“Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”. It’s the famous commercial line that was designed to motivate the elderly and their caregivers to purchase supportive technology to alert people in the event of a fall or other injury. As it turns out, its not only the elderly that need to fear falling down. Falling down is probably the most common occurrence to strike people, and not just in the literal sense. As children we fall many times before we learn to walk, and sometimes we just fall. As teens we fall for people, we fall for hype, we fall behind, we fall apart, and this carries on well into our adult lives. The “trick” as it were seems to be in the “getting up” part of the experience.
So what are some things we can do when we fall? And how do we get up?
There are no short answers to either of these challenges, but here are some tips from our team:
1.Identify:
One of the hardest things to do is realize that the experience you are currently engaged in is one of “falling”. Sure, if you are headed for a faceplant into concrete, it might dawn on you sooner then later, but what about going down emotionally? Many people do not connect the experience of negativity, emotional turmoil, failure, and loss of hope or will as a “fall”, opting instead to view these things as an all-encompassing experience that wont end. Realizing that what you are feeling or experiencing is simply a “fall” and that there is a “get up” period afterwards is the first step towards taking further steps.
2.Reflect:
Taking a pause, reflecting on where you have been and where you could be while working to put the present into context is very helpful in plotting your “get up”. Sure you are down now, but have you been up before? Perhaps you failed now, but you have succeeded before. It is important not to define yourself by your current situation and to do this it is often helpful be your own attorney, bringing “supporting” evidence to the table and building a case for your own success.
3.Plan:
Once the issues are identified and put into context, it is important to have a plan moving forward. Climbing out of a rut is only possible if the rope is anchored somewhere above you and as such it is critical to have goals. Think about where you want to be and break it down into parts: Where do you want to be long term, in life? You can put lofty and general goals here but then be more specific: Where do you want to be in a day? And week? A month? A year? 5 years? Break these down into more manageable parts and plot your course. This doesn’t have to be done alone and in fact is best managed in conjunction with a therapist, mentor, stable friend, sponsor etc. Be mindful of undershooting, and also of the fact that you may yet fall again. Have backup plans as well.
4.Take the baby steps:
Much like getting off a hard floor, you cant just jump up and get going. Take your time, breathe, ease into each step, and if you can, call for help because falling isn’t easy and getting up is even harder. Surround yourself with safety measures and supportive people, don’t take huge risks, and most of all know that you are vulnerable and human, and that’s what makes you amazing.
For more information and to get the help you need now, contact The Detox Center of Los Angeles for a free assessment of your symptoms as well as your insurance benefits and coverage. Give us a call today, 888-346-4350
