Depression
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Depression is a common mental health disorder that goes far beyond feelings of sadness that are felt normally in life. At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we address depression as part of our addiction treatment programme. Struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) often plays a role in increasing symptoms of depression. Fortunately, clients struggling with depression and SUD have treatment options that can help them improve their ability to manage their mental health long-term and heal from substance dependence that is continuing to make depression more of an issue in their lives.
Depression
Individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, and genders struggle with depression. While women have a higher instance of depression, it is also common for men. The cause of depression is multifaceted, and many aspects of a person’s life influence their risk of developing this mental health disorder.
As a mental health disorder, depression influences how a person feels and, therefore, every facet of their lives. Genetics play a role in clients developing depression. Additionally, an individual’s environment, history of trauma, and other aspects of life also influence their mental health, with individuals with a history of trauma having a higher incidence of depression.
There is not a singular event or situation that guarantees a person is going to struggle with depression. However, things that put a person at a higher risk include:
- Serious medical illness
- Personal or family history of depression
- Major negative life changes
- High stress
- Trauma
Understanding Stigma
For many individuals, addressing and accepting that they are struggling with their mental health is a challenge. Part of this is due to the stigma that is attached to mental health disorders. When a client is struggling with their mental health, it is normal to feel shame and embarrassment regarding their challenges. At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we help clients understand and overcome the stigma that is attached to mental health challenges as part of the healing process.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Each individual with depression experiences varying symptoms and severity of symptoms. However, a person who is struggling with depression will have some of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, and these symptoms interfere with their daily life:
- Consistent sad or empty mood
- Pessimism or hopelessness
- Irritability, frustration, or being on edge
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Low energy or fatigue
- Lack of focus or concentration
- Oversleeping or other changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Physical aches and pains
- Changes in digestion
It is important to note that many of these symptoms are found outside of depression. Therefore, at PCP, we believe that it is important for each individual to work with a mental health care professional to be properly diagnosed and receive the treatment they need. It is never too late to get help.
Depression and Substance Abuse
The symptoms of depression greatly disrupt a person’s life. They make it challenging for an individual to get through each day. As a result, many individuals reach for a substance to solve symptoms like feeling sad, guilty, or despair. Therefore, many individuals end up with both depression and addiction.
In addition, substance abuse also increases an individual’s risk of depression. The specific symptoms of substance abuse vary depending on the type of substance, the amount of substances used, and how each person is influenced. However, as substances influence a person’s central nervous system (CNS), they affect how a person feels and their mental health. Therefore, substance abuse often leads to depression.
Finding Hope in Treatment for Depression
When a client is struggling with depression, it is common for them to feel hopeless and stuck. However, there are ways to heal from both depression and addiction. There is hope, and it is possible that a client can learn new coping skills and heal from addiction as ways to improve and regain their mental health.
Learning New Coping Skills
In treatment for mental health and addiction, addressing coping skills that are not working is important. Through both individual therapy and group therapy, clients at PCP – The Perry Clayman Project learn to accept that these coping methods are no longer ideal and grow new coping skills that are more suited for them.
These new coping skills may include learning self-care, communication skills, or how to draw and stick to boundaries. Clients find hope in knowing that they can grow, change, and build a different way of interacting with their lives.
Healing From Addiction
In addition to learning new coping skills, healing from addiction is vital in finding hope in mental health. Addiction and substance abuse negatively impact a client’s mental health. However, through detox and addiction treatment, clients can find a way forward.
Healing from addiction gives clients the opportunity to see their mental health more clearly. This is because substance abuse impacts mental health. Therefore, only through detox and treatment can a client begin to see what specific challenges they are experiencing in their mental health. Then, clients can learn new and improved ways of supporting their mental health that fit their unique needs.
When you are struggling with depression, with or without substance abuse, your daily life can feel challenging, and you may feel lost. To learn about how you can find hope and support in healing from depression and addiction at PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, call us today at 08000 380 480.