Depression is real and debilitating. It is far more than simple sadness. It changes how we live, how we think and how we view the world. Many people describe it as an echoing emptiness or a spinning ache that never goes away completely. Recognizing depression is often hard. People living with it might seem completely healthy. Most of us hold jobs and have families. We have friends and hobbies and passions. However, some or all of these things can be superficial. People with depression are skilled at appearing “normal” because of the stigma attached to the disorder. Talking about it means we have to admit there is a problem, that we have lost the ability to manage our emotions.
Types of Depression
Depression comes in a variety of forms. Dysthymia is the long term It cycles from deeply dark places to relatively minor episodes where life is easier. Women sometimes experience depression after childbirth. Postpartum depression stems from hormonal changes, adjustment problems, and exhaustion. Depression can also push people to the point in which they see things or hear voices. They might experience delusions. Our environments affect our mood, people respond to the seasons in their own way but for some, the change of seasons triggers a restlessness or a depression. Depression is thought to be an imbalance of chemicals in our brains. Some of the symptoms of depression include:
· You feel tired or have a lack of energy almost every day.
· You feel worthless or guilty almost every day.
· You have a hard time focusing, remembering details, and making decisions.
· You can’t sleep or you sleep too much almost every day.
· You have almost no interest or pleasure in many activities nearly every day.
· You think often about death or suicide (not just a fear of death).
· You feel restless or slowed down.
· You’ve lost or gained weight.
Depression and Addiction
Because emotional pain is processed in the same part of the brain as physical pain, it can lead us to search for relief in dangerous ways. Using drugs and alcohol can mask the symptoms of depression. Getting high or drunk gives us a break from depression’s grind but the relief is temporary. Long term use actually makes depression worse as the brain becomes more dependent on the drug to function. The consequences of our addiction also create tension in our families and work which then comes back as stress which then contributes to a deeper and harder to treat depression.
Get Help
Both depression and addiction require treatment. These are not battles you ca fight alone. At Fort Worth Recovery, we help people find the core reasons for their addiction. If you are treating your emotions with drug use, you might have a bigger problem than you think. Today is a good day to look into how to feel better. Call us today at 844.332.1807.
