Life is always going to have ups and downs. Everyone will experience anger, sadness, and disappointment at some point, the same way they will experience happiness, joy, and love. These emotions and feelings will pass in time. However, when someone experiences sadness and anxiety that do not fade with time, there may be a deeper psychological issue. Many people who develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol do this because they try to self-medicate an underlying mental condition. They may need dual diagnosis treatment, which can address both substance use and mental health disorders.
If someone you love is struggling with depression, they may already be taking drugs or alcohol to cope with their pain. CeDAR in Denver, Colorado, is a dual diagnosis treatment center that offers a wide range of addiction treatment programs. We offer a safe, professional, and healing environment where patients who suffer from co-occurring disorders get the support of licensed professionals who can help treat addiction and mental health conditions. Call us at 720.848.3000 to get professional support right away. A new start in recovery is possible if you take the first steps today.
What Are the 3 Ways to Fight Depression?
Depression is a common mental health problem, especially among people who struggle with substance use disorders. It can be difficult to fight depression when it seems like there is no hope for relief. There are a couple of good ways to try to lift your mood:
1. Take care of yourself
Self-care is one area that often falls by the wayside when a person is depressed. It can take a lot of time and effort to exercise, eat properly, sleep properly, and groom yourself. All those things may seem trivial and not worth the effort when depression strikes. But they are worth the effort, as a proper diet, exercise, and hygiene all greatly affect your health and overall well-being.
2. Be mindful
It can be easy to lose oneself to anxiety, agitation, distractibility, and self-criticism during periods of depression. These traits are also elevated in the cycle of addiction. Too much worry about the past or the future can make it difficult to focus on the here and now, where there is still a chance to make a difference. Being mindful of the present moment and appreciating things without judgment are core tenets of mindfulness. Mindfulness activities can be placed into three broad categories:
- Observation
- Description
- Participation
Any three types of mindful activities can help keep a person grounded and present in the moment. It’s been shown that practicing this type of mental training can help build mental resilience and develop stress resistance.
3. Seek professional help
The best and most effective way to fight depression is through professional help. A licensed therapist or counselor can provide a wider perspective backed by years of experience treating depression. This can help the patient target the core causes of depression in talk therapy sessions. This type of psychotherapy is one of the top ways to treat depression. The patient will also learn techniques and strategies that will form the basis of long-lasting recovery.
Begin a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program at CeDAR
If you or someone you care about is battling depression, it may be time to seek professional help. There is only so much a person can do alone, as underlying medical conditions or co-occurring addictions can cause depression. The link between mental and physical health is more crucial than most people realize. This is even more important for those struggling with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health disorders. Getting professional help with dual diagnosis treatment may be a life-saving choice.
CeDAR is an addiction treatment and psychiatric care center in Denver, Colorado. We offer innovative approaches to evidence-based treatment modalities, and we do not only save lives and create the foundations for long-term health and wellness. To learn more about dual diagnosis treatment and our other treatment programs, contact us at 720.848.3000.
