Depression And Substance Abuse
Symptoms of depression can be debilitating, and feel overwhelming. Because of this, individuals with depression are more likely to develop an abusive relationship with drugs, alcohol, and other substances. Substance abuse and depression go hand in hand. People with depression may seek a sense of control or escape by using alcohol to numb the emotional symptoms of depression.
Conversely, the use of drugs and alcohol can trigger and enhance depressive symptoms and have other damaging repercussions. It is estimated that 30% of people with substance abuse problems experience depression. The pairing of substance abuse and depression is dangerous, We strongly urge individuals with depression to seek professional help and to avoid drugs and alcohol.
More Than Sad: Depression Affects Your Ability To Think
- By James Cartreine, PhD, Contributing Editor
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When you think of clinical depression, you probably think of feeling sad and down for long periods of time losing your energy and your interest in things you used to enjoy sleeping too much or too little, or eating too much or too little. But besides these, depression can actually change your ability to think. It can impair your attention and memory, as well as your information processing and decision-making skills. It can also lower your cognitive flexibility and executive functioning .
For people with severe depression, medications can provide some relief of low mood and energy, bolster the motivation to engage in enjoyable and important activities, and help people return to normal sleeping and eating patterns.
But we dont know whether antidepressant medications treat cognitive impairment related to depression. Recently, an international research team attempted to answer this question as part of a larger study on depression treatment. Their results were published in The Lancet last month.
About the Author
James Cartreine, PhD, Contributing Editor
The Impact Of Depression On Self
Depression also sometimes robs you of your ability to care for yourself. You might not drink enough water or eat regularly. You may even forget to do basic self-care in the form of personal hygiene. It is not uncommon for people with depression to forget to shower or brush your teeth.
Not only that, but depression often comes with comorbid disorders, too. This means you are more likely to suffer from anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other mental health condition. These issues combined can affect your daily life. They rob you of enjoyment in your spare time and productivity in work. This is why treatment and being able to pay for treatment is so crucial.
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Effect Of Depression On Your Daily Life
As mentioned earlier, depression can affect every aspect of your life, including the way you sleep or eat, education or career, your health, and concentration, as well as your relationships. Depression does not occur in a vacuum. It can also affect family, friends, and co-workers.
Apart from that, depression can impact the way you perform at work, your level of concentration, thus productivity. Doctors say that it is vital to treat depression because if you leave it untreated, it can lead to severe complications in your personal and professional life. Some people underestimate the importance of psychiatrists. But in truth, searching for the best psychiatric makes a big difference.
Help And Support For Depression Is Available
Ignoring depression symptoms may take a serious toll on the body leading to health problems and mental health concerns. There are treatment options for depression that include working with a medical specialist, friends, family, and coping strategies to help manage symptoms. Immediate support is available online and through local law enforcement if you or someone you know is in crisis.
If you suspect someone may be depressed, let them know you are willing to talk about anything that’s bothering them or assist them in getting help. Options such as therapy, online support groups and forums, and prescribed medications are effective when using them together as a part of a treatment plan. Learning how to improve your lifestyle along with the right support will help manage the physical and emotional aspects of depressed affect.
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The Low Treatment Rate Of Depression
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America discusses the impact depression has on daily life. They state that depression is the second highest reason for disability in the entire world. By contrast, only 10 percent of those afflicted ever get effective treatment.
Depression often has side-effects that can impact your ability to work. You might suffer from difficulties with concentration. People with depression struggle to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Due to this, you might feel exhausted constantly. This makes you more prone to making mistakes on the job.
Depression In Older Adults
As we age, our bodies may slow down, and we may experience more health issues. As a result, older adults are often at greater risk for depression or suicide.
Depression is widespread in the elderly population. As many as 20% of seniors may experience depression. Rates of depression in nursing homes are even higher.
Older adults are more likely to notice physical symptoms of depression . There is also evidence that depression in the elderly is strongly associated with poor cognitive function and decline. Depression can also worsen other disabilities and increase mortality rates, due to both medical illness and suicide.
