Depression is often a misunderstood problem and one that has many complex causes and effects. Sadly, many millions of people suffer from this disease and may end up taking their own life as a result. Therefore, you may wonder, “Is my loved one struggling with depression?” and if drug abuse may be involved. The following information can help you better gauge this factor and provide you with the help that you need.
Battling depression and addiction is a co-occurring condition, but there are treatment options available. Through dual diagnosis treatment, you can find hope and support for both conditions. At Crestview Recovery, our team offers an expert depression treatment program, which we can tailor to the needs of the client. To learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment options, contact us today at 866.262.0531.
Is My Loved One Struggling With Depression?
When asking, “Is my loved one struggling with depression?” it is essential to note that occasional sadness or anger does not equate to depression. Depression is a clinical mental health disorder that comes and goes, so your loved one may laugh and joke with you and seem happy at times. Therefore, you need to watch for the following symptoms to make sure:
- Persistent feelings of sadness that make them feel empty
- The belief that they are “hopeless” or “meaningless” to others
- Lower levels of energy and decreased engagement with life
- Weight changes and reduced appetite
- Sleep troubles that persist or worsen over time
- Suicidal thoughts and idealization
- Physical pain, such as stomach cramps and nausea
All of these symptoms are a pretty good indicator that your loved one is experiencing depression. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that they “choose” depression or that they can choose to be happy. Depression is a disease that needs proper treatment to manage effectively. Just as importantly, you need to understand the types of depression to know how to help your loved one.
What are the Common Types of Depression?
Depression is not a singular disease that has one cause that is easy to diagnose and treat. Unfortunately, many types of depression can occur many times throughout a person’s life. Each of these variations has several different factors that may trigger them. Moreover, drug abuse can play a role. Just a few of the most common types of depression include:
- Major depression – This variation occurs if you have symptoms of depression most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks that makes your life trying to handle
- Persistent depression disorder – Symptoms of depression that last for at least two years but which may wax and wane slightly over periods
- Postpartum depression – Depression that occurs in women after they give birth and which may lift a few weeks after birth or persist for months
- Psychotic depression – A type of depression that occurs when a person has some psychosis, such as fixed delusions or even schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder – Though not quite the same as depression, people with this disorder will experience depressive states that alternate with mania
Many different factors may trigger these depressions. For example, those with major depression may experience it after the trauma of losing a loved one. And those with psychotic depression may develop a disease that triggers this reaction. However, addiction often plays a significant role in depression. As a result, when asking, “Is my loved one struggling with addiction?” you need to know the role that drug rehab can play in their recovery.
How Does Drug Rehab Help?
When drug addiction causes depression, your loved one may feel hopeless and trapped in a way that they wouldn’t without substance use. As a result, they may need rehab therapy to:
- Manage physical addiction symptoms
- Figure out how substance use feeds depression
- Learn how to treat a person’s depression
- Track their progress to ensure recovery
So when asking, “Is my loved one struggling with depression?” you should fully understand how rehab can help. This process can provide them with the help that they need to beat addiction and depression for good.
Recovery Is Possible with Help from Crestview Recovery
If your loved one is battling depression, there is support available to them. Encourage them to reach out to a treatment center, such as Crestview Recovery. Our treatment programs offer a range of therapeutic options to support our clients’ recoveries, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapy
Do you think your loved one is addicted and you think the answer to the question, “Is my loved one struggling with depression?” is yes? If so, then call 866.262.0531 today and contact us at Crestview Recovery. Our experts have years of experience helping people like you with 90-day extended care and more. So take your life back into your hands, verify your insurance, and walk back to a sober lifestyle for good.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
