If you or someone you love is suffering from depression, you know all too well that the mental illness is far from black and white. In fact, depression is quite complicated and researchers are constantly learning more about its symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Here are some surprising facts to keep in mind.
2. It can hurt – literally. While depression is a mental illness, it can impact your body too. In fact, headache, stomach problems, shortness of breath, and general physical tension can all be symptoms of depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Chronic pain can be another sign.
3. It may make you cranky. While feeling sad, empty, or hopeless are often hallmark symptoms of depression, persistent irritability can also be a sign. Shouting, losing your temper, or constantly being ticked off at your loved ones and the world around you are all red flags. One study sponsored by NIMH showed that people with signs of irritability had higher rates of co-occurring substance abuse.
4. It has different triggers. Depression can develop without any obvious cause, but it can also result from a trauma or stressful live event or if a close family member has been depressed
5. It’s more common in women. This is likely due to certain biological, hormonal, and social factors unique to females.
6. It’s linked to your gut. More and more research is pointing to the complicated relationship between the brain, the central nervous system, and the “good” bacteria in the gut, which could contribute to depression.
7. It eases with exercise. Being active is perhaps one of the best remedies when it comes to easing depression symptoms. And you don’t have to run a marathon; just walking 30 minutes per day can do wonders for your mood.
8. It often feeds a substance use disorder. About 20 percent of Americans with depression also have a substance use disorder (SUD), and about 20 percent of those with a SUD also have an anxiety or mood disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Are You Struggling With Depression and Addiction?
Co-occurring conditions like depression may exist prior to substance abuse, or develop as a side effect of drug and alcohol dependency. Using traditional and holistic therapies, Complete Harmony has a proven history of successfully addressing the secondary health challenges that complicate substance abuse. To learn more, call 866-930-4673.