Diagnosing depression in older people
It can be difficult to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of depression in an older adult. Unfortunately, due to stigma, older adults often ignore their symptoms over long periods of time. Depression among the elderly is also often confused with the symptoms of other problems that appear during the later years. Health care professionals must differentiate between depressions symptoms and those of other illnesses common in an older population such as dementia, stroke, and other conditions that can impact brain function.
Below are a few mental health support resources for the LGBTQ community:
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You May Struggle To Concentrate Or Complete Tasks
When I am depressed I struggle to get anything accomplished. I can sometimes force myself, but it takes a tremendous amount of effort and will.
Ill frequently find myself dazing off and reflecting on my life.
Even things like getting out of bed and brushing my teeth feel like daunting tasks.
Often, people who suffer from depression experience little to no motivation, decreased energy, or a sense of apathy.
You may find it hard to focus, to concentrate or even make simple decisions like deciding what you want to eat or drink. Decisions are the worst.
Going to school or work may feel, or even be impossible depending on the intensity of your depressive episode.
As a husband and father, depression sometimes severely affects my ability to just spend time with my family even watching a movie can seem overwhelming.
PRO TIP: Task Management
Try using a habit tracking mobile app to stay on top of your daily tasks. Set notifications for tasks you often forget or struggle to complete.
This wont solve all your problems, but it may provide some motivation, as well as a sense of purpose and direction. It works wonders for me.
Physical Examples Of Depressed Affect
Various studies provide evidence showing how depression affects the body. Sometimes physical issues develop and a person may not realize they are related to feeling depressed. Some effects of depression may occur sooner than others with people experiencing physical discomfort for an extended time before realizing something is wrong. People with depression may experience physical health effects such as the following:
Emotional Examples Of Depressed Affect
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How Does Depression Affect Work
Loss of concentration and enthusiasm, forgetfulness, fatigue, lack of sleep, and other debilitating effects of depression can decrease a persons productivity at work. This is bad news for the economy. A recent study on the impacts of clinical depression in a workplace showed that about $44 billion is lost every year due to depression and resulting poor productivity among employees.
Risk Factors For Depression
Depression can affect anyoneeven a person who appears to live in relatively ideal circumstances.
Several factors can play a role in depression:
- Biochemistry: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.
- Genetics: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.
- Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.
- Environmental factors: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.
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How Does Depression Affect Sleep
The relationship between depression and sleep is a question of egg and chicken. Sleep problems may trigger or worsen depression. Likewise, the depressive state can cause sleeping problems, particularly insomnia and hypersomnia. Sleep problem is actually one of the main symptoms being checked when diagnosing depression. This correlation between sleep and depression makes it possible to treat both with the same antidepressant.
How Depression Affects Your Life
How depression affects your life can be profound, devastating, and life-changing.
Depression doesn’t just affect one part of your life, like your moods.
It can seep into every part of your life causing pain and disruptions in your work life, your sex life, and your social life.
The stereotypical person with depression is sitting on the couch watching television and eating junk food. But, this isn’t true!
Most people who are suffering from depression are trying to go through their lives like normal.
They work, date, have friends, and have responsibilities – it’s just that depression makes all of these things harder to do.
This is an important way in how depression affects your life: it can make it less enjoyable and seem like a chore. But, your life shouldn’t feel that way.
The first great step to take is understanding how depression affects your life, so you can take it back.
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Should I Worry That My Child Will Commit Suicide
National surveys from the government show the overall risk. In 2019, for example, nearly 9% of high school students attempted suicide at least once over the course of a year. Thinking about suicide also continued to rise from previous years . Although less common, young children do attempt suicide as well.
Watch your child closely for the warning signs of suicidal behavior, including:
- Focus on death and dying.
- Giving away possessions.
- Combination of the two.
How Does Depression Affect Teenagers
Depression that affects teenagers or adolescents is not just mood changes. Sometimes it can give a significant impact to their life. So this problem should be concerned as well, if left untreated it may lead to abusing alcohol & drug, violence, problems related to self-loathing, bad lifestyle, or even thoughts of suicide.
Its perfectly normal for teens to feel sad and not happy at some time in life. But if this persists longer than normal , it could be depression.
Fortunately, this mood disorder can be treated. If you in-doubt to the condition of your teens, seek and find help from health professionals for more advice!
