Im In Your Head

#construction INDUSTRY IS NORMALIZING #recovery GRATEFUL FOR OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE SOME #facts ON #substanceusedisorder and recovery. @youturnhealth #sober #sobriety #soberlife #constructionlife #employeewellness #healthylifestyle #soberliving #employeeassistanceprograms #eap #wellness #healthcoach #positivepsychology #conference #workplacewellness #mentalhealth #depression #anxiety #trauma #familytherapy #familyrecovery https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYf59oOBoq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

💯BREAKING (fake)NEWS…. Rock bottom is a cliche NOT a healthcare policy. Thank you Constructing Working Minds Conference and staff for the opportunity to express myself. Youturn Health thrilled to be part of this year’s conference. #overdoseawareness #suicideprevention #stressmanagement #substanceusedisorder #addiction #constructingworkingminds #cwm #recovery #rockbottom #sobriety #harmreduction (at Kansas City, Missouri) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqWIQhDOADc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

✌️✌️Hanging with my people at the Master Builders'​ Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. Congrats Jason Malatak; CSP, MBA of Mosites Construction and Development Company for winning SAFETY PROESSIONAL OF THE YEAR! Jason’s commitment to supporting all aspects of safety (including behavioral health needs) makes him an obvious choice for the award. CONGRATULATIONS MY BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER!!! Well deserved Youturn Health proud to work with Jason and Mosites. #recovery #mentalhealth #sober #safety #soberlife #positivepsychology #construction #safetyprofessionals #recoverystories (at Acrisure Stadium) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpBpb0YOou0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

✌️✌️✌️Yesterday was Valentines Day AND it was my 22nd anniversary for my recovery. I have experienced my anniversary 22 times and the feelings have changed substantially over the years. Early on (year 1, 2, 3) I would simply look forward to this day as a milestone. "Time clean" was a big deal and I embraced that mentality completely. I came to understand how myopic and one-dimensional my view was. I had been taught that stuff by both my personal and professional circle. I was very much indoctrinated into the mentality that the standard recovery pathway. Fortunately, It's not a one size fits all proposition. I was taught motivational interviewing and harm reduction and my employer demanded a more open minded professional orientation. I jumped on board (initially because I wanted to keep my job--but soon thereafter I became a true convert to harm reduction and motivational interviewing). This professional awakening certainly impacted my personal recovery philosophy. And, in short, my attitude has changed substantially over the years. my recovery anniversary has hit me differently over the years. I am less pre-occupied with "time" and more pre-occupied with "life". I do reflect a lot on my recovery during this time of the year. In the spirit of Valentines Day.... I would like to use this particular anniversary to thank my wife--the Lovely Mrs. Jones (the notorious TLMJ). I did not get sober "for my wife". But I definitely got started "for my wife". Of course, I eventually became internally motivated. But make no mistake, if TLMJ doesn't get family recovery...I probably NEVER find my way into recovery. I made those early recovery moves to get the heat off. Somewhere along the way, I bought into this stuff. SO...Thank you Melissa Jones. And if you are in recovery. Regardless of the amount of time or the stage of recovery. Please tell your family you love them and that you are sorry for any pain you caused during active addiction. Because, the impact on the family is deep. It is not an individual problem solely. The family is deeply impacted. Melissa has been on board from day 1 and I do not take that for granted. @youturnhealth https://www.instagram.com/p/Cos8x_5OFUg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

✌️✌️✌️YOUTURN HEALTH. In the mix with OE Construction Corp. World tour continues …. Today’s stop Denver, Colorado! IT WAS SO COLD THAT MY FACE FROZE (actually it wasn’t that bad)! My favorite part of this job is site visit. Youturn Health we want to see the workplace and connect on your turf. A construction job site is no joke. Lots of action. Lots of stress. Lots of hard work. Safety is job one. It’s very helpful to see this up close. It’s also cool to have casual conversations with no agenda attached. Basically… one human being talking to another human being about the reality of being human! Imagine that. #mentalhealth , #stressmanagement , #substanceusedisorder , #grief and all the other inevitable life challenges take on a new level of urgency on a construction site. These issues directly impact safety on the site. Being distracted, lack of focus, worry, etc.. equals accident. Safety on the inside is as important as safety on the outside. Those of us working in the helping professions really need to embrace the changing landscape surrounding behavioral health. It can NOT be business as usual. There is nothing “usual” about the current state of affairs. #behavioralhealth #stressmanagement #work #business #construction #safety #health #job Thank you OE Construction for the hospitality today! @youturnhealth (at Denver, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/Coa6_H3u-PP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

There simply is NO “normal”. We are all carrying some baggage. Great book. @gabormatemd is the man. #sober #soberlife #ptsd #trauma #abnormal #normal #recovery #recoveryispossible #therapy #emdrtherapy #psychology #sobriety #traumahealing #psychotherapist #therapist #soberdad https://www.instagram.com/p/CoXqGnuu_X1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

