Staying Sober When you Have Depression

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Depression is a mental health issue that is characterized by several symptoms. Depression can affect your daily life and make life seem unenjoyable. Experts believe that for some people, long-term substance use contributes to depression symptoms because substance use actually changes your brain. Other people use substances as a way to cope with the negative symptoms of depression.

Symptoms of depression can include:

  • Pervasive sadness
  • Thoughts of self harm
  • Low motivation
  • Decreased pleasure in once enjoyed activities
  • Problems with work, school, and relationships
  • Crying more than usual
  • Eating more or less than usual
  • Sleeping more or less than usual
  • Ruminating thoughts

Depression is best treated by therapy, and in some case antidepressants prescribed by a psychiatrically trained medical provider are the best option. Additionally, lifestyle changes, dietary changes, mindfulness, exercise, and meditation are proven for decreasing symptoms of depression. Unfortunately, some people have increased substance use to cope with the unpleasant symptoms of depression.

Using substances to cope with depression is counterproductive because substance use can actually increase depression symptoms. In some cases, substance use can make symptoms more severe. Substance use can cause thoughts of self harm to increase and can zap what little motivation you do have. You must remember that the substance use is not treating your depression. Substance use temporarily numbs the negative feelings of depression, but the issue is still present.

The nature of substances especially alcohol or other depressants makes depression symptoms worse. As noted, certain substances increase the risk of self harm thoughts and injurious behaviors. Substances actually lower the dopamine and endorphin levels in your brain. These chemicals are often referred to as feel good chemicals. These chemicals are natural and impact your mood. When you have depression, certain brain chemicals are impaired, add substances to the mix and you will feel even more depressed.

The best thing that you can do for yourself is to treat your mental health and substance abuse concerns concurrently. Entering a dual diagnosis program is extremely important. A dual diagnosis treatment program will address substance use, depression, and how the two conditions affect each other.  In a dual diagnosis treatment program, you will learn skills to begin recovery from both conditions.

At The Kimberly Center, we care about your physical and emotional health. We understand how difficult talking about recovery can be, especially when you also cope with depression. Let us help you, call us now at 855-4-KCENTER. We are committed to putting you and your recovery first. At the Kimberly Center, you are in safe hands.

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