilities regarding safety. Unforeseen weather conditions can be a source for anxiety, which can damage a woman’s emotional health and recovery.
Because basic safety needs affect mood, behavior and emotion, they play an important role in recovery from mental illness. Stability provides comfort, and when that need is nurtured, women are able to focus on other aspects of a healthy lifestyle such as proper sleep hygiene, nutritional eating and mood regulation. To create this comfort, women are encouraged to create a life safety plan that includes preparing for inclement weather.
Brookhaven Retreat’s exclusive Poncho Program analyzes 30 aspects of women’s day-to-day life to create a healthy whole that encourages recovery that lasts. The Poncho Program examines safety in a woman’s life including housing safety, a safe social surrounding, neighborhood, and driving safety. A safety plan for inclement weather helps put a woman’s mind at ease when snowy or icy situations do arise, enabling her to take care of herself without compromising mental health.
While the whole country is experiencing an early winter freeze, Brookhaven Retreat emphasizes safety in inclement weather in order to ensure a safe emotional environment for women to continue their journey to recovery. This includes tips for driving on ice and in snow, and the importance of keeping a life safety kit in the car and home.
The foundation of wellness is safety. Without it, women are unable to focus on other aspects of their emotional and mental wellness. Brookhaven Retreat’s individualized life realignment program analyzes a woman’s need for safety. With its nurturing and secure environment women feel comfortable exploring their emotional breakage and make strides toward lifelong wellness.