How A Counselor Can Help With Substance Abuse and Depression?
Nowadays millions of people are suffering from serious depression. Depression affects people differently with symptoms like chronic stress, generalized anxiety and feelings of sadness. Also, having these symptoms doesn’t mean you have depression. It is advisable that you consult a doctor or a counselor before starting a long-term depression treatment plan.
The Substance Abuse Connection To Depression
Substances are used to self-medicate in many situations, to alleviate the effects of chronic stress and other symptoms of depression. According to one report, around 30 to 50 per cent of people addicted to alcohol can suffer from a major depressive disorder at any given time.
Studies show that many people commonly use street drugs, alcohol and other self-medication which actually worsen depression. Therefore, better to avoid drugs and alcohol altogether, those worried about worsening their mental state.
Are you wondering if you have depression?
People suffering from depression have many serious symptoms including:
– Anxious or low mood
– Persistent sad
– Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
– Irritation and angry outbursts
– Feeling lethargic
– Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
– Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
– Thoughts like suicide and death
– Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
– Difficulty sleeping, awakening or oversleeping
– Appetite and/or weight changes
– Persistent aches, pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems
Signs of depression could be a change in eating and sleeping habits or off mood. Some of the factors that lead to depression are poverty, relocation, job changes, sudden illness and other environmental factors.
Talking To A Counselor About Substance Use Or Abuse
The most effective way to reduce the severity of the common symptoms of depression is depression counselling. People with serious symptoms can get a depression therapy session that involves talk therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or some other form of intervention, mindfulness, visualization or deep breathing exercises.
Specifically, to address the challenges of alcohol and Marijuana use and depression symptoms there are numerous mind and body exercises. To cope with the underlying symptoms of depression, it is common for people to abuse substances. You need to talk to a counsellor if you are suffering from common symptoms of depression including chronic stress, generalized anxiety and low mood.
With the right counselor, depression counselling can be very pleasurable and will help you get back your mental health. Reach out to Taylor Recovery for help if you feel that the substances you are using are worsening your symptoms.