Teen depression what actually is it?
There are some misperceptions about teen depression. As well we know that teenage years are tough, making teenagers at high risk of developing depression.
This mood disorder can be potential to destroy and affect the teenagers personality. It may cause an overwhelming sense of anger, despair, and sadness. It may affect teenagers far more than we ever thought before.
Unfortunately although it may be highly treatable, there is only about 1 out of 5 depressed teens who get appropriate treatments.
The poor ability of teenagers to find and seek help is probably the main culprit. Unlike a depressed adult, they typically rely on their caregivers, teachers, or parents to identify the problem.
Signs and symptoms of depression in teenagers
There are some common symptoms, some are as follows:
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Learn More About Depression
Gaining an understanding of the symptoms, causes, and treatments for depression can give you a better idea of what your loved one is dealing with. Sometimes well-meaning family members might suggest that their loved one should just snap out of it without understanding the complex forces that cause depression.
Knowing more about the illness can help family members respond in ways that are more helpful and empathetic. Work to educate yourself and your family about depression and enlist their help in your recovery.
Research has also shown that family attitudes toward treatment can also play a role in recovery outcomes. People with family members who have a positive attitude toward antidepressants, for example, may be more likely to stick to their medication regimen.
What Does Love Addiction Look Like
Love addiction is often a pattern of intense infatuations and obsessive relationships, as well as a tendency to be desperate and insecure in relationships. A person suffering from a love addiction often seeks the excitement and sexual rush of a new relationship but cannot maintain a lasting feeling of attachment.
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When Does Low Mood Become Depression
We all have times when our mood is low, and we’re feeling sad or miserable about life. Usually these feelings pass in due course.
But if the feelings are interfering with your life and don’t go away after a couple of weeks, or if they come back over and over again for a few days at a time, it could be a sign that you’re experiencing depression. See our page on the symptoms of depression for more information.
What Are The Symptoms Of Depression And How Is It Diagnosed
The NHS recommends that you should see your GP if you experience symptoms of depression for most of the day, every day, for more than 2 weeks.
Doctors make decisions about diagnosis based on manuals. The manual used by NHS doctors is the International Classification of Diseases .
When you see a doctor they will look for the symptoms that are set out in the ICD-10 guidance. You do not have to have all of these to be diagnosed with depression. You might have just experience some of them.
Some symptoms of depression are:
- low mood, feeling sad, irritable or angry,
- having less energy to do certain things,
- losing interest or enjoyment in activities you used to enjoy,
- reduced concentration,
You may also find that with low mood you:
- feel less pleasure from things,
- feel more agitated,
- find your thoughts and movements slow down, and
- have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Your doctor should also ask about any possible causes of depression. For example, they may want to find out if youve experienced anything traumatic recently which could be making you feel this way.
There are no physical tests for depression. But the doctors may do some tests to check if you have any physical problems. For example, an underactive thyroid can cause depression.
On the NHS website, they have a self-assessment test which can help you to assess whether you are living with depression: www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/overview/
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How Does Depression Affect Your Life
In short: depression is a mood disorder, but it also affects your eating patterns, your sleep schedule, performance at work or in school, your personal relationships, and even your physical health. Oftentimes people with a depressive disorder also develop comorbid disorders, such as turning to alcohol and drug abuse. Your depression does not just affect you it affects your friends, your family, your coworkers it actually can affect everyone in your life.
The trouble concentrating or finding motivation associated with depression can impact productivity and you may fall behind at work or in school, or find yourself socially isolated and withdrawn.Depression left untreated can only get worse, and oftentimes will lead to other complications. It is essential that if you feel depressed or meet this criteria, you seek treatment from a trusted healthcare provider. There are lots of treatment options available for depression, and relief from symptoms can be found.
Life Events And Depression
Research suggests that continuing difficulties, such as long-term unemployment, living in an abusive or uncaring relationship, long-term isolation or loneliness or prolonged exposure to stress at work can increase the risk of depression.
Significant adverse life events, such as losing a job, going through a separation or divorce, or being diagnosed with a serious illness, may also trigger depression, particularly among people who are already at risk because of genetic, developmental or other personal factors.
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