Signs of Depression and Dual Diagnosis Rehab in Arizona

When you think about someone being depressed, you may think that sadness is the only symptom. While this can certainly be a part of it, many other signs of depression may look different than only sadness. One of these signs can be alcohol or substance abuse. When people are dealing with substance abuse and depression, they have a dual diagnosis that requires dual diagnosis rehab in Arizona to deal with both issues head-on.

Depression, Substance Abuse and Dual Diagnosis Rehab in Arizona

We’re going to take a look at some of the other signs of depression that may go unnoticed and how people can get help for both issues to live a happier and more productive life.

Uncommon Signs of Depression

Suffering from depression is not uncommon. According to the World Health Organization, nearly four percent of people worldwide deal with some form of depression¹. Depression seems to impact more women than men, and an estimated 280 million people in the world have this problem. That number only takes into account those who have reported their depression. The real figure may be even higher since some cases go unreported due to personal shame and societal stigma. 

Some cases of depression may also not be documented because they go unnoticed with signs that may not fit the “typical” pattern. While sadness can be a red flag, there are several uncommon signs to look for that could also signal someone is dealing with depression.² Let’s explore these further. 

Physical Pain and Depression

There are times when depression can be physically painful. Back, joint, or limb pains can all be signs of depression. Many people shrug them off or attribute them to overuse or an injury, but evidence shows a shared neurologic pathway is the link between pain and depression.² The worse the pain, the more severe the depression may be.

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Dramatic Weight Changes

Depression may be at the route of a rapid weight loss or gain. Some people get so depressed that they don’t want to eat, while others turn to food for comfort. Whatever the case may be, depression may be to blame.

Extreme Indecisiveness

We all have times when we can’t make up our minds. But, when it becomes a chronic problem, there could be something deeper going on. When people are depressed, they often have trouble deciding what type of coffee to have in the morning. Depression can slow down the thinking processes making everyday decisions a real chore.²

Fatigue

When people are battling depression, they feel exhausted even after getting a good night’s sleep. These feelings can go on for weeks or even longer. Fatigue doesn’t always signal depression, but it can be a good indicator that someone is battling depression.

Increased Drinking and Depression

When you find yourself drinking more than one drink night after night, depression could be the route of your alcohol intake. Some people drink to get rid of their feelings of depression. While it may numb the pain for a short time, the underlying routes of depression are still there and need to be addressed. When people are dealing with depression and a substance abuse disorder, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis. Both illnesses need to be dealt with to recover and learn how to live a sober life fully. 

Dual Diagnosis Rehab Arizona at Desert Cove Recovery

If you or someone you know is battling depression and a substance abuse disorder, the team at Desert Cove Recovery in Scottsdale, Arizona, is here to help. We offer dual diagnosis treatment plans to clients on an outpatient basis. This allows people to maintain their everyday tasks while still getting the treatment they need.

We understand that everyone’s issues are different, so we customize our treatment plans to fit our patients’ needs. Support groups and various types of therapies are often part of the treatment plan.

By dealing with depression and substance abuse disorder at once, patients can learn how to battle both issues so they can live a sober life. When they are dealt with at different times, there can be a greater risk of relapse.

For more information on the various treatment options, please contact us online.

Sources:
[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
[2] https://www.psycom.net/depression-seven-surprising-symptoms

Blake Nichols

Blake Nichols is the Director of Operations at Desert Cove Recovery. Blake battled his own addiction to drugs and alcohol and was given the gift of recovery at the age of 23. Since 2008, Blake has dedicated his life and career to the field of addiction. He has experience in all aspects of addiction treatment including direct care, admissions, marketing, and administration.

Blake feels that the greatest reward of working in the recovery field is being part of the transformation that a person goes through from the time they arrive and begin treatment, through the hard work and the Miracle of recovery, and ultimately the change into a confident and capable person ready to carry the message of recovery.

“My career has focused on serving others. I have accepted ownership of my responsibilities as that is the key to working at the highest level of professionalism. I have worked to be positive and offer solution-based suggestions in my work and personal life.”