Depression is a complicated medical illness to endure. It is hard to wake up every day knowing it will be the same as yesterday, being in the dark, without motivation. Everyone who undergoes depression always long to be back to normal.
It is not surprising to see people drink their depression away. Most of the time, alcohol makes the depression symptoms go away.
While many think this is the fastest way to cope with depression, it is not. It can lead to alcohol abuse that will worsen the symptoms of depression.
What Are the Signs of Depression?
American Psychiatric Association says that symptoms of depression may vary from mild to severe and can include:[1]
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Increase in purposeless physical activity or slowed movements or speech
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Why Depression Leads to Drinking
Many people say that they “drink their sorrows away.”
It is not unexpected that people with depression have this mantra. Whether it is for masking the pain, drowning their sadness, or temporarily shutting off from their reality. People with depression drink because a few shots make them sleepy faster.
A casual drink is not that bad. If drinking became a habit for numbing the pain, it became alcohol abuse. Drinking can lead to depression. Depression can lead to drinking.
Wholesome Ways to Cope with Depression
It is hard to have a depression episode, so people resort to drinking. But there is a healthy way to control depression.
Here are some substance-free tips for managing depression symptoms:
- Exercise regularly
- Socialize with family and friends
- Follow a healthy diet
- Set a sleeping schedule
- Set small and achievable goals
- Reward self for progress
If these tips do not relieve the symptoms of depression, a professional can help.
Remember that a dual diagnosis treatment targets both depression and alcohol abuse disorder, so it’s best to do your research about it and act as early as today.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Dallas, Texas
Here at Taylor Recovery, we offer premium treatment for substance abuse and treatment for mental illness. We have Dual Diagnosis Treatment that targets alcohol abuse disorder and depression.
Taylor Recovery is located in Houston, and also serves people from Dallas, Texas.
You can give us a call today at Taylor Recovery to schedule an assessment.