Lead photo for: National Recovery Month is held every September to celebrate people on their path to recovery. A hand holding a purple ribbon on a purple background. Three images of older teens in stress

National Recovery Month

September 18, 2024 Written by: Lindsay Hughes, Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

National Recovery Month is held every September to celebrate people on their path to recovery and remind them they are not alone. When in recovery, support makes a big difference. This month, people may use drugs to cope with mental health, stress, and trauma. 

No matter where you are on your recovery journey, remember to care for your overall health and wellness. Spend time with people who accept you, engage in physical activity and explore nature.

 

How to cope: 

  • Reach out if you’re in crisis:
    - Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

  • Accept where you now:
    - Where you are in your recovery is okay. There will be ups and downs along the way. 

  • Take care of your body:
    - Any type of exercise, sports, stretching, or walking 

    - Get enough sleep. 

    - Spend time outside. 

  • Take care of your mind:
    - Take deep breaths to calm your mind and slow your heart rate. 
    - Celebrate your successes, small or large. 
    - Take a break from social media or the news. 
    - Write down how you are feeling. 
    - Explore interests or hobbies. 

  • Connect with people for support:
    - Talk to people who care about you and won’t judge. 
    - Join a sports team, spiritual group, or school activity. 
    - Join a support group or an online community.
    - Volunteer for a good cause you care about. 

A photo of an older female teen looking at her phone with the words Call or test 988 or chat 988lifeline.org next to the photo

Related News

  • Let's Talk

    July 30, 2025 | Written by: Jennifer Seabrook-Scott, Leader of the Thriving Minds program, UD Cooperative Extension Health and Well-being agent
    Communication is the gateway to learning. Learning about a youth’s experience, whether it’s your child or someone else’s, requires knowing how to communicate with that child. Currently, youth are confronted with feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide, as they contend with incidences of bullying at alarming rates. Many youths keep these thoughts, feelings, and occurrences to themselves. As the adults in their lives, we want to make sure we are having conversations to address these issues. Today, I lay out some guidelines and possible conversation starters to have with youth.
  • ‘Kick up some fun’ with UD at the fair

    July 17, 2025 | Article by Katie Peikes , Photos by Jackie Czachorowski
    his year will be Klaira Wing’s first year participating in a competition at the Delaware State Fair. She’s ready to “kick up some fun,” the theme of this year’s event. “I’m excited to see my friends,” said the 6-year-old Cloverbud, a pre-4-Her from Seaford, Delaware. “I’ve been working on crafts, sewing, drawing and singing.”
  • Yes, Turfgass Cultivar Selection Matters!

    July 15, 2025 | Written by: John Emerson, Turfgrass Nutrient Management Agent, Amy Shober, Nutrient Management and Environmental Quality Specialist and Erik Ervin, Turfgrass and Horticultural Systems
    There are several items to consider when establishing or renovating a lawn. Of course, water, light, soil nutrient levels, and temperature are essential, but one could easily argue that cultivar (cultivated variety) selection may be the most critical step in the long-term success and persistence of a lawn. Proper cultivar selection ensures that a particular turfgrass is best adapted to local conditions and will meet the turfgrass manager's use and maintenance expectations. Newer improved cultivars will establish quicker and form a denser turf to outcompete weeds. They require less supplemental irrigation, demand fewer fertilizer and pesticide applications, and maintain a more uniform turf stand throughout the growing season. These advantages ultimately translate into a significant reduction of inputs while still maintaining an excellent stand of turf.
View all news

Events