8 Surprising Facts About Depression

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. 

1. It’s a leading cause of disability. And it’s estimated to affect 350 million people, according to the World Health Organization. 

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.

Are You Getting the Depression Treatment You Need?

A new study of 46,417 adults, which was published in JAMA Internal Medicine this week, found that the majority of people with clinical depression aren’t getting treatment. In fact, among the 8.4 percent of study participants who screened positive for depression, only 28.7 percent received any depression treatment at all. 

Researchers also discovered that many people getting treatment may not even need it: Only 29.9% of adults treated for depression actually screened positive for depression and 21.8% for serious psychological distress.

So what’s the solution? Researchers are urging general practitioners to be more vigilant about identifying symptoms of depression and referring patients to mental healthcare providers. 

Spotting the Signs of Depression
You can also play a vital role in protecting your mental health. Recognizing depression early and taking action is the best way to minimize the physical and emotional damage of depression. And it’s especially important if you’re struggling with depression and substance abuse disorder. 

Both, after all, still carry a stigma, which can prevent those who really need help from getting it. Studies also show that people with co-occurring disorders are less likely to comply with treatment, leading to more psychiatric hospitalizations, attempted suicides, and other complications. 

Here are some common depression symptoms to look for.

• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Insomnia
• Sleeping too much
• Changes in appetite or weight 
• Physical pain
• Memory problems
• Social withdrawal
• Unexplained sadness 
• Loss of interest in hobbies/activities

Getting Help for Depression and Addiction
For men and women struggling with mental illness and addictive tendencies, rehabilitation may seem like an impossible journey. Complete Harmony offers integrated therapeutic, holistic, and medical support for clients dealing with co-existing addiction and mental illness. Our experience with mental illness is broad and deep. For more info, call 866-930-4673.