This isn’t about being sad. Everyone experiences this emotion once in a while. Rather, asking yourself, “do I have depression” is about something else entirely. It might hint at a mood disorder that responds well to treatment.
Do I Have Depression?
Major depression is a condition that affects you for a while. Experts estimate that it consists of persistent sadness for about three to six months. But what does this look like? Am I depressed if I can’t get out of bed to face the day?
Do I have depression when I just don’t have the energy to deal with friends or family members? Could it include a loss of interest in hobbies or activities that you used to enjoy? In fact, depression is all of these and more.
Some people notice that depression erodes their self-esteem. Others have low energy, can’t concentrate, and see weight fluctuations. It’s even possible for depression to come with agitation, which could mimic anxiety.
Self-Medicating isn’t the Answer
At the dual diagnosis treatment center NH trusts, therapists meet few people with a formal diagnosis. Although they wondered, “do I have depression,” few received professional help. Many more self-medicated. They started with uppers to get out of bed.
At night, they took downers to get to sleep. Alcohol helped with numbing themselves. If this sounds familiar to you, you might be struggling with depression. However, self-medicating with drugs and alcohol doesn’t solve anything.
Overcoming a Co-Occurring Condition
For many people, the practice of self-medicating for depression leads to substance abuse and addiction. If you answer, “am I depressed,” with yes, it’s time to get the help you need to heal. Rehab gives you an opportunity to deal with both conditions.
On the substance abuse end of things, you can overcome addiction. It starts with detoxification. You safely withdraw from the drug that snared you. Medical supervision prevents emergencies. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Besides that, you have the support you need to deal with the underlying mental health condition. Dual diagnosis treatment teaches you how to manage depression. Pharmacological support assists as does talk therapy.
Therapists customize a care protocol for you. Its unique features depend on your needs. Examples of modalities include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps you connect thoughts, feelings, and actions appropriately
- Dialectical behavior treatment to find emotional equilibrium
- Motivational interviewing, which emphasizes the importance of taking a leadership role in your recovery
- Group therapy that provides encouraging peer input along with accountability
- One-on-one meetings with a therapist for goal-setting and benchmark discussions
- Family therapy, which allows loved ones to understand what you’re going through and offer support
- Mindfulness training that teaches you to combine breathing exercises with visualization for stress reduction
Do I have depression? If you’re not sure, but you think that you have some of the symptoms, it’s time to talk to someone. At Granite Recovery Centers, caring therapists want to hear you out and offer solutions. Call (855) 712-7784 today to set up an appointment.
