Family support plays a crucial role in helping teens recover from depression. A study from the National Institutes of Health found that teens who spend more time with their parents show fewer signs of depression, highlighting the importance of family involvement. When families create a safe and caring environment, teens are more likely to feel understood and supported during their recovery.
In this blog, we’ll explore actionable ways families can support their depressed teens, from building a nurturing home to participating in professional treatment. We’ll offer practical strategies, expert insights, and resources to help families navigate the challenges of supporting a teenager through depression.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand the vital role of family support in teen depression treatment. Our residential program for teens with addiction and mental health issues incorporates family therapy sessions and maintains family connections through regular communication.
The Vital Role of Family Support in Teen Depression Recovery
Family support is a key part of helping teens overcome depression. While it can be challenging, parents and family members play a crucial role in their teen’s recovery. This section explains eight important ways families can make a difference in their teen’s mental health journey.
1. Providing Emotional Support for Depressed Teens
Emotional support from family is crucial for teens battling depression. When parents and siblings show understanding and care, it helps teens feel less alone in their struggle. This support can take many forms:
Listening without judgment when teens want to talk
Showing patience during mood swings or difficult moments
Expressing love and acceptance, even when teens push away
Validating their feelings instead of dismissing them
When families provide consistent emotional support, teens are more likely to feel valued and understood. This feeling of being supported can give teens the strength to face their depression and work toward recovery. Remember, small gestures of love and understanding can have a big impact on a teen’s emotional well-being.
2. Building a Nurturing Home Environment for Healing
A nurturing home environment plays a key role in helping teens recover from depression. When the home feels safe and supportive, it becomes a place where healing can happen. Here’s how a nurturing home environment helps:
It reduces stress, which can worsen depression symptoms
It provides a stable base for teens to process their emotions
It encourages rest and relaxation, important for mental health
To create a nurturing home:
Keep the atmosphere calm and peaceful
Maintain consistent routines for meals and bedtimes
Create cozy, comfortable spaces for relaxation
Limit family conflicts and arguments
Encourage positive interactions among family members
When teens have a nurturing home to return to, it gives them a break from the pressures of the outside world. This safe space allows them to recharge and gather strength for their recovery journey. A healing home environment supports the work done in therapy and other treatments, helping teens make steady progress.
Physical Wellness Advocate
Beyond social and emotional support, family support also advocates for physical wellness. It emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, physical exercise, and a good diet. Family support also encourages routine to reduce stress in depressed teens. Such healthy habits contribute to a holistic healing approach to teen depression.
For families in need of more depression resources, Arizona offers a variety. It provides several tailored therapy services to cater to the family’s needs. It also equips families with strategies and professional guidance to support their adolescent’s mental health.
3. Encouraging Open Communication with Your Teen
Open communication is a vital part of supporting teens with depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, teens who are encouraged to openly discuss their emotions tend to cope better with depressive symptoms.
When teens feel they can talk freely with their family, it helps their recovery in several ways:
It allows teens to express their feelings without fear of judgment
It helps parents understand what their teen is going through
It makes it easier for teens to ask for help when they need it
It builds trust between teens and their family members
When teens know they can communicate openly at home, they’re less likely to bottle up their emotions. This openness can prevent depression from getting worse in secret. It also helps families spot early signs of trouble and get help sooner. Remember, good communication takes practice, so keep trying even if it feels awkward at first.
4. Involving Professionals in Your Teen’s Recovery Journey
While family support is vital for a teen’s emotional well-being, professional involvement is essential for treating depression effectively. Families are often the first to notice changes in their teen’s behavior or mood, which can lead to early detection and treatment of depression.
Parents and guardians often take the first step by researching therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists who specialize in adolescent mental health. Their encouragement and support can motivate reluctant teens to start therapy and stick with it, even when progress feels slow. Additionally, families provide valuable insights to mental health professionals about their teen’s history, personality, and daily life, which helps in creating a more tailored treatment plan.
Families can enhance the effectiveness of treatment by actively participating in family therapy sessions and maintaining open communication with the healthcare provider. At Nexus Teen Academy, our program includes regular family therapy sessions and keeps families involved throughout the treatment process.
