Today I sat in the parent drop off line at school as per the usual routine. I took deep gulps of my coffee in between the stopping and going as our mini-van edged closer and closer to the sweet sound of quietness between dropping off my last child and my commute to the office. Somewhere between little Melissa in front of us struggling to close her car door, and the 37th question from my youngest child, I hear a short blurb on the radio about “National Recovery Month”. I didn’t quite know what that meant, but being the rock star mom that I am (OK… maybe just super curious and needed something to keep me busy during parent pick up later that day), I decided to look it up, and it’s actually a really cool thing. Here’s what I thought was interesting and you might too:
- This happens every September
- It happens in effort to educate people that treatment for substance use and mental health services can really be life changing and help people to live a healthier and happier life.
- This is also an opportunity to celebrate all the steps people have made in their recovery journey, because every step in recovery is a step in the right direction.
- It’s also to celebrate those who help in the recovery journey.
- This is the 27th year!
Okay, so why does this matter to you?
I get it, you’re busy, there’s work, and laundry, and screaming kids, and 5,000 meals to cook, and of course everyone’s favorite…parent pick up/drop off, among the never-ending to-do list, and thinking about one more thing might just push you over the edge. Well if your still with me then chances are that last statement may be a little dramatic or you’re just looking for something to keep you busy in the parent pick up line. Either way, here is why it’s important to me: my kids. Yes, that is my why. Substance abuse and mental health disorders affect everyone, even if not directly. I want my kids to grow up in a community that supports recovery, so that if they ever need to go through that journey or someone they care about does, there is support and resources available. Maybe signing the agendas as we run out the door, and arguing with my middle schooler about why she needs a hoodie when it’s 90 degrees out, and forcing my 6 year old to swallow a spoon full of peanut butter because that’s the only food he will eat this week are my worst problems this morning, but I sure am thankful to know that should my morning ever turn into a conversation with my teenager about how to get help for a more serious problem, I have somewhere to turn…and so do you.
If you’re looking for more information about National Recovery Month, or how you can be a part of it, here are some great resources:
https://www.recoverymonth.gov/about
Our Community Rocks Event Sponsor: BayFront Health Punta Gorda – September 14th
Laishley Park Recovery Vigil Sponsor: Charlotte Behavioral Health Care – September 22nd
*Author: Jen Bernardi, Prevention Programs Coordinator, Drug Free Charlotte County (and we think blogger extraordinaire…)