Life will always have its ups and downs, but one thing people can count on is that these periods eventually pass. However, for someone living with depression, it can seem as though the low points are unending and constant. The sadness, loneliness, and emptiness can feel like it consumes everything that gives a person joy. This is, unfortunately, a very common mental health condition faced by Americans. The mental stress of depression often causes people to turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain. This can cause even more serious physical and mental health consequences.
If you have struggled with depression and substance use, the best action is to get professional help. When someone experiences these co-occurring disorders, it is called a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis treatment can be more complex than treating one condition alone, so it takes experienced and well-trained doctors and clinicians to implement a treatment program. At CeDAR, we offer a comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment program based on proven, evidence-based treatments and therapies. Our mental health professionals are ready to work with you to put you on the road toward long-term recovery. Call us at 720.848.3000 to learn more about Denver’s top psychiatric and addiction treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
Feeling sad sometimes is normal, but if you have been feeling down on most days for at least two weeks, you could be experiencing depression. Some of the main symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling sad or “empty.”
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities that were previously fun
- Feelings of irritability or agitation
- Trouble concentrating
- Fluctuations in weight
- Difficulty regulating sleeping patterns
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Persistent thoughts of death or suicide
These symptoms can greatly interfere with daily life. Many people ignore these symptoms or try to power through. This is almost always a counterproductive course of action, as depression can worsen the longer it goes untreated.
How to Get Help for Depression
While not all people who experience depressive episodes will require intervention, it’s a good idea to contact a mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms warrant medication, therapy, or both. Even individuals who experience only a few symptoms out of the above list can benefit from the guidance of a certified mental health professional.
When seeking professional help for depression, the first thing to happen will be a thorough medical history and physical exam. This will include a history of depressive episodes and any symptoms the patient experienced. Then, if necessary, treatment can begin in the form of medication or therapy. There is a wide range of treatments and therapies, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Antidepressants
The treatments may take some time, and because each patient is unique, medications or therapies may need to be changed before landing on an effective combination. The important takeaway is that depression is treatable and does not have to take over a patient’s life.
Begin Psychiatric Care at CeDAR
Living with depression can feel overwhelming and futile. Its symptoms can affect a person’s ability to function in everyday life. There is hope, however, as depression can be addressed with a good treatment program. Those who are suffering from depression and substance use disorders are especially in need of a good dual diagnosis program to start healing. At CeDAR, we take pride in treating each patient with respect and compassion, regardless of mental health disorder or substance use disorder. Our comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment programs are tailored to each patient’s needs to ensure they learn the necessary skills and receive the best treatment for their unique situation.
Getting treatment for mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders can be intimidating, but doing so is the best first step toward long-term recovery—no need for you or someone you love to live with untreated depression. Contact CeDAR at 720.848.3000 to start healing.