5. Supporting Treatment Adherence for Lasting Recovery
Family ensures that teens stick to their treatment plan, which is often one of the biggest challenges in depression recovery. Depression can make it difficult for teens to remain motivated, leading to missed therapy sessions or inconsistent medication use.
Here are the ways families support their teenagers to adhere to the treatment plans:
Providing soft, non-intrusive reminders for therapy sessions, medication schedules, and follow-up appointments.
Regularly check in with the teen about how they feel regarding the treatment, addressing any concerns like side effects or lack of progress.
Accompanying teen to therapy or participating in discussions with their healthcare provider to show ongoing support.
By staying engaged, families can help reduce treatment drop-off rates and create a sense of accountability, both of which are essential for a lasting recovery journey.
6. Monitoring Progress and Recognizing Warning Signs
Families play a crucial role by observing identifying improvements and addressing potential setbacks throughout the depression recovery journey. Families can take the following steps to monitor progress effectively:
Consistently ask how the teen is feeling emotionally and mentally.
Track any shifts in sleeping, eating, or socializing habits.
Keep open communication with therapists to share observations and concerns.
It’s also important to recognize warning signs that may indicate a relapse or worsening condition, such as increased withdrawal, irritability, changes in mood, or talk of hopelessness. This vigilance can lead to:
Early intervention if symptoms start to worsen
Preventing minor setbacks from becoming major relapses
Adjustments to the treatment plan if needed
This ongoing support and monitoring can significantly contribute to the effectiveness of the treatment and the sustainability of recovery. It allows for quick responses to changes in the teen’s condition, ensuring that help is available when it’s most needed.
7. Helping Teens Reduce Stress for Better Mental Health
By creating a low-stress environment and teaching stress management techniques, families can significantly contribute to their teens’ depression recovery process. The American Psychological Association highlights that relaxation techniques and stress management are crucial for teens dealing with depression.
Here are some ways families can help teens reduce stress:
Promote activities like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help teens relax and manage stress.
Structured daily routines, including regular sleep, meals, and physical activity, provide stability and reduce stress triggers.
Encourage teens to engage in hobbies or creative activities that bring them joy, such as drawing, music, or sports.
Help minimize stress by reducing exposure to negative influences like excessive screen time, social media pressure, or unhealthy relationships.
When families actively work to reduce their teen’s stress levels, it can have several positive impacts:
It helps prevent stress from exacerbating depressive symptoms
It creates a more relaxed home atmosphere, promoting better overall mental health
It teaches valuable life skills for managing future stressors
8. Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle for Mental Well-Being
A healthy lifestyle plays an integral role in supporting mental well-being and aiding in depression recovery.
Families can promote a healthy lifestyle in several ways:
Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, such as joining a sports team or taking family bike rides.
Ensure teens eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and nuts, which can help combat depression
Establish a consistent sleep schedule aiming for 8-10 hours of sleep per night to regulate mood and energy levels
Practice mindfulness techniques together for 10-15 minutes daily to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation
Limit screen time to no more than 2 hours per day outside of schoolwork to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality
By promoting these healthy habits, families can create a foundation that supports both physical and mental recovery, making it easier for teens to manage depression and improve their overall quality of life.
Challenges Families Face While Supporting Teens and Their Solutions
Supporting a teen with depression is a complex and often challenging process for families. Here are some common difficulties and practical solutions to address them:
1. Understanding the Condition
Challenge: Many family members struggle to fully grasp the nature of depression and how it affects their teen’s behavior and emotions.
Solution: Educate yourself and your family about depression through reputable sources such as the National Institute of Mental Health or by consulting mental health professionals. Attending workshops or family therapy sessions can also provide valuable insights and improve understanding.
2. Choosing Treatment Options
Challenge: Families may face difficulty choosing the right treatment plan from numerous options, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Solution: Collaborate closely with healthcare professionals to understand the benefits and limitations of each treatment option. Seek second opinions if necessary and stay informed about new developments in adolescent mental health care. You can contact Nexus Teen Academy for any consultation for the treatment.
3. Balancing Sibling Dynamics
Challenge: Siblings of the affected teen might feel neglected or resentful due to the family’s focus on the teen’s needs.