✌️✌️✌️Can you fit a square peg in a round hole? But you must find a way to do it without fundamentally changing the square peg. In it’s purest, most organic form, peer support operates separate from clinical programming. The deeper you integrate into clinical organization or healthcare system the more pressure to change core principles. This is not inherently bad. However, this must be acknowledged and planned for accordingly. A really good example. A fundamental principle of recovery support is “low threshold of engagement”. Which means, we should make it really easy to enroll and receive services. Another way to think of it. The more paperwork (forms and “fields”) to complete the less engaging the process will be. Clearly, we can’t avoid all forms. But can we adjust? Make changes to clinical protocols and adjust regulatory standards to better fit low threshold principles? If we can’t, or if we won’t, our impact as peers will be dramatically limited. Paperwork and protocols. ✅ As many as necessary. ✅ As few as possible. ✅ The trick is threading this needle. Joining grassroots, creative peer support with medicalized, clinical environment. It can be done. But it will require much work and intentionality. Lots of adjustment on both ends. Patience and communication. And mutual respect between clinical providers and recovery support programs. Youturn Health is down for the cause. We can adjust and shave a little off the edges of the square peg (a little bit). And we have some round hole partners who are making it work. There is nothing easy about this process. It was easy it would have already happened. #healthcare #mentalhealth #recovery #opioidcrisis #overdoseawareness #sober #soberlife #psychology #positivepsychology https://www.instagram.com/p/CoTRs8futGR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

✌️✌️Sage's Army, Inc. Check out new 11 Passenger van. We know that barriers to recovery access are substantial. Recovery is NOT easily attainable for far too many folks. People say: “if they really want it they will find a way to get to the meetings”. Or even better….”you always found a way to get to the dope man. You can find a way to the meeting”. Of course, those are ridiculous comments. Recovery access is wildly random and variable. Recovery Capital is non-existent for some. They have no resources. They have no transportation. They have no social support. When I entered into recovery 23 years ago I had high recovery capital. I had insurance and money to pay for treatment. I had a job and family. And I had motivation to not lose my job or my family. AND I HAD A CAR THAT ALLOWED FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS TO RECOVERY MEETINGS and other recovery related supports. Many people have zero transportation. Well thanks to the team at Sages Army. That barrier is MUCH less pronounced in Western PA. Great job Sages Army team. I’m very proud to be associated with this outstanding nonprofit in Westmoreland County PA. Every community should have a recovery center. It’s a game changer. Youturn Health #recovery #mentalhealth #van #socialdeterminantsofhealth #overdoseawareness @youturnhealth https://www.instagram.com/p/CoIvJE-OJPX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

✌️Check this out…. I am an unapologetic Andrew Huberman fanboy. As a therapist I believe in behavioral activation (actions to take on a daily basis that are known to improve mood/relieve stress). Too often we think the solution can be found in the “right medication” or the perfect therapeutic program. And, of course, these things are important. But our daily behaviors and routines can make all the difference. Try these. Level up 😳. @youturnhealth #sober #recovery #soberlife #psychology #neurobiology #brainscience #recoveryispossible #healthylifestyle #coldexposure #stressrelief https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn0OenMO2yP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

✌️At this most recent Youturn Health filming session I made my debut behind the camera. All great actors eventually moving into directing films. So it is with me 😎. I may have an #anger management issue. Not sure yet! #recovery #sober #business #film #recordingstudio #director #soberlife #soberfun #mentalhealthawareness #freethree #positivepsychology #stressrelief #stressmanagement https://www.instagram.com/p/CmIS4MqDNQ1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

✌️✌️Pre-game! Getting ready for my talk. So grateful to represent Youturn Health at TAUC state of the union in Washington D.C. We are spreading a bold message. Flip the script on behavioral health support services. It’s so uplifting to see the reaction when we destroy the “HIT BOTTOM” MYTH. We say out loud what a lot of people are already thinking. There has to be another way! C. #construction #employeeassistance #wellness #healthandsafetyfirst #healthylifestyle #sober #recovery #recoverystories #union #construction @youturnhealth https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl2AfNfOdoW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#ptsd is NOT something you “get over”. It’s injury to our psyche. A traumatic memory “stuck” in the information processing system. Takes time to heal. And #therapy / support is frequently necessary. No shame. #trauma #mentalhealth #sober #soberlife #soberlife #psychology #positivepsychology #traumahealing https://www.instagram.com/p/ClliRlJOcfX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The 4 most beautiful ladies in the world. #thanksgiving has been great. It’s important to savor positive emotions and savor the good times. Too often we forget these things. I’m also acutely aware… this is not an easy time of year for some people. I know that the holidays are (sometimes) very stressful. Sometimes full of #sadness due to #grief or #addiction or #mentalhealth struggles. I have had my fair share of sleepless holidays. My life is NOT one of those #hallmarkchristmasmovies ! It’s more like National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (with the legendary #chevychase). #positivepsychology #recovery #soberlife #daughters #wife #holidays #sobriety #recoverystories #savorthegoodlife #noticethelittlethings #grateful #stressrelief #stressmanagement #traumahealing #griefjourney #holidays #holidayseason #depression #anxiety https://www.instagram.com/p/ClbijY5OLcZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

✌️✌️✌️There is a inverse correlation between the amount of time I spend at Walmart and my level of life satisfaction. There is direct correlation between the amount of time I spend at Walmart and subjective units of distress. TLMJ will ask me “to stop in Walmart real quick” and grab a couple things. I get in that store and it’s completely overwhelming. Too many people. Too much shit. Too many “self-checkout” lines. Complete chaos. Stressful. Sometimes I will observe other humans as they navigate the Walmart watering hole. Some of them seem to be enjoying themselves. Many seem tense. Wound up. Like me. I’m just tryin’ to get in and get out. With my sobriety and sanity in tact. 😎. Walmart trip requires radical acceptance. Stop resisting and go with the flow. When I got to my car today I felt …. Relief. #recovery #sober #organicfood #glutenfree #stressrelief #mentalhealth #soberlife #decisionfatigue #lifestyle #healthylifestyle #soberliving #recoveryispossible #recoveryjourney #anxiety #depressionhelp #laughter #groceryhaul https://www.instagram.com/p/ClXCmzsO3NC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Today was a good day! It must be true love. I went on a walk with the lovely Mrs Jones despite the following facts: 1) it’s freaking really cold. I don’t like the cold ❄️❄️ 2) we are walking the dawgs…. For the record. These are HER dawgs. So I’m risking my life out here in the cold. For TLMJ’s dawgs. #dogs #dawg #recovery #sober #soberlife #recoverystories #recoveryispossible #soberman #husband #wifey #lifestyle #recoveryjourney #mentalhealthawareness #freezingcold https://www.instagram.com/p/ClKaxEKu7P1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

HALLOWEEN with the boys. 🎃The signs of substance misuse and SUD can be blatant and obvious. 🤡Or subtle and seemingly imperceptible. For example, let’s examine the following criteria (from DSM-V): 👻You only attend events where alcohol / drugs present. Back in the day I would not have endorsed this symptom. In my head I thought of this as the perpetually stuck frat boy. All they want to do is party. And I had “grown out of it”. So that criteria didn’t apply to me. But in reality, there were plenty of times I sat out an event. Or came late because I wanted to be at alternative event that had the correct party favors! OR…. Another example. 👻Role failure due to use. I always equated this criteria with work. You can’t do your job because you are always loaded. Or your late due to hangover. But the role failure can be also be related to family relationship. Too often, the role I failed was the role of fatherhood. Or at least certain aspects of fatherhood. Like being present for HALLOWEEN. Recovery comes in 2001 and I’ve been there every year for the past 22 years. Amazing! Youturn Health #recovery #recoverystories #sober #sobriety #halloween #mentalhealthawareness @youturnhealth https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckb43TfO8MC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

✌️✌️✌️I read a lot of Anthony DeMelo’s stuff. This quote is interesting. Basically he’s describing the fine art of acceptance. However, this quote provokes a deeper meaning. “Cooperation with the inevitable” is great sentence. How does one cooperate with the inevitable? Reading DeMelo provides a context. DeMelo was a Catholic priest, psychologist, and psychotherapist. However, he also adopted and taught on the principles of the Eastern religions (much to the dismay of the Vatican). Interestingly, a common theme across both Catholicism and the Eastern traditions is the inevitability of suffering. Clearly, DeMelo sees this as the key concept necessary for a “good life”. We have been conditioned (literally psychologically conditioned via media and marketing) to think happiness is job 1 and if we are not blissful and happy there must be something wrong us. So let’s go buy a Lexus because that is what the happy people in the commercial do…. Obviously it’s grade A bullshit. Suffering and set backs are 100% guaranteed. None of us get out of here alive. And we will lose people and things along the way. And it will suck. And a Lexus will not fix it. But we can have a good life regardless of circumstances if we focus on meaning. And purpose. And service to others. This doesn’t mean we don’t WORK HARD to improve our conditions. We don’t simply say “oh well shit happens…. No problem I’m gonna chill on my couch smoke the hippie lettuce and eat Flamin’ Hot Cheetos while binge watching Stranger Things on Netflix. That’s not acceptance. That’s escape. Acceptance demands we do not escape. Cooperation with the inevitable demands we activate and lean in to the pain. Nothing easy about any of this. But easy doesn’t breed heroes. Be the hero of your own life. @youturnhealth #recovery #addiction #trauma #anthonydemello #suffering #mentalhealth #sober #sobriety #happy #positivepsychology #life #lifestyle #motivation #inspirationalquotes https://www.instagram.com/p/CkRVSGOO_-V/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=