Few Depression Patients Seek Treatment

Here’s some depressing news: Only one-third of those newly diagnosed with depression follow through on doctor’s orders, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. 

Using electronic health records, insurance claims and demographic data, the researchers studied nearly 250,000 patients who received a new diagnosis of depression in primary care settings in five large health care systems between 2010 and 2013. Only 35.7 percent initiated antidepressant medication or psychotherapy within 90 days of their diagnosis. The numbers were slightly more promising among those diagnosed with more severe forms of depression, with roughly about half starting treatment. 

Depression is a highly treatable condition, and it’s estimated that 16 million Americans experience at least one depressive episode per year.

What’s behind this non-compliance? The reasons ranged from stigma to challenges accessing behavioral health services, said Beth Waitzfelder, PhD, lead author and investigator of the study, in a statement.

And this is despite a growing effort nationwide to detect and begin treating depression during primary care visits. “Over the last decade, there has been a growing effort to raise awareness about mental health and to integrate mental health care into primary care,” said Dr. Waitzfelder. “This is a positive development, since most people receive care from primary care providers. However, our study shows there is a lot more work to do to understand why many depressed patients do not begin treatment.”

Depression and Addiction: Getting Help

A depression diagnosis may exist prior to substance abuse, or develop as a side effect of drug and alcohol dependency. When you're struggling with a mental illness and a substance use disorder, rehabilitation may seem like an impossible journey. Using traditional and holistic therapies, Complete Harmony has a proven history of successfully addressing a dual diagnosis. To learn more, call 866-930-4673.

6 Ways to Boost Your Mental Health

Happy Mental Health Month, led by Mental Health America (MHA). This year’s theme is “Risky Business,” and the 100-plus year organization is hoping to educate people about habits and behaviors that increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental illnesses, including risky sex, prescription drug misuse, internet addiction, excessive spending, marijuana use and troublesome exercise patterns.

If you’re healing from a past addiction to drugs or alcohol, taking the time to learn positive strategies to support your mental health is essential. If you don’t learn how to deal with stress, anxiety and depression in a positive way, you are at risk of relapsing and turning to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate.

So the next time you’re feeling blue or overwhelmed with life, consider trying one or more of these tips from MHA: 

• Go off the grid. Shut-off that smart phone and spend time doing something fun with someone face-to-face. Have a cookout, go to a park, or play a game. People are 12 times more likely to feel happy on days that they spend six to seven hours with friends and family.
• Put on your creative cap. Try a new recipe or Pinterest project or write a poem or paint. Creative expression has been linked with higher overall well-being. 
• Show love to someone special in your life. Having close, quality relationships can increase your chances of a happy, healthy life.
• Soak up the joy. Being optimistic doesn't mean ignoring the uglier sides of life – but focusing on the positive as much as possible.
• Track gratitude and achievement. Start a journal and include three things you were grateful for and three things you were able to accomplish each day. 
• Work your strengths. Build your confidence by doing something you’re good at – and then tackle a tougher task. 

Find Happiness in Sobriety 

Have you been using drugs and alcohol to achieve fleeting moments of happiness? Are you seeking a more lasting, healthy sense of well-being? If so, the holistic therapies at Complete Harmony can show you the way to a more meaningful and satisfying life. Begin the journey to mindful sobriety by calling our caring, compassionate team at 866-930-4673 today!

Lift Weights to Lift Your Mood

You’ve likely heard about the positive impact that heart-pumping activities like running can have on your mood – but what about weight training? Despite being anaerobic, researchers have found that the benefits may even exceed other types of exercise. 

In one small study, 80 percent of older adults with depression experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after a 10-week resistance training program. And depressed adults who participated in a high-intensity resistance training program reduced their symptoms by 50 percent, according to another study. 

"When you challenge yourself and push yourself, it's really hard not to feel pride when you're done, and pride is the opposite of that depressive, powerless feeling," Kelly Coffey, a personal trainer in Northampton, MA, told U.S. News & World Report. Coffey began lifting weights about 12 years ago, shortly after she was diagnosed with depression. 

Weightlifting is a great way to rebuild your self-esteem and turn depressive thoughts like “I can’t” or “I’m worthless” into positive sentiments like “I can” and “I’m strong.” Taking up weightlifting can also help with body image issues, experts say. 

More Benefits of Weight Lifting

• You’ll get better sleep. There’s nothing like a good sweat session to lull you into solid slumber. In fact, researchers found that people who pushed themselves at the gym were more likely to sleep through the night.
• You’ll help your metabolism. Weight lifting will help you burn calories while you’re working out and long after you leave the gym. This process is called “physiologic homework." 
• You’ll be motivated to reach goals. Tracking your progress – how much you’ve increased your reps or weight, for instance – can give you the positive momentum you need to excel and grow in other areas of your life. 

And remember: Before you begin incorporating strength training into your recovery routine, it’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider first! 

Finding Fitness Motivation
The best form of fitness during addiction recovery is the kind that motivates you and supports your new sober lifestyle. At Complete Harmony, our hybrid addiction recovery program offers exercise planning to strengthen your body during addiction recovery. To learn more, call: 866-930-4673.