As a part of Hope for the Day’s education workshop, The Things We Don’t Say | Part 1, we ask people to think of the mind like a bottle of soda. Pressure can build up from the stressors of day-to-day life, shaking us up. To release that pressure, we use our valves.

WHAT ARE VALVES?

Valves are ways we take care of ourselves! We safely release some of the pressure from our daily lives, in order to keep us from escalating into a crisis stage. This is much like slowly opening a shaken-up bottle of soda so it doesn’t explode.

Oftentimes, valves are self-care activities that help you center yourself. It can be walking in the park, creating art, or simply a conversation with a friend. Anything that helps relieve the pressure can be a valve.

Valves can look different for everyone! What works for one person, may not work for another. Set aside your own stigmas and remember every brain and body is different! Respecting the dignity of the individual is key. 

VALVES AND SUBSTANCE USE

Because of the silence of stigmas, many people reach for all kinds of tools to cope with mental health challenges. Do you or your friends/family like to have a beer at the end of the day, or go to happy hour to blow off some steam? Those are valves too! 

MENTAL HEALTH AND ALCOHOL

In the pursuit to destigmatize mental health, we must acknowledge that ALL stories about mental health challenges are valid and deserving of recognition. Alcohol plays a part in many people’s stories, and to simply ignore that side of one’s experience would be to ignore part of who they are.

USE VS ABUSE

Drinking alcohol can be a way to connect with others and cope, but it’s important to keep an eye on the way valves are working, to ensure we are not developing damaging habits. Oftentimes people are looking to feel something or nothing at all, and they can develop challenges with alcohol consumption. 

It is not our job, or anyone else’s, to judge someone for their choices. Hope For The Day takes a harm reduction approach to people using substances. We respect the dignity of an individual and meet them where they’re at in their relationship with substances. Some people aren’t as open or comfortable with speaking to a therapist or counselor, but meeting them where they’re at can let them know they’re not alone.

ANY VALVE CAN BE OVERUSED

Remember this type of overuse can also happen with sleep, food, exercise, and even our relationships with others! As with any valve, there is the ability to overuse if it is no longer giving you the desired relief from the pressure in your life. It’s important to notice this shift. This may be a time to find alternative valves, and seek support from your community.

Sometimes it can be difficult to manage the pressure on your own, which is why there are resources available to help. It’s okay to ask for help.

RESOURCES

Remember, despite the things you’ve been through, IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK. 

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services: 

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment

Gay & Sober Meeting Finder: 

https://www.gayandsober.org/meetings

If you or a loved one are going through a mental health challenge or would like more information on available resources in your community, please visit Hope For The Day’s Resource Compass.