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Depression and Addiction: Get the Facts

Everyone gets the blues now and then. When those feelings of melancholy and despair linger for weeks, not days, it can be a sign of something more serious. Depression affects 1 in 10 Americans. However, the depression rate among those struggling with addiction is even higher. Furthermore, 21 percent of those suffering from depression report abusing substances, nearly three times the rate of those who are not depressed. It is important to learn more about the correlation between depression and addiction so that we can help you treat each issue. Depression can make recovering from addiction more challenging. However, it does not mean you should lose hope. Addiction and depression can be treated, and you can find your way to sober living. Here is what you need to know about depression and addiction.

Signs of Depression

The key thing to remember about depression is that it is different than occasional sadness. Depression is an all-encompassing feeling of despair. You may feel life is not worth living anymore. You may feel like you are just going through the motions. Some of the many signs of depression include:

  • Feeling helpless or hopeless
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Losing or gaining a lot of weight in a short period of time
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Finding tasks that were once easy impossibly hard to complete
  • Becoming irritable or aggressive

Many individuals who suffer from co-occurring mental disorders such as depression seek comfort by abusing alcohol or drugs. The lift in mood or numbing of feelings provided by these substances offers temporary relief. However, this temporary solution is dangerous because these are the very patterns that can lead to addiction. If you are struggling with depression, it is extremely important to treat the disease in healthy ways that do not involve drugs or alcohol. Resorting to drugs or alcohol can worsen your depression and you will end up worse off. Soon you may find yourself battling both depression and addiction. Luckily, you can find help through resources and treatment centers like The Ranch PA. We are here to help with any of your recovery needs and help you improve your mental health and wellness.

Addiction and Depression: Seeking Treatment

Depression may cause you to feel defeated, but it is an illness that can be treated. The first step of treatment is admitting to yourself that you have an illness and that you need assistance. Many people who are suffering from addiction do not realize they are also depressed, and vice versa. You may seek treatment for one problem and end up discovering another. Often times, addiction and depression accompany each other. At The Ranch PA, you can work with counselors who have experience treating both depression and addiction. It is important to avoid rehab centers that have no experience with co-occurring mental disorders, as they will not be able to address your problems in the most effective way. Most importantly, do not blame yourself for your depression. It does not make you weak, worthless, or crazy. Like an addiction, depression is a disease but you can fight it with the right treatment and coping methods.

Recovering From Depression

You are in this for the long haul. Recovery from addiction and depression involves treating the underlying reasons for both depression and addiction. Additionally, you should continue with therapy for as long as necessary to work through these issues. To help you in your journey to recovery, you should always surround yourself with people who will support your sober lifestyle. The most important step you can make in your recovery is reaching out for help. Contact The Ranch PA today at 717.969.9126 to start working towards a happy, sober lifestyle. (photo via)

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