Strategies for Coping with Co-occurring Disorders in PSB Recovery

Problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) recovery is a trying journey in itself. There are emotions to manage, triggers to avoid, and new habits to form. Add co-existing mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or substance abuse, to the mix, and this healing becomes all the more challenging.

However, that does not make healing impossible. As cliché as this may sound, there is always a way when you are committed to your recovery – and with the right support, you can keep moving forward. For those managing co-occuring disorders in PSB, here are some strategies to help you.

Identifying Your Triggers

For those struggling with mental health issues in PSB, there are certain situations, feelings, or thoughts that can worsen symptoms. These are known as triggers. To manage your recovery, it is vital to identify and understand these triggers.

Start by keeping a journal to track what happens right before you feel the urge to engage in PSB or you feel eel heightened distress or discomfort. Common triggers, which may intensify mental health symptoms, include:

• Major changes or pressures, like job loss, relationship issues, or financial difficulties.
• Feelings of being alone or disconnected from others.
• Intense feelings of sadness, anger, or frustration.
• Reminders or anniversaries of past trauma or abuse.
• Ongoing disputes or unresolved issues with family, friends, or colleagues.
• Critical or self-demeaning thoughts
• Feeling aimless or lacking fulfilling activities and goals.

Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms

With a better understanding of your triggers, you can now find healthier ways to handle them. Whether that involves inducing relaxation or releasing stress, choose activities that fit your lifestyle and you enjoy. Some coping strategies you can do right now to ease co-occuring disorders in PSB include:

• Grounding Exercises: When emotions feel like they will overflow, use grounding techniques to stay connected to the present moment. Simple acts like focusing on your breathing, touching different textures, or counting objects around you can reduce the overwhelmand help prevent impulsive actions.

• Self-Soothing Activities: Engage in activities that comfort you. This may include listening to your favorite music, baking, or spending time on a hobby you enjoy. Not only does it calm your nerves, but it also distracts you from intrusive thoughts.

• Stress Releasing Techniques: Another way to relieve tension is to engage in physical exercise. Whetherrunning, swimming, or power yoga, any movement that raises your heart rate can help you regain control and clear your mind.

If you’re unsure which techniques work best for your circumstances, consider consulting with a mental health professional. They can offer suggestions based on your exact needs.

Seek Integrated Treatment

PSB and co-occurring disorders may present as separate problems, but more often than not, they are connected. Both conditions can influence and reinforce one another, which means you cannot heal from one without addressing the other.

This is why integrated treatment can make the greatest difference. It recognizes the complex interplay between problematic behaviors and co-occurring conditions and allows interventions to be tailored accordingly. A well-designed integrated treatment plan tackles the underlying issues of both conditions simultaneously rather than treating them in isolation.

For the best outcomes, it’s essential to work with mental health professionals who have direct experience and expertise in treating mental health issues in PSB. These experts have an in-depth understanding of how these conditions interact with each other and can, therefore, develop a far more effective healing strategy.

Holistic Healing with Paradise Creek

Recovering from problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) alongside co-occurring disorders is undeniably challenging, but it is within reach with the right approach. By understanding your triggers, developing healthy coping strategies, and seeking integrated treatment, you can stay the course.

Just remember, if you ever feel your willpower waver, you are never alone. Find holistic support at Paradise Creek Recovery. In our residential treatment, discover a comprehensive plan that addresses both the compulsive behaviors and co-occurring disorders in PSB. With a highly qualified mental healthcare team by your side, recovery is closer than you think.

Visit our website or call (855) 691-3815 to learn more