In Colorado, nearly one in ten men and women suffer from depression or a depressive disorder. Depression is a mental health disorder described as a persistent depressed mood or loss of interest in activities. Some people will experience mild depression that can go away after a few days or weeks, while others will have more severe symptoms that stay with them for months or even years. Depression treatment can help those whose depression is beginning to affect their daily lives. For those with an addiction brought on by their depression, co-occurring disorder treatment can help before their symptoms lead to self-harm or suicide.
At Northpoint Colorado, we help men and women struggling with a depressive disorder or co-occurring mental health issues. We understand how devastating depression can be. Therefore, we will help you better understand your feelings and emotions and learn how to cope with them in a healthy manner. To get help with your depression or to help a friend with a depressive disorder, call 888.231.1281 today and learn more about our depression treatment in Colorado.
Understanding Depression
Depression is a mental health disease that affects 280 million people worldwide every year. Women are more likely to face depression, as are the elderly and those from dysfunctional families. While there is no cure for depression, many effective treatment programs can help treat mild, moderate, and severe depressive disorders.
Depression can have a physical effect on your body. Patients with a depressive disorder have higher cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone. High levels of cortisol directly impact the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory and can hinder its development. Depression also causes a decrease in grey matter, which is where the majority of neurons exist. With less grey matter, your cognitive functions will decrease.
Some common signs of depression include:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Angry outbursts over simple matters
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed
- Poor eating habits
- Feeling worthless
- Thoughts of suicide and death, leading to self-harm or suicide attempts
- Physical aches and pains
Substance Abuse Can Worsen Depressive Disorder
Many people will choose to self-medicate rather than seek depression treatment. They think that they are not at risk of addiction because they only use a small amount and only when they need it. Addiction can form unhealthy thinking patterns that will encourage you to drink more, even when you want to try and stop drinking. You may experience worsening depression symptoms that force you to drink more. Some people can self-medicate for a long time without realizing that they are hindering their recovery.
Substance use disorder is a mental health disorder, and you should not address one disorder without addressing the other. Instead, you end up creating a co-occurring mental health disorder where one disorder is fueling the other. This creates an endless loop of abuse that will only stop when the patient is ready to accept help through a co-occurring disorder treatment program.
Northpoint Colorado Offers Mental Health Treatment
Depression is not a state of mind that people just have to live with for the rest of their lives. If you are struggling with depression, Northpoint Colorado has a depressive disorder treatment program that can help with any level of depression. We employ behavioral and holistic therapy to provide patients with the best chances at recovery through various therapy programs, including:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Individual and group counseling
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression or co-occurring mental health issues, call 888.231.1281 today to learn more about our depression treatment in Colorado.