According to studies, 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health or substance use. Equally impressive is the number of people who were concerned about their mental health. From January to September 2020, 315,220 people took the anxiety screen, a 93 percent increase over the 2019 total number of anxiety screens. 534,784 people took the depression screen, a 62 percent increase over the 2019 total number of depression screens.
2020 has definitely been an extremely hard year for all of us when it comes to mental health issues as well as substance abuse. However, it is important to remember that out of despair we can triumph. There were some good things that we can take away from 2020 to help us learn and grow for 2021 and the years to follow.
Let’s discuss the biggest lessons to take away from 2020 and how they can help us ground ourselves in 2021:
Lesson 1: Our Desire To Stay Connected
Our desire to stay connected is undeniable! This past year, our society as a whole had the highest number of individuals using video calling than ever before. From Zoom calls to TikTok dances, our desire for connection has been apparent since the beginning of this year of isolation. We helped create new solutions in the fields of healthcare, education, and the workplace with the use of technology.During the healing process, it is vital to have a support system and this year has opened our eyes to new ways of supporting each other. With families able to video call from different states, we are seeing momentum for communication and change that we hope does not slow down.
If you are thinking about going through detox or any other programs this upcoming year, make sure to establish your support network and account for the amazing technology available to do this.
Lesson 2: Accept What Is Out Of Our Control
This year we were forced to accept that there are a lot of things we have zero control over. From lockdowns, layoffs, natural disasters, and elections, there is no denying that someone you know has been affected by something from that small list of 2020 events. As we navigate life events that we can not control it's important to learn how to adapt healthily.Accepting what is out of your control is a great lesson going into 2021 if you plan to start a recovery journey from addiction. Learning to only seek to control what you can control is a critical part of the healing process. We are glad to see this past year having this effect on us and truly getting us out of our comfort zone. Starting 2021 in this new territory will make it easier to seek out and make changes towards your future. Although New Year resolutions seem taboo and destined to fail, it's important to remember that this new year is going to bring a lot of new energy for everyone around a sense of hope. Use that energy to prosper.
Lesson 3: Awareness Toward Sickness Spread
Our newfound awareness and care for spreading sickness are evident. From finding unique ways to see older family members without putting them at risk, to songs to help you wash your hands long enough, this year has been an advocate of health and sanitation. This will be a great lesson for us to carry into the future. Might we notice more regular mask-wearing during flu season? Will people wash and sanitize more often? Will restaurants keep some of the new cleaning guidelines year-round? Of course, we will always have germs to deal with, but it is nice to know this year provided some education we haven't been given in a while.Lesson 4: Make Our Voice Heard
This year we all learned how important it is to listen to one another and to make your voice heard! We have had several movements across the US this year that gave voices to different minority groups. From #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo movements to the election season, no matter what you believe in, these issues all show the desire for people to want to be heard. We should encourage these passionate discussions and hope that we all have the opportunity to stand up for something we believe in.In this next year, we hope you speak your truth. We all have a past that we need to heal from and we hope that others speaking out will help you speak out too. With honesty, there is acceptance. Use 2021 to discover your voice and what you want to be heard and go yell it from the mountain tops.
Lesson 5: Stay Resilient
Resilience has been an undeniable takeaway from this year. 2020 gave us enough changes and traumatic events for a lifetime but we have truly grown and adapted to it all. 
Adapting is our last and final lesson to carry over into 2021, adapting is proof that we can heal from our addictions and our mental health challenges. We hope that seeing the world stay resilient and adapt to new changes, will give you the courage to adapt to a new lifestyle and change habits that were dangerous towards yourself.
When you are ready to begin the healing process, The Haven at Pismo offers a full continuum of care, including intensive outpatient and residential treatment programs that give you the tools to live substance-free. Call now: 805.202.3440.
1-805-202-3440
