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Many of those who struggle with addiction also face mental health challenges like depression. This common but extremely challenging mental health condition can rob you of happiness, joy, and fulfillment in life. Depression is a mental health disorder that features persistent sadness and a depressed mood. Depression causes a loss of interest in hobbies or activities that a person once enjoyed. Some individuals who struggle with depression turn to drugs and alcohol to cope, which can lead to dependence and addiction. If you’re struggling with depression in addition to a substance use disorder, Ethan Crossing can help.

Connect with a member of our team today at 937-646-7795 or reach out online to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment programs.

Types of Depression

There are many types of depression. Each type of depression has a combination of unique and overlapping symptoms. They include the following:

  • Major depression – Major depression is the most common type of depression. Scientists hypothesize that changes in brain chemistry and neural pathways cause major depression.
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – This is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months when less sunlight is available.
  • Bipolar disorder – Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme shifts in mood over long periods. A person with bipolar disorder alternates between periods of depression and mania.
  • Postpartum depression – Postpartum depression is a type of clinical depression that occurs just after having a baby.
  • Situational depression – Situational depression, also called adjustment disorder, is depression that results from a significant change in a person’s life. Examples include the loss of a job or moving to a new city.
  • Atypical depression – Atypical depression is a type of depression where people experience depression when experiencing pleasurable activities.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression

The symptoms of various types of clinical depression include but are not limited to:

  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Sadness
  • Loss of interest in hobbies
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Excessive crying
  • Isolation from social activities
  • Intrusive thoughts
  • Self-harming behavior
  • Thoughts of suicide

Seeking professional help will allow you to cope with your symptoms and help you enjoy life again.

Depression and Addiction

The relationship between depression and addiction is complex. Some individuals turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the symptoms of depression. However, for others, substance abuse can lead to depression. No matter how these two issues are connected, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders can make recovery challenging. However, an addiction treatment program that addresses both conditions simultaneously can help.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

depression treatment program at a recovery center in OhioSome of the therapies and approaches to care that can help those struggling with depression and substance abuse include:

  • Outpatient therapy – An outpatient treatment program is one of the most common types of treatment used for co-occurring disorders. Usually, a person will see a counselor or therapist once a week to discuss symptoms and learn new coping skills.
  • Inpatient therapy – An inpatient therapy program has the highest potential for immediate improvement of symptoms and mood. A depression treatment program can help reestablish healthy neural pathways.
  • Medication – The treatment of depressive disorders often requires medication. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a type of medication that prevents your body from absorbing too much serotonin. SNRIs, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, work the same way on both serotonin and norepinephrine. There are a wide variety of medications that exist to treat depression. Working with an experienced medical practitioner can help you find the right medicine for your condition.

Reach Out to Ethan Crossing Today

If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of depression as well as addiction, it is crucial to get help as soon as possible. Depression is a painful, debilitating mental health condition that is almost always invisible to others. Ethan Crossing offers treatment including medication, individual therapy programs, group therapy programs, and family therapy programs in an inpatient setting so you can get the help you need to cope with depression. Contact us today at 937-646-7795 for more information.