Depression
Depression: A real disease with real treatment.
Depression is one type of medical illness that is rampant throughout the world. Depression is not limited to any race, gender or socioeconomic status. Depression is often referred to as major depression, major depressive disorder and clinical depression. A medical illness that involves the mind and body, depression has been said to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Depression can often take over a person’s life and it can therefor affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts. Additionally, uncontrolled depression may be directly linked to numerous types of physical and emotional problems. Individuals with depression may often feel as though their lives are not worth living. This feeling of worthlessness can often impair an individual’s thinking and actions which in turn can have a very large negative effect on their daily life.
Depression is a real medical issue; it is not a weakness in personality or a lack of emotional strength. As a chronic illness, depression can only be controlled through long term treatment. Proper medication and psychological counseling have also been shown to have a positive effect on people suffering from depression. In addition, the right combination of exercise and diet has also been shown to be crucial parts of proper treatment for depression.
Some symptoms of depression include but are not limited to:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Decision making and concentration difficulties
- Irritability
- Anger
- Feelings of guilt and hopelessness
- Insomnia or over sleeping
- Restlessness
- Lack of desire to take part in activities that were one time desirable.
- Suicidal Thoughts and feelings of sadness
- Stomach problems; appetite loss, diarrhea
Depression and substance abuse
While there is no real way to determine whether depression causes substance abuse or visa versa, there is undoubtedly a link between the two. Depression has been linked to substance abuse so often, its linkage is called dual diagnosis.
Recent studies have shown that individuals who suffer from episodes of major depression have much higher rates of drug addiction and alcoholism. Some studies have expressed that more the individuals who suffer from depression are three times more likely to engage in substance abuse.
Research has also shown that substance abuse and depression are very closely related due to four specific factors. Firstly, research shows that addiction and depression often forms in the same region of the brain. Secondly, there seems to be some genetic factors that can make an individual more likely to develop a mood disorder (depression) or an addiction. Third, a focus on environmental factors has shown that traumatic issues, stress and other outside factors often times can lead to addiction and depression. Lastly, a malfunction in brain development in childhood has been linked to both depression and addiction.
What can be done to treat depression?
Depression is a serious medical issue. If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, get help now. The proper psychological treatment accompanied with medical care will give you or a loved one the best opportunity to succeed. At Prominence Treatment Center we are fully equipped to help individuals who are suffering from depression and any co-occurring addiction disorder that they may present. Prominence Treatment understands the difficulties associated with depression. The experience, knowledge and treatment that we provide has made us the leader in depression treatment.
If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, help is available through Prominence Treatment Center. Please call 1855-201-0121. You are one step closer to getting help for you or your loved one. Give yourself the chance you deserve and the life you desire.
