Re-engaging with Life After a Mental Health Setback: 5 Strategies for Hope and Progress

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When mental health declines, it can be challenging to re-engage with life. You’ve spent so long in a completely different place, you don’t always know what to do. 

That’s where this post can help. Even small victories can be a huge boost when re-engaging with life after a mental health setback. We look at some strategies you can use to get back into the swing of things after a setback. These simple techniques and approaches offer hope and help you thrive if you can practice them regularly. 

Start By Acknowledging The Progress You’ve Already Made

Even if it feels like a long road, take time to acknowledge the progress you’ve already made. Look at where you’re thriving and how far you’ve come since your low points. 

Try not to get discouraged if days don’t go perfectly. You’ll discover ups and downs along the way as you progress along what can be a long and winding road. 

Once you see how far you’ve come, it sets you up for the next stage of your progress. Even emerging from a step back is already a massive achievement. 

Start With The Small Things

It’s also a good idea to start with small things before plunging yourself back into the fullness of life. These victories will help nurture your confidence and ensure you don’t take on too much, too soon. 

What counts as progress depends on your personal situation. For some, it might mean going back to work. For others, it could be taking a stroll in the park. 

Calibrate the challenge to get it just right. Don’t do anything that might jeopardize your health and vitality long-term. 

Get Support Along The Way

If you’ve just come out of a care setting, it also helps to get support along the way. Having someone with you while you tackle the challenges of the world can be an excellent way to get the guidance you require. Building a strong support system is crucial for re-engaging with life after a mental health setback.

If you visit website pages related to the service you used, you can often find outpatient support or aftercare. These provide you with regular checkups and help steady you if you’re feeling uncertain. 

Go Back To The Activities You Love

Another powerful tactic for re-engaging with life after a mental health setback is to return to the activities you love. Taking up an old hobby or getting back into sport can be a fantastic outlet that leaves you feeling so much better. Finding joy in activities you used to love can be a powerful tool for re-engaging with life after a mental health setback

Many people with depression or anxiety stop engaging with the things that they love. Life becomes dull and monotonous. Getting back into them, even if it feels forced, can give you a new lease of life and improve how you feel there and then. 

Form A New Social Network

You’ll also want to form a new social network if possible. Having people around you who understand what you’re going through and can provide support is often enormously helpful. Consider joining a support group to connect with others who are also re-engaging with life after a mental health setback.

Most cities have mental health support groups and people you can speak to if you get into difficulties with your well-being. Being able to engage more with the world around you can be a fantastic way to boost your mental health and get out of a rut. Remember, re-engaging with life after a mental health setback is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself throughout the process.