What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder which negatively affects how you feel, act and think, causing persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest in daily tasks and routine. Depression is a serious mood disorder, and often affects victims of alcohol or drug abuse in debilitating ways.

How is Depression Related to Addiction?

Those with depression often use drugs or alcohol to “cheer up” or fake the energy needed in social situations like work or with friends. The deeper the depression gets, the more self medication happens, until it’s beyond control. In turn, the stronger the addiction gets, the more deeper the depression progresses, with victims feeling shame over both the addiction and the depression.

Now imagine a friend or family member approaches you in the middle of this cycle of survival, and tells you to “get over it.”

Sadly, many dismiss the effects of depression as “laziness” or “sadness,” and can’t understand why the depressed person can’t see the good. It must be a choice, right?

No. It is not a choice. Depression is a chemical imbalance in your body and brain and should be treated as such – by a medical professional.

Key Facts on Depression from the World Health Organization (WHO):

• Depression is a common mental disorder
• Globally, an estimated 5% of adults suffer from depression
• More women are affected by depression than men
• Depression can lead to suicide
• There is effective treatment for depression

Symptoms of Depression Include:

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
• Regular angry outbursts, irritability or frustration
• Loss of interest in normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
• Sleep issues, like insomnia or sleeping too much
• Feeling that even small tasks take extra effort
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movement
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on failure or self-blame
• Trouble concentrating, deciding and remembering
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches