Pen After The Storm

I have a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder Type 1 with psychosis. To learn what that all means, click here and read our post explaining the diagnosis. It’s not a death sentence, but it does require treatment. Bipolar Disorder is considered a neuroprogressive condition. That means it degrades the brain over time. Repeated manic and depressive episodes, or prolonged untreated illness, can cause…

There is disagreement in the recovery community about the use of psychedelics. Some strict AA old-timers believe that every substance which alters the state of the mind is forbidden for us. Other groups of people have adapted AA and recovery to include the use of non-addictive psychedelics. Click here to learn more about one of these groups. My stance is that non-addictive, responsible…

Step 10 of AA says: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”  This step encourages individuals in recovery to maintain a daily practice of self-assessment, helping to identify and correct behaviors that may lead to relapse or emotional distress. At its core, practicing Step 10 as an evening review is the ultimate act of psychological and spiritual…

Sometimes we go to therapy for years and still don’t see the progress we’re hoping for. Healing isn’t linear and it’s important to be realistic- all your problems will not be solved in an hour-long session a week. But there are a couple things you can do to get more out of your therapy sessions. So here’s a list of helpful ideas! (If you’re stressed out and need ways to feel better right now,…

I was addicted to stimulants for years, and now I’m in long-term recovery. My personal journey has focused on finding a delicate balance between a strong need for independence (to call the shots in my own life) and a desire for meaningful connection with others (I struggle with depression and wish I had more friends.) I was motivated to start my blog, Pen After the Storm, because I truly believe…

Disclaimer: If you are experiencing abuse, controlling behavior, or feel unsafe in your relationship, please know that you are not alone and help is available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting “START” to 88788 for free, confidential support 24/7. Navigating a breakup when you were deeply in love feels a bit like watching a sudden…

A healthy identity isn’t a rigid box you force yourself into; according to modern psychology, it is something beautifully flexible, adaptive, and alive. Psychologists often describe a strong sense of self as an “integrated identity.” This simply means that all the different sides of you—your quiet moments, your wild creative sparks, your past memories, and your future dreams—get along like an…

Starting a journal can feel like standing on the edge of a vast, quiet ocean right after a massive storm—it is intimidating, beautiful, and completely unmapped. For anyone navigating the complex waters of mental illness, trauma survival, or addiction recovery, putting a pen to paper is far more than a simple daily habit; it is a profound act of psychological rescue. Clinical research…

What is DBT and the “Cope Ahead” Skill? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based cognitive behavioral treatment originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to help people manage intense emotions and build relationships. One of its core pillars is Emotion Regulation—the practice of understanding, navigating, and reducing our vulnerability to extreme emotional states. Nestled inside…

Step 1 of Alcoholics Anonymous says: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol (or drugs)—that our lives had become unmanageable.” This can be a hard thing to accept. Addiction is cunning and can quickly take over someone’s life. Other times, you may be able to function around other people, but you are secretly enslaved by a substance that calls the shots. But there is hope. If you follow…

Everyone gets angry sometimes but some people really struggle with a hot temper. I’m one of those people. When I was a teenage girl, I was fighting physically with my family. I thought there was no hope for me because once I got mad, I couldn’t seem to calm myself down no matter what I tried. People would tell me to take a step back from the situation and breathe, but that wasn’t enough to make…

Print or save this list of helpful coping skills, for times when you feel a surge of emotion that threatens to overwhelm you. Keep it nearby and refer to it when you need it. The coping skills are organized by the mood/behavior you’re addressing. They draw from popular types of therapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems,…

Step 4 of AA is the step in which we take inventory of all the choices we’ve made in our lives. It’s a list of resentments, fears, and sexual conduct that we write out and process so that we can move on free from the burdens. In the Big Book of AA, Step 4 says: We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. If you’re working on Step 4 right now with your sponsor, here is a free…

Not getting what you need from standard AA meetings? Here are some amazing alternatives for all walks of life. AA Meetings Specifically for Newcomers Who Don’t Know How the Program Works Meeting Directory – Online Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings Based on Eastern Philosophies Refuge Recovery – Online Meeting DirectoryRecovery Dharma – Online Meeting Directory Queer 2SLGBTQIA+…

Whether you’re new to the program of recovery or returning after a relapse, the doors are open for you. New and Looking to Get Sober Taking the first step toward recovery is a brave move, and it’s one that thousands of people make every single day. If you’re looking at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), you’re probably wondering where to even begin. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out…