How Can Activity Therapy Help DUI Offenders Cope With Major Depressive Disorder?
It can be difficult for some individuals to go about their life as a DUI offender. The consequences, fines, and sentences met after a DUI can be hard to live with. Certain factors can often lead to problems with one’s mental health. Coping with the uncomfortable effects of major depressive disorder can be quite challenging. Not only may one feel intense guilt and shame due to their past behavior, but an individual may also feel deeply concerned about how their future may be impacted. Different factors contribute to the development of major depressive disorder. Although this is true, activity therapy can greatly benefit one’s mental and physical health. Various activities have been proven to provide significant assistance.
What Is Major Depressive Disorder?
Research indicates that major depressive disorder is a widely prevalent mental health condition. The psychiatric disorder can be defined as having a series of prolonged symptoms that negatively interfere with various aspects of one’s life. For example, major depressive disorder may negatively impact an individual’s ability to maintain long-term relationships, academic success, or steady work performance. Symptoms of major depressive disorder are different for everyone but commonly include having:
- Persistently low mood
- Decreased interest in enjoyable activities
- Intense feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness
- Extreme fatigue
- Appetite changes
- Lack of energy
- Sleep disturbances
- Suicidal ideation and or attempts
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
What Causes Major Depressive Disorder in a DUI Offender?
Transitioning back into society as a DUI offender can be difficult. Several factors come into play with the development of major depressive disorder. Once convicted of a DUI, an individual’s life may completely change. The consequences of a DUI may remind one of their mistakes every day and can wreak havoc on an individual’s mental health. One may constantly worry about how their personal and professional life may be impacted due to their past behavior. Various factors that play a role in developing major depressive disorder might include:
- Complete loss of independence
- Embarrassment finding transportation
- Financial strife related to the past occurrence
- Stress related to their DUI
- Nervousness and paranoia
- Fear of judgment from others
- Self-loathing and isolating from loved ones
What Is Activity Therapy?
According to the Clinical Center: America’s Research Hospital, activity therapy specialists work to provide individuals with various conditions with evidence-based care. Following a structured plan of care can be designed to promote the highest level of function. A professional uses an extended spectrum of community-based interventions, techniques, and activities. These may be used to improve an individual’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional leisure of one’s needs.
Recreational therapy, also known as activity therapy, is a type of activity-based intervention that is used to help one cope with their mental health. It is a structured process that implements various activities into one treatment plan to overcome disabling conditions. The goals of different activities can be applied to both individual and group therapy sessions. Activity therapy can be an effective alternative to mild conditions or complementary therapy used in combination with traditional treatment methods such as medications, talk therapy, or other outpatient treatment modalities.
Exploring Activity Therapy to Overcome Major Depressive Disorder
A DUI offender may be met with limitations that interfere with their ability to make new and healthy connections. Living with untreated major depressive disorder for a prolonged period may only worsen one’s condition. As one’s mental health begins to decline, they may put other aspects of their life at risk. Although it can be hard for a DUI offender to navigate different aspects of their life, with major depressive disorder, participating in activity therapy can help. It may take time before one finds relief, but staying consistent with the tools learned in treatment may significantly improve one’s condition.
Fortunately, there are several unique recreational activities to explore to help an individual develop a positive network and maintain mental stability. A DUI offender may gain more benefits from partaking in group activities. Doing so may provide additional peer support to help one learn new coping strategies and successfully incorporate them into their typical self-care routine. Different holistic activities that may help one better manage their major depressive disorder include:
- Walking trails
- Art therapy
- Tai Chi
- Drama
- Writing
- Exercise
- Cooking
- Yoga and meditation
- Dance and movement therapy
- Acupuncture
- Music therapy
The Value of Activity Therapy for DUI Offenders at Restoration Recovery
Kayaking at Restoration Recovery can help DUI offenders navigate through the challenges associated with their major depressive disorder. The mental health team provides a whole-person approach to enhance one’s ability to maintain long-term sobriety and mental stability for a better quality of life. Restoration Recovery’s holistic therapy options are rooted in mindfulness practices and bodywork. Our treatment center addresses a wide array of conditions related to one’s DUI conviction, including:
- Dual diagnosis
- Alcohol use disorder
- Mental Illness
- Family problems
- Emotional difficulties
- Trauma
- Co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety
At our California recovery center, our serene setting helps clients achieve not just wellness, but wholeness. Established in May 2017 in Auburn, California, Restoration Recovery Center is a product of the desire of a group of experienced therapists who wish to help in the recovery of persons with substance use disorder. Rather than just treating the disease, our holistic treatment looks at a person as a whole and introduces healing to other aspects of a person. Holistic services can help DUI offenders with major depressive disorder develop a stronger sense of self-identity, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Call Restoration Recovery today at (888) 290-0925 to learn more about how our facility can provide support.