Solution: Ensure that siblings receive individual attention and support. Communicate openly with them about the situation and involve them in family activities to maintain strong relationships and prevent feelings of isolation. Organize family activities that include all siblings to ensure everyone feels valued.
4. Dealing with External Judgment
Challenge: Families might face judgment or stigma from others regarding their teen’s mental health issues, leading to additional stress.
Solution: Focus on internal family strength and seek support from understanding friends, support groups, or mental health professionals. Develop a brief, prepared response to address common questions or misconceptions about mental health, which can be shared with friends or acquaintances.
5. Managing Family Stress
Challenge: Supporting a depressed teen can place a significant emotional and practical burden on family members, leading to stress and burnout.
Solution: Families should prioritize self-care and seek support for themselves, such as counseling or support groups. Taking time for personal well-being ensures that family members are better equipped to support their teen effectively.
Conclusion
Family support is crucial in teen depression recovery. Families offer emotional support, communication connections, and physical wellness advocates. As you support a depressed teenager, consider also seeking support for yourself. A healthy support system for depressed teens equals a supportive environment necessary for teen depression recovery.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we play an important role in promoting family support. We offer specialized family therapy services that focus on improving family dynamics. Are you thinking of various ways to support your depressed teenagers? Contact us today, and together, we can work through several strategies.
Practical Tips for Families to Support Their Depressed Teens
Family support does not have to be through conversations or discussions about depression. There are several other activities the families can take part in to help foster unity. Engaging in family activities not only promotes cohesion but also improves a teenager’s well-being. Here are some practical tips for families to provide effective support:
Create a “mood-boosting” playlist together, featuring uplifting songs your teen enjoys
Create a “mood tracker” together, using a simple chart or app to monitor daily emotions
Set up a cozy “relaxation corner” in your home with soft lighting and comfortable seating
Start a shared gratitude journal, where family members write one positive thing daily
Create a family “garden project” to nurture plants together, promoting responsibility and connection with nature.
Organize a monthly “DIY home improvement” task that involves the whole family
Develop a secret non-verbal signal your teen can use to indicate they need support
Implement a “no-phone zone” during family meals to encourage face-to-face interaction
Develop a bedtime routine that includes 15 minutes of calming activities like reading or gentle stretching
These practical activities offer additional ways for families to support their teens while fostering a positive home environment. They encourage bonding, communication, and shared experiences, which can be beneficial for a teen’s mental health.
Get Teen Depression Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
At Nexus Teen Academy, we specialize in treating depression through our comprehensive teen residential treatment program in Arizona. We offer evidence-based treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication management when necessary. Our team of experienced mental health professionals specializes in adolescent depression, providing intensive daily therapy and round-the-clock support.
We recognize that family involvement enhances treatment outcomes. Therefore, we incorporate family therapy sessions and parent education into our program, equipping families with tools to support their teen’s recovery. Our holistic approach addresses not just the symptoms of depression, but also underlying issues, helping teens develop coping skills for long-term mental health.
Educational Resources & Local Support Groups in Arizona for Teen Depression
Here are the educational resources and the local support groups in Arizona that can provide more information and support about teen depression.
Teen Lifeline Arizona – Provides confidential crisis support and a peer-to-peer helpline for teens struggling with depression and mental health issues.
Key Takeaways
Families play a crucial role in teen depression recovery, significantly impacting treatment effectiveness and outcomes.
Emotional support and a nurturing home environment are fundamental to the recovery process
Monitoring progress and recognizing warning signs enable early intervention
Families may face challenges but can overcome them with education and support
Engaging in practical activities can strengthen family bonds and aid recovery
Utilizing local resources and support groups can provide additional help to the family
Depression recovery in adolescents is a gradual process requiring patience and consistent family support
Conclusion
Family support is crucial in teen depression recovery. From providing emotional support and creating a nurturing home environment to actively participating in professional treatment, families play a crucial role. While challenges may arise, understanding the condition and utilizing available resources can help families navigate this difficult period. A healthy support system for depressed teens equals a supportive environment necessary for teen depression recovery.
