Mental wellness and self-confidence are big parts of substance use disorder recovery. The daily stress of everyday life, along with caring for a family and simply trying to make sense of the world, can lead to anxiety and depression, further complicating your recovery. While fishing might not be the most obvious option when it comes to treatment, spending some time by the water focused on something outside yourself can give you the break you need and help relieve stress.
Mental Health and Fly Fishing Therapy
When you explore treatment options for substance use disorder recovery, fishing therapy and meditation may bring some hope. The process of recovery is typically thought of as difficult and challenging, so the idea of spending time outdoors in nature, catching fish, making friends with other participants and learning to relax sounds like something to look forward to.
There’s much more to fishing therapy than just trying to catch a big one and impress the group. Fishing therapy services also aim to teach valuable skills like living in the moment, practicing focus, listening to your body through quiet meditation and most importantly, talking about what you’re feeling. Fly fishing provides an environment to practice those new skills. From learning about bait and tackle to casting your first line to getting outdoors in nature and getting some exercise, the point is to develop patience and begin to see the benefits of slowing down reflected in your own mental health.
Self-Confidence
Another benefit of attending fishing therapy is that you’ll meet other participants from different walks of life. You may meet people your age, veterans, people who fish regularly or people who’ve never cast a line in their life. Being a part of their journey, as well as having them be a part of yours, may help you develop more self-esteem and confidence as everybody learns new skills together. Fishing has its own learning curve, just like recovery, and watching others cast their lines first can help relieve some anxiety.
After Your Fishing Trip
When the fishing is over, the benefits remain. Going back home to your loved ones and kids after your trip can be an adjustment, but fishing teaches much more than you might suspect. Fishing therapy helps you develop the ability to let life happen as it will, knowing your mental health comes first.
How can spending quality time by a lake or river and catching fish impact the rest of your life? Visit Serenity Springs or call us at 386-423-4540 to find out. We offer fishing therapy in Edgewater, Florida, for those in substance use disorder recovery or recovery from alcohol abuse. Our programs incorporate fishing and meditation to reduce stress and help you see things more clearly.
