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.
The relationship between depression and alcohol is complex, with each condition potentially worsening the other. Alcohol problems are closely associated with mental health issues, and people with depression may use alcohol as a form of self-medication to cope with their symptoms.
Research shows that people with depression who stop drinking often start to feel better within the first few weeks.
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.
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, making it challenging to get through each day. Many individuals turn to substances, including alcohol, to cope with feelings of sadness, guilt, or despair.
Problematic drinking patterns such as alcohol misuse, alcohol use disorder, and alcohol abuse are closely linked to depression, with research indicating that nearly one-third of individuals with major depression also have alcohol use disorder.
Misusing alcohol including heavy drinking and binge drinking increases the risk of developing depression and can worsen existing depressive symptoms. Ongoing alcohol use can lead to alcohol dependence and alcohol addiction, with unhealthy drinking habits further impacting mental health and overall well-being.
Drinking heavily and binge drinking are associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing symptoms of depression and can make depression worse. Alcohol consumption and alcohol use can negatively impact depression and mental health, often referred to as depression alcohol, by intensifying depressive episodes and interfering with recovery.
Alcohol can also interfere with the effectiveness of antidepressants, making depression worse and treatment outcomes poorer for those who drink heavily. The co-occurrence of alcohol use disorder and depression is associated with greater severity of symptoms and a worse prognosis for both conditions.
Alcohol can lead to impulsive behaviours, increasing the risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Heavy drinking is linked to suicidal thoughts and attempts, as alcohol can impair judgement and increase impulsivity.
People with depression may use alcohol as a form of self-medication to cope with their symptoms, but alcohol can exacerbate depression and depressive symptoms, making treatment outcomes worse for those who drink heavily.
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 substance 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. Therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), is an effective way to treat sufferers of both depression and alcohol addiction. CBT helps individuals identify and replace negative thoughts and behaviours, and is used in both inpatient and outpatient treatment plans.
Medication can also help to relieve symptoms of depression and reduce the need to drink, allowing for improved therapy outcomes. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, for people who need help with both their drinking and depression, it’s usually best to tackle the alcohol first. After reducing drinking and having a few alcohol-free weeks, many people find they feel better.
People who are depressed often find that cutting out alcohol entirely for just four weeks makes a clear difference in how they feel. If symptoms of depression persist after reducing or stopping alcohol use, it is important to seek further help from a healthcare professional.
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 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.
Clients are encouraged to keep track of their drinking habits to spot patterns and avoid triggers. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation or exercise, can also help reduce reliance on alcohol.
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.