If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer comprehensive treatment programs that incorporate family involvement, recognizing its crucial role in teen depression recovery. Contact us today, and together, we can work through several strategies.
Signs like persistent sadness, withdrawal from social interactions, or a shift in sleeping / eating habits may signify depression. Increased irritability, aggressiveness, and substance abuse disorder may also be signs of depression.
The first step is to communicate with them. They take time to open up to you about their problems. Do not panic; be patient with them and create an environment that encourages them to open up.
Arizona offers a range of professional services for teens struggling with depression. Institutions like Nexus Teen Academy provide counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care. We also offer specialized services tailored to support both adolescents and their families.
Single-parent or non-traditional families can provide effective support by maintaining open communication, establishing strong routines, and leveraging extended family or community resources. Consistency, quality time, and seeking additional support when needed are key. Remember, the strength of the relationship matters more than family structure.
Peer support complements family support by providing relatability and shared experiences. While families offer stability and long-term support, peers can offer understanding from a similar life stage. Encourage healthy peer relationships alongside strong family support for a comprehensive support network.
Signs of recovery include improved mood and a more positive outlook on life. It may also include increased participation in activities, better sleep, and improved appetite. However, recovery is a gradual process. It would be best if you continued supporting your teen throughout their journey.
Remain patient, understanding, and persistent in offering support. You can also seek guidance from mental health professionals. And explore alternative approaches to encourage your teenager to accept help.
During relapses, maintain a calm, supportive environment. Reassure your teen that setbacks are normal in recovery. Revisit coping strategies learned in treatment, and contact their mental health professional if needed. Stay patient, reinforce healthy habits, and remind them of the progress made so far.
The Role of Family Support in Teen Depression Recovery
Published On April 24, 2024
Table of Contents
Family support plays a crucial role in helping teens recover from depression. A study from the National Institutes of Health found that teens who spend more time with their parents show fewer signs of depression, highlighting the importance of family involvement. When families create a safe and caring environment, teens are more likely to feel understood and supported during their recovery.
In this blog, we’ll explore actionable ways families can support their depressed teens, from building a nurturing home to participating in professional treatment. We’ll offer practical strategies, expert insights, and resources to help families navigate the challenges of supporting a teenager through depression.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand the vital role of family support in teen depression treatment. Our residential program for teens with addiction and mental health issues incorporates family therapy sessions and maintains family connections through regular communication.
The Vital Role of Family Support in Teen Depression Recovery
Family support is a key part of helping teens overcome depression. While it can be challenging, parents and family members play a crucial role in their teen’s recovery. This section explains eight important ways families can make a difference in their teen’s mental health journey.
1. Providing Emotional Support for Depressed Teens
Emotional support from family is crucial for teens battling depression. When parents and siblings show understanding and care, it helps teens feel less alone in their struggle. This support can take many forms:
When families provide consistent emotional support, teens are more likely to feel valued and understood. This feeling of being supported can give teens the strength to face their depression and work toward recovery. Remember, small gestures of love and understanding can have a big impact on a teen’s emotional well-being.
2. Building a Nurturing Home Environment for Healing
A nurturing home environment plays a key role in helping teens recover from depression. When the home feels safe and supportive, it becomes a place where healing can happen. Here’s how a nurturing home environment helps:
To create a nurturing home:
When teens have a nurturing home to return to, it gives them a break from the pressures of the outside world. This safe space allows them to recharge and gather strength for their recovery journey. A healing home environment supports the work done in therapy and other treatments, helping teens make steady progress.
Physical Wellness Advocate
Beyond social and emotional support, family support also advocates for physical wellness. It emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, physical exercise, and a good diet. Family support also encourages routine to reduce stress in depressed teens. Such healthy habits contribute to a holistic healing approach to teen depression.
For families in need of more depression resources, Arizona offers a variety. It provides several tailored therapy services to cater to the family’s needs. It also equips families with strategies and professional guidance to support their adolescent’s mental health.
3. Encouraging Open Communication with Your Teen
Open communication is a vital part of supporting teens with depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, teens who are encouraged to openly discuss their emotions tend to cope better with depressive symptoms.
