The Importance of Communication for Mental Health Recovery

The Buddha famously said, “Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care, for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” That is symbolic of the power of words and the importance of communication. This is especially true when it comes to communication in mental health recovery.

Better Understanding Mental Health

Mental health issues affect millions of people every day. This is true both in the U.S. and around the globe. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Mental illnesses are common in the United States and around the world. It is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (59.3 million in 2022; 23.1% of the U.S. adult population). Mental illnesses include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. Two broad categories can be used to describe these conditions: Any Mental Illness (AMI) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI).”

Regardless of whether you are struggling with AMI or SMI, the importance of communication in recovery applies to you. This communication includes the discussion that happens prior to entering treatment. Sometimes this even includes nonverbal communication and other tools that require knowledge and understanding to connect with. 

Communicating Your Needs With Professionals

Communication in mental health recovery starts at the very beginning, with an open and honest intake process. From there, mental health professionals (and addiction specialists) will be able to determine the best means, methods, and modalities for recovery.

This focus on effective communication must continue as you start to engage with various modalities. For example, with “traditional” psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, you must have an open and safe line of communication with your therapist. Now, the good news is that when this happens, the chances for successful and long-lasting recovery go up exponentially.

The Importance of Communication in “Traditional” Therapies

CBT and DBT can be highly effective psychotherapies because they work at getting to the underlying causes of our mental health issues. They help us to see the root causes of our mental health issues rather than just focus on the effects of them.

CBT can be particularly helpful because it makes you an “active participant” in your own recovery. According to the peer-reviewed journal Cognitive Therapy and Research, “Consistent with the medical model of psychiatry, the overall goal of treatment is symptom reduction, improvement in functioning, and remission of the disorder. In order to achieve this goal, the patient becomes an active participant in a collaborative problem-solving process to test and challenge the validity of maladaptive cognitions and to modify maladaptive behavioral patterns. Thus, modern CBT refers to a family of interventions that combine a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and emotion-focused techniques.”

Therapies and Modalities for Self-Discovery

Now, in order to better communicate with others, you often must learn to communicate with yourself (or rather, get to know yourself better). This can be done via a myriad of different ways. One way of getting better in touch with yourself is via eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This can be particularly helpful if you have any past traumas that you may be dealing with, as this therapy gently helps you to introspect and work through those traumas. Then this allows for better communication and understanding both within yourself and with professionals and family members.

Another highly beneficial tool for communication and self-discovery is mindfulness meditation. This is a safe and holistic method that can help you to unlock those emotions and cognitions that may be holding you back from fully expressing yourself. Mindfulness meditation also offers many other benefits, like reduced stress and anxiety, increased cognitive functioning, lowered heart rate, improved breathing, and an increased opportunity for spiritual growth.

Communication is also important in other modalities. This includes holistic healing methods like yoga therapy, as well as experiential therapies like art therapy and dance therapy. The key is to have an open and honest line of communication with those who aim to help you. It will pay off in the long run.

A Focus on Long-Term Success at West Coast Recovery Centers

Here at West Coast Recovery Centers, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on communication and the future.

The Buddha also famously said, “There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.” We can help you on that amazing road toward a life that can be beyond your wildest dreams. One filled with positive relationships and joyful communication. The time for recovery is now. You can do this! We can help.

Learning the best ways to communicate can be crucial in mental health recovery. It's critical to comprehend the most effective ways to express your needs and avoid isolation. Additionally, understanding communication styles can enhance the quality of your relationships. The good news is that West Coast Recovery Centers always focuses on effective communication. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don't have to go through this process alone. For more information, please reach out to West Coast Recovery Centers today at (760) 492-6509.