10 October is World Mental Health Day — but mental health matters every single day.
Many people who come to us are living with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues. This means they might be dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health challenges alongside addiction. But what does that really look like, and how do we help?
There’s often a ‘chicken and egg’ question when it comes to mental health and addiction: which comes first? Sometimes, substance use begins as a way to cope with emotional pain or past trauma. Other times, addiction develops first and contributes to mental health struggles. In most cases, the two become tightly connected, influencing and reinforcing one another.
At The Living Room, we take a holistic, compassionate approach. We never see people as just ‘substance users’ – they are individuals with histories, trauma, and strengths. Everyone who walks through our doors has a story, and our role is to meet them where they are, helping them find safety, stability, and hope.
In our therapy groups, our counsellors support people in managing both their mental health and substance use, connecting them with ongoing resources and services that encourage healing and long-term recovery.
This World Mental Health Day, let’s remember that understanding and compassion can change lives. Whether someone is living with addiction, mental health challenges, or both — help is available, and recovery is possible.
The Living Room offers free, time-unlimited group therapy to people and their families living with addiction in Hertfordshire. To book an assessment with one of our counsellors, call us today on 0300 365 0304 or self-refer online.