Don’t Ignore Depression

Getting yourself on the road to recovery from addiction is a major step in your life. There is no guarantee that everything during your recovery will go smoothly. As a matter of fact, about the only thing you can be sure of is that it won’t be a perfect bowl of cherries.

There will be a few pits along the way so be prepared.

If you think you are having problems with depression, you most likely are and you need to get some professional help to deal with it. It really is not all that unusual to have some symptoms of depression. You have been to hell and back and if you feel like you need some help don’t hesitate to get it. It may only take a few sessions with a qualified therapist and they may want you to take an antidepressant medication for a while. If it can help you to feel better, do it. There may be some problems that can’t be helped, but this is not one of them.

If you are not sure it is depression there are symptoms you should know about. Do you feel sad or irritable? Have you lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy? Have there been changes in your weight or appetite? Have you noticed changes in your sleep patterns? Do you feel guilty about something? Do you have trouble concentrating, remembering things or making decisions? Do you suffer from fatigue or loss of energy? Do you have restlessness or decreased activity that others have noticed and commented on? Do you feel hopeless or worthless? Have you had thoughts of suicide or death?

The National Mental Health Association believes that if you answered yes to 5 or more questions, you may be suffering from clinical depression. This test is not a replacement for a visit to a mental health professional but it may help you to realize what you need to convey to your healthcare provider.

If you or someone you know has a problem with drugs or alcohol, there is help available. Call A Better Tomorrow and let them get you on the road to recovery.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Fighting Depression

Depression is a state of unhappiness with feelings of hopelessness. It is considered major depression when a person has five or more of the following symptoms for at least two weeks: agitation, restlessness and irritability; extreme difficulty concentrating; feelings of hopelessness and helplessness; inactivity and/or withdrawal from usual activities; trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping; thoughts of death or suicide; feelings of worthlessness, self hate and inappropriate guilt; fatigue and lack of energy; dramatic change in appetite, often with a noticeable weight loss or gain. Depression can present as discouragement or even anger. With very severe cases it is not uncommon to see hallucinations and delusions focused on themes of guilt, inadequacy or disease.

Depression does not go away on its own. If you suffer from depression you need to get help from a doctor or therapist. After you have done that, there are other things you can do to make yourself feel better. Exercise is at the top of the list, especially if it is done outdoors. A 15 to 30 minute walk or bike ride every day will start to make a difference in your mood. There are some yoga poses that help relieve feelings of depression. Check yoga websites for the ‘downward facing dog’ or ‘legs up the wall’ poses. Deep breathing exercises and meditation can also help you feel better.

Good nutrition is a must since it provides energy and influences mood. Depression can affect the appetite, sometimes causing overeating or skipping meals. Keep a journal of any problems that you can identify that may have contributed to your depression, but don’t dwell on them. This is good especially if you don’t want to share your feelings with another person, for whatever reason. Writing problems down is a way to release the feelings that you have pent up inside.

Try something creative like painting, drawing, sewing, dancing, or even just doodling. This exercises your imagination and allows positive emotions to move in. Find something to laugh about, whether it’s a movie, a book or a trip to see a friend. Depressed individuals usually notice only the negative. Make a sincere effort to look on the positive side, it will grow on you. If you or someone you know or love has an addiction, please know that help is as close as your phone. Call A Better Tomorrow for the help you need today.

If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow