How To Overcome Depression from Addiction
Answering how to overcome depression will never be as easy as many people think. Depression, like many other mental health disorders, is often misunderstood. There is no shame in admitting that you need help with lifting the most debilitating symptoms of depression. Find a mental health treatment program and get the help that you need.
How Does Depression Lead to Addiction?
Depression, known medically as major depressive disorder, can be a severe and debilitating condition. The symptoms can dramatically affect your life. However, like many other mental health disorders, depression is generally not well understood. Depression can cause both mental and physical problems for those struggling with it. Symptoms of depression appear in a range of intensities that affect each individual differently. Here are some common symptoms of depression:
- Felling down or sad, and no longer able to enjoy activities that you used to
- Oversleeping or insomnia, and altered eating patterns
- Moving and speaking slower, and fatigue
- Feelings of hopelessness or guilt
- Unable to make decisions and the inability to concentrate
- Thoughts of suicide
Some medical conditions can lead to depression; this happens when hormones become unbalanced or if you have a brain tumor. Depression is also different than feeling upset about something in most cases, but you should get help if you feel like something is wrong regardless. Additionally, untreated depression can lead sufferers to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. This further alters the brain and the reactions and sources of both conditions feed into each other. No matter what you believe to be the source, professional treatment can help.
How to Overcome Depression Without Using Drugs or Alcohol
Depression is first diagnosed by a psychiatric professional and then treated. During your diagnosis, you’ll answer questions about your habits and recent behaviors, as well as how you currently feel and your past history. Your diagnosis could take a couple of visits, but once diagnosed, the work begins. You will shoulder some of the responsibility in overcoming depression, and your therapist will be there to guide you through the process.
First, here are some things you can try on your own to overcome your depression.
Eat Healthier
If your diet is not packed full of nutrients, your body could be paying the toll for that. Try eating fruits and vegetables every day and limit processed foods.
Start an Exercise Plan
Talk to your doctor to be sure that you are healthy enough for exercise. If you are, start going for a 20-60 minute walk every day. Even just getting a change of scenery should help a bit.
Control Substance Use
Getting a clean slate to focus on depression treatment means ending the abuse of alcohol or drugs that also affect your brain chemistry. If you feel you cannot control substance abuse and depression without help, seek dual diagnosis treatment that can help with both conditions.
Mindfulness
You can learn to meditate, do yoga, or live more mindfully. This helps people deal with stress a bit better and keep symptoms of depression under control.
Doing these things, along with professional help, can allow you to find relief from the most pressing symptoms. Further mental health and addiction therapies give you long-term resources for a more positive outlook.
Overcome Your Depression With Addiction Help from The Last Resort
The Last Resort has many great therapists that can help you learn how to overcome depression. A little bit of help can go a long way. Give us a call today to find out more today.