When teens feel they can talk freely with their family, it helps their recovery in several ways:
When teens know they can communicate openly at home, they’re less likely to bottle up their emotions. This openness can prevent depression from getting worse in secret. It also helps families spot early signs of trouble and get help sooner. Remember, good communication takes practice, so keep trying even if it feels awkward at first.
4. Involving Professionals in Your Teen’s Recovery Journey
While family support is vital for a teen’s emotional well-being, professional involvement is essential for treating depression effectively. Families are often the first to notice changes in their teen’s behavior or mood, which can lead to early detection and treatment of depression.
Parents and guardians often take the first step by researching therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists who specialize in adolescent mental health. Their encouragement and support can motivate reluctant teens to start therapy and stick with it, even when progress feels slow. Additionally, families provide valuable insights to mental health professionals about their teen’s history, personality, and daily life, which helps in creating a more tailored treatment plan.
Families can enhance the effectiveness of treatment by actively participating in family therapy sessions and maintaining open communication with the healthcare provider. At Nexus Teen Academy, our program includes regular family therapy sessions and keeps families involved throughout the treatment process.
5. Supporting Treatment Adherence for Lasting Recovery
Family ensures that teens stick to their treatment plan, which is often one of the biggest challenges in depression recovery. Depression can make it difficult for teens to remain motivated, leading to missed therapy sessions or inconsistent medication use.
Here are the ways families support their teenagers to adhere to the treatment plans:
By staying engaged, families can help reduce treatment drop-off rates and create a sense of accountability, both of which are essential for a lasting recovery journey.
6. Monitoring Progress and Recognizing Warning Signs
Families play a crucial role by observing identifying improvements and addressing potential setbacks throughout the depression recovery journey. Families can take the following steps to monitor progress effectively:
It’s also important to recognize warning signs that may indicate a relapse or worsening condition, such as increased withdrawal, irritability, changes in mood, or talk of hopelessness. This vigilance can lead to:
This ongoing support and monitoring can significantly contribute to the effectiveness of the treatment and the sustainability of recovery. It allows for quick responses to changes in the teen’s condition, ensuring that help is available when it’s most needed.
7. Helping Teens Reduce Stress for Better Mental Health
By creating a low-stress environment and teaching stress management techniques, families can significantly contribute to their teens’ depression recovery process. The American Psychological Association highlights that relaxation techniques and stress management are crucial for teens dealing with depression.
Here are some ways families can help teens reduce stress:
When families actively work to reduce their teen’s stress levels, it can have several positive impacts:
8. Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle for Mental Well-Being
A healthy lifestyle plays an integral role in supporting mental well-being and aiding in depression recovery.
Families can promote a healthy lifestyle in several ways:
By promoting these healthy habits, families can create a foundation that supports both physical and mental recovery, making it easier for teens to manage depression and improve their overall quality of life.
Challenges Families Face While Supporting Teens and Their Solutions
Supporting a teen with depression is a complex and often challenging process for families. Here are some common difficulties and practical solutions to address them:
1. Understanding the Condition
Challenge: Many family members struggle to fully grasp the nature of depression and how it affects their teen’s behavior and emotions.
Solution: Educate yourself and your family about depression through reputable sources such as the National Institute of Mental Health or by consulting mental health professionals. Attending workshops or family therapy sessions can also provide valuable insights and improve understanding.
2. Choosing Treatment Options
Challenge: Families may face difficulty choosing the right treatment plan from numerous options, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Solution: Collaborate closely with healthcare professionals to understand the benefits and limitations of each treatment option. Seek second opinions if necessary and stay informed about new developments in adolescent mental health care. You can contact Nexus Teen Academy for any consultation for the treatment.
3. Balancing Sibling Dynamics
Challenge: Siblings of the affected teen might feel neglected or resentful due to the family’s focus on the teen’s needs.
Solution: Ensure that siblings receive individual attention and support. Communicate openly with them about the situation and involve them in family activities to maintain strong relationships and prevent feelings of isolation. Organize family activities that include all siblings to ensure everyone feels valued.
4. Dealing with External Judgment
Challenge: Families might face judgment or stigma from others regarding their teen’s mental health issues, leading to additional stress.
