Many people go through periods where they feel down. When those feelings persist, it may be a sign that you have something more than a temporary case of the blues. You may have depression. In fact, depression affects how you think and behave. People with clinical depression often exhibit a variety of physical and emotional issues. It’s also possible for those who struggle with depression to also face challenges with substance abuse. Coalition Recovery provides depression treatment in Tampa. We also help people dealing with a combination of depression and addiction through dual diagnosis programs.

Learn more about our treatment programs by contacting Coalition Recovery today at 888.707.2873.

What Is Depression?

Clinical depression, also called major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition that typically requires treatment to overcome. There may be devastating fallout for individuals who don’t receive adequate care. Depression can interfere with your ability to work, take care of your family, or even get out of bed in the morning.

Depression is a serious illness that can take many different forms. It’s not simply feeling sad or down for a day or two. Clinical depression is a long-term (chronic) condition that can last for weeks, months, or even years. Some people may experience just one depressive episode in their lifetime, while others may have several.

Depression is more than just feeling down in the dumps or blue for a few days. If your mood stays low and you lose interest and pleasure in most activities, every day, for at least two weeks, you might have clinical depression.

Signs of Depression

The fallout from depression affects people differently. It can get to a point where you start pulling away from others because of how depression affects your thoughts. Other ways that depression manifests in individuals include:

• A constant sense of anxiety
• Constantly feeling like something terrible will happen
• Having periods where you’re highly energetic and manic, followed by periods of low energy and apathy
• Not finding enjoyment in former activities
• Constantly feeling tired
• Feelings of inadequacy

You may feel like there’s an emptiness inside that nothing can fill. The bouts of darkness may overwhelm you to the point where you think you’ll never feel happiness again. That can cause physical and psychological symptoms like:

• Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much
• Feeling aches and pain throughout your body
• Having trouble making decisions on even minor tasks
• Feeling disconnected from loved ones
• Constant thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you find your thoughts straying in a dangerous direction, you should seek out mental health treatment. Coalition Recovery offers mental health programs in Tampa Bay that may help you manage the symptoms of depression.

The Connection Between Depression and Substance Abuse

Depression and addiction are connected in a number of ways. First, people who are depressed are more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Second, people who are addicted are more likely to become depressed. Finally, the two conditions can worsen each other.

People who are depressed are more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol because they are trying to self-medicate. They use substances to try to make themselves feel better, but in reality, they only end up feeling worse.

Individuals who are addicted are more likely to become depressed because of the negative impact addiction has on their lives. Addiction can cause problems with work, relationships, and finances, all of which can lead to depression.

Finally, the two conditions can worsen each other. Depression can make it harder to recover from addiction, and addiction can make it harder to cope with depression. This is why it is important to seek treatment for both conditions if you are struggling with them.

What Are the Causes of Depression?

Researchers have yet to pinpoint one specific cause of depression. Most mental health disorders emerge because of a variety of factors. Some that can play a role in the progression of depression in individuals include:

• Biology: Examinations of the brains of people diagnosed with depression seem to reveal some physical changes. Research continues into what produces those changes to narrow down the specific reasons people develop a mental health disorder.
• Brain chemistry: Any conditions that affect the way neurotransmitters function can lead to issues with maintaining mood stability.
• Hormonal changes: Shifts in the balance of hormones in your body can also play a role in depression. It may be why some women experience postpartum depression after having a baby. Other hormone changes that might factor into depression include menopause or thyroid issues.

Other factors that may increase your risk of developing depression can include:

• Having low self-esteem
• Going through a traumatic event
• Feeling a lot of pressure from stress
• Having a family history of depression or other mental health disorders
• Feeling alienated because of your sexual orientation
• Abusing alcohol or drugs
• Having a chronic illness like cancer

What Kind of Depression Treatment Is Available?

Coalition Recovery offers depression treatment in Tampa Bay. You may benefit from therapy provided through our various programs, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Accelerated resolution therapy
• Amino acid therapy
• Nutrition and wellness

It’s possible to manage the symptoms of depression with the right treatment. Coalition Recovery will be there for you when you need support.

Find out more about our programs and services by calling Coalition Recovery at 888.707.2873 or by connecting with us online today.