Recovery Road Slides Recovery Road
Navigating Wellness and Independence
Resilience Roadmap Series
Today's Focus
1
Symptom Awareness
Identifying internal and external triggers early.
2
Coping Toolbox
Practical skills for managing distress in the moment.
3
Mood Tracking
Seeing patterns to take control of your day.
"Recovery is not a linear process, but a series of small, intentional steps toward a life that feels like yours again."
Symptom Spotting
Physical
Rapid Heartbeat
Fatigue
Tense Muscles
Cognitive
Racing Thoughts
Forgetfulness
Difficulty Focusing
Behavioral
Isolation
Irritability
Sleep Changes
Discussion: Which "early warning signs" do you notice first?
Immediate Coping Skills
The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique
A grounding exercise to pull you back into the present moment by using all five senses.
Box Breathing
Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat until the heart rate slows.
Opposite Action
Doing the opposite of what an intense emotion is telling you to do (e.g., if sad and isolating, go for a walk).
Self-Soothing
Using comfort items—a soft blanket, a specific scent, or a calming piece of music.
Independent Living Goals
Meal Planning
Nutrition and budgeting
Time Management
Routines and appointments
Finances
Savings and bills
Health Literacy
Meds and wellness
Group Activity: What is one skill you want to master this month?
Empowerment is Practice
You have the tools. Now, it's about the consistent application. Today, we will start by filling out our personal "Wellness Navigator" toolkits.
Worksheets
Directory
Support
Session Facilitator Guide Session Facilitator Guide
Wellness Navigator • Module 1.1
Facilitator Resource
Duration 60–90 Minutes
Group Size 4–12 Participants
Format Interactive Lesson
Session Objectives
Clients will identify at least three personalized "early warning signs" of symptom flare-ups.
Clients will practice two immediate grounding techniques (5-4-3-2-1 and Box Breathing).
Clients will identify one short-term goal related to independent living skills.
Required Materials
Recovery Road Slide Deck
Printed Coping Toolkit (1 per client)
Community Resource Compass
Fidgets or sensory items for demo
Note on Environment: Ensure the room is quiet and well-ventilated. Many clients in residential care may experience sensory overload; keep lighting soft if possible and allow for brief "movement breaks" if the session exceeds 60 minutes.
Lesson Flow & Script
10 Min
Introduction & Grounding
Goal: Build rapport and set expectations.
Suggested Script:
"Welcome back, everyone. Today is about navigation. We all have days where the symptoms feel like a heavy fog. Today, we're building the compass you can use to find your way back to a clear path."
Review group guidelines (confidentiality, respect).
Conduct a quick 5-minute "check-in" using a 1-10 mood scale.
20 Min
Symptom Spotting (Slides 2-3)
Goal: Normalize the experience of symptoms.
Facilitate a group brainstorm: "What does anxiety feel like in your body vs. your thoughts?"
Distribute the **Coping Skills Toolkit** and have clients circle symptoms that resonate with them under the 'Early Warnings' section.
Highlight that recognizing symptoms early is 80% of the battle.
25 Min
The Toolkit: Skill Practice (Slide 4)
Goal: Real-time application of skills.
Practice: Box Breathing
Lead the group through 3 cycles of box breathing. Observe pacing.
Practice: 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Ask for volunteers to name items in the room for each sense. Keep it light and focused.
20 Min
Independence & Action (Slide 5)
Goal: Future-oriented planning.
Discuss the connection between managing symptoms and living independently.
Have clients identify one specific goal for the week (e.g., "I will track my mood daily" or "I will cook one meal").
Distribute the **Community Resource Compass** for review.
Session Debrief Prompt:
"If you could give your future self one piece of advice for when things get hard, what would it be?"
Coping Skills Toolkit Coping Skills Toolkit
Wellness Navigator Personal Tool
Name:
Date:
Early Warning Signs
Recognizing symptoms early helps you stay in control. Circle the ones you often notice first:
Racing Thoughts
Tense Jaw
Feeling Withdrawn
Sleep Changes
Irritability
Forgetfulness
Clammy Hands
Low Energy
Loss of Interest
My other specific "red flags":
Grounding: 5-4-3-2-1
When you feel overwhelmed, use this to reconnect with the room.
5
Things you see:
4
Things you can touch:
3
Things you hear:
2
Things you smell:
1
Thing you can taste:
My Daily Anchor
What is one activity you will do every day to stay steady? (e.g., morning walk, calling a friend, writing in my journal)
Practice these skills when you are calm so they are ready when you need them.
Community Resource Compass Community Resource Compass
A Directory for Recovery & Independence
Use this directory to connect with supports both inside and outside our residence. Keep this in a visible place.
24/7 URGENT SUPPORT
Crisis Text Line
Free, 24/7 confidential crisis support.
Text "HOME" to 741741
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Available 24/7 for anyone in distress.
Dial or Text 988
Local & Residential Contacts
Case Manager
_________________________
Phone: ___________________
Primary Clinician
_________________________
Phone: ___________________
Local Pharmacy
_________________________
Phone: ___________________
Supportive Family/Friend
_________________________
Phone: ___________________
Navigation Resources
Transportation Support
Local bus schedules, Medicaid transport, or ride-share vouchers.
Ask your CM
Food & Nutrition
Local food banks, SNAP assistance, and community meal sites.
Ask your CM
Vocational Services
Resume workshops, job coaching, and disability employment rights.
Ask your CM
"Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of wisdom and a key part of independence."