Solution: Focus on internal family strength and seek support from understanding friends, support groups, or mental health professionals. Develop a brief, prepared response to address common questions or misconceptions about mental health, which can be shared with friends or acquaintances.
5. Managing Family Stress
Challenge: Supporting a depressed teen can place a significant emotional and practical burden on family members, leading to stress and burnout.
Solution: Families should prioritize self-care and seek support for themselves, such as counseling or support groups. Taking time for personal well-being ensures that family members are better equipped to support their teen effectively.
Conclusion
Family support is crucial in teen depression recovery. Families offer emotional support, communication connections, and physical wellness advocates. As you support a depressed teenager, consider also seeking support for yourself. A healthy support system for depressed teens equals a supportive environment necessary for teen depression recovery.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we play an important role in promoting family support. We offer specialized family therapy services that focus on improving family dynamics. Are you thinking of various ways to support your depressed teenagers? Contact us today, and together, we can work through several strategies.
Practical Tips for Families to Support Their Depressed Teens
Family support does not have to be through conversations or discussions about depression. There are several other activities the families can take part in to help foster unity. Engaging in family activities not only promotes cohesion but also improves a teenager’s well-being. Here are some practical tips for families to provide effective support:
These practical activities offer additional ways for families to support their teens while fostering a positive home environment. They encourage bonding, communication, and shared experiences, which can be beneficial for a teen’s mental health.
Get Teen Depression Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
At Nexus Teen Academy, we specialize in treating depression through our comprehensive teen residential treatment program in Arizona. We offer evidence-based treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication management when necessary. Our team of experienced mental health professionals specializes in adolescent depression, providing intensive daily therapy and round-the-clock support.
We recognize that family involvement enhances treatment outcomes. Therefore, we incorporate family therapy sessions and parent education into our program, equipping families with tools to support their teen’s recovery. Our holistic approach addresses not just the symptoms of depression, but also underlying issues, helping teens develop coping skills for long-term mental health.
Educational Resources & Local Support Groups in Arizona for Teen Depression
Here are the educational resources and the local support groups in Arizona that can provide more information and support about teen depression.
Educational Resources
Local Support Groups in Arizona
Key Takeaways
Conclusion
Family support is crucial in teen depression recovery. From providing emotional support and creating a nurturing home environment to actively participating in professional treatment, families play a crucial role. While challenges may arise, understanding the condition and utilizing available resources can help families navigate this difficult period. A healthy support system for depressed teens equals a supportive environment necessary for teen depression recovery.
If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. At Nexus Teen Academy, we offer comprehensive treatment programs that incorporate family involvement, recognizing its crucial role in teen depression recovery. Contact us today, and together, we can work through several strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs like persistent sadness, withdrawal from social interactions, or a shift in sleeping / eating habits may signify depression. Increased irritability, aggressiveness, and substance abuse disorder may also be signs of depression.
The first step is to communicate with them. They take time to open up to you about their problems. Do not panic; be patient with them and create an environment that encourages them to open up.
Arizona offers a range of professional services for teens struggling with depression. Institutions like Nexus Teen Academy provide counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care. We also offer specialized services tailored to support both adolescents and their families.
Single-parent or non-traditional families can provide effective support by maintaining open communication, establishing strong routines, and leveraging extended family or community resources. Consistency, quality time, and seeking additional support when needed are key. Remember, the strength of the relationship matters more than family structure.
Peer support complements family support by providing relatability and shared experiences. While families offer stability and long-term support, peers can offer understanding from a similar life stage. Encourage healthy peer relationships alongside strong family support for a comprehensive support network.
Signs of recovery include improved mood and a more positive outlook on life. It may also include increased participation in activities, better sleep, and improved appetite. However, recovery is a gradual process. It would be best if you continued supporting your teen throughout their journey.
Remain patient, understanding, and persistent in offering support. You can also seek guidance from mental health professionals. And explore alternative approaches to encourage your teenager to accept help.
During relapses, maintain a calm, supportive environment. Reassure your teen that setbacks are normal in recovery. Revisit coping strategies learned in treatment, and contact their mental health professional if needed. Stay patient, reinforce healthy habits, and remind them of the progress made so far.