Managing a substance use disorder can be a complex process. Mental health and addiction often go hand in hand. Many individuals receiving treatment through addiction treatment programs have an untreated mental health disorder that may exacerbate their abuse of drugs and alcohol. If you’re having trouble overcoming your addiction issues and have noticed signs of mental issues, you may be dealing with a co-occurring disorder. For more information about these conditions and the treatment options available, please contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida today at 866.294.5306.
Depression
Depression, or major depressive disorder, causes individuals to perceive the world around them more negatively. That affects everything from how they think to the interactions they have with others. While depression symptoms vary from person to person, many people experience one or more of the following issues during a depressive episode:
- Constant sadness
- Sleep disorders
- Inability to find enjoyment in various activities
- Fluctuations in weight
- Problems concentrating or making firm decisions
- Thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide
Depression is more than just momentary sadness or despair. Individuals diagnosed with clinical depression experience symptoms for at least two weeks.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder causes people to experience extreme swings in mood. Individuals diagnosed with mental illness go through periods where they feel extreme emotional highs or mania. That’s followed by bouts where they experience lows similar to depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder typically emerges during the teen years, though the illness can appear later in life.
Manic Periods
Manic periods of bipolar disorder can include symptoms like:
- Jumpiness
- Periods of agitation
- Talkativeness
- Become easily distracted
- Making impulsive decisions
Depressive Periods
Depressive periods of bipolar disorder typically include symptoms like:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Problems going to sleep or sleeping too much
- Constant fatigue
- Feeling worthless
- Slowed reactions
- Thinking about suicide
Anxiety
Our bodies produce what’s called a fight or flight response when confronted with danger. Anxiety causes people to have similar reactions when they’re facing a stressful situation. General anxiety disorder (GAD) can progress to the point where an individual becomes incapable of getting through the day without having a nervous reaction. Signs of an existing anxiety disorder typically involve:
- Constantly feeling on edge
- Irritability
- Issues focusing on tasks
- Sleep issues
- Tightness in the chest or problems breathing
Severe anxiety issues can keep people from setting foot outside their front door.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
People who survive traumatic events or life situations can have difficulty adjusting to daily life. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can interfere with a person’s ability to focus at work or maintain healthy relationships. Individuals diagnosed with PTSD experience symptoms like:
- Recurring memories of the traumatic event
- Flashbacks that cause them to relive the event
- Bad dreams
- Physical or emotional reactions to situations that bring reminders of the event
Some individuals try to get away from what’s going on in their heads by abusing drugs and alcohol. People with PTSD may feel negative about themselves or what’s happening in the world.
Seek Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
People with a dual diagnosis require treatment for their addiction issues along with their mental health disorder. Failing to address one of the other can prevent people from sustaining a lasting recovery. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida provides a dual diagnosis treatment center designed to help individuals manage both aspects of their illness. Our goal is to help you heal and learn to live a life free of substance abuse.
Other programs and services available at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida include:
Get help for your mental health and substance abuse issues by calling Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306, or contact us online.
