Coping Strategies for Couples With Depression

A woman comforts an upset man.

Depression can sometimes feel like an unwanted guest in a relationship, dampening the shared moments of joy and intimacy.

But what if there are effective coping strategies for couples dealing with depression? 

If you’re reading this, chances are you or your partner might be grappling with this common mental health issue.

Keep reading to uncover life-altering coping strategies for couples with depression that can turn the tide, helping you reclaim your relationship from the clutches of depression.

Depression Statistics

Depression is a widespread mental health problem that impacts millions of people worldwide. 

Roughly 3.8 percent of the global population experiences depression. 

In the United States, major depressive disorder impacts around 7.1 percent of adults in a given year, and a whopping 29 percent of grown-ups have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. 

These numbers are significant and shouldn’t be underestimated, especially when considering the impact of depression on relationships.

How Does Depression Impact Your Romantic Relationship?

Depression can have a deep influence on a couple’s relationship, causing strain and misunderstandings. Here’s how depression can affect relationships:

  • Withdrawing and isolating oneself becomes more common.
  • Increased irritability and conflict may arise.
  • Depression often leads to a decreased interest in activities that the couple once enjoyed together.
  • Communication difficulties can arise.
  • Sexual problems may occur due to reduced libido.

Remember, depression can significantly influence relationships, and it’s essential to seek support and understanding during these challenging times.

Coping Strategies for Couples with Depression

Acknowledging the challenges is the first step in finding effective treatment for couples with depression. Here are some helpful coping strategies that have proven to be effective:

  1. Open Communication: Having honest and open conversations about the illness is crucial to better understanding each other’s perspectives.
  2. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about depression, including its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options. Knowledge can make a significant difference.
  3. Support Each Other: The non-depressed partner should provide emotional support, while the depressed partner can express gratitude for assistance.
  4. Healthy Lifestyle: Incorporate regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and limited alcohol consumption to manage symptoms of depression.
  5. Maintain Individuality: While supporting each other, prioritize your mental well-being.
  6. Seek Professional Help: Couples or individual therapy can improve communication and provide a safe space to work through the challenges.
  7. Practice Patience and Understanding: Dealing with depression requires patience, understanding, and support from both partners.

Remember, navigating through depression as a couple takes time and effort. 

But it is possible to overcome these challenges with open communication, mutual support, and a commitment to each other’s well-being.

The Role of Depression Couples Therapy in Mental Health Treatment

A recent study found that 61.0 percent of adults in the United States who experienced major depressive episodes sought treatment within the past year. 

This highlights the importance and effectiveness of seeking professional help when dealing with depression.

When it comes to treating depression, couples therapy can play a crucial part in the overall treatment plan. 

It provides a safe area for both mates to express their feelings and fears, guided by a trained professional. Here are some examples of addiction therapy techniques that can be used:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach identifies and changes negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to relationship conflicts.
  • Family Therapy: In cases where family dynamics contribute to depression, involving the family in therapy can be beneficial for both partners.
  • Group Therapy: Sometimes, group therapy sessions with other couples also going through similar struggles can provide a sense of support and community.

Involving both partners in the treatment process allows for a holistic approach to managing depression. 

By participating in these therapies, couples can better understand each other, improve their communication skills, handle conflicts more effectively, and ultimately build a stronger and more fulfilling bond.

Grace Recovery Center: Your Ally in Overcoming Depression

At Grace Recovery Center, we offer holistic addiction treatment, including group therapy and medication-assisted treatment. 

Our specialists are dedicated to helping you steer through this challenging time. 

We believe in a comprehensive approach to depression treatment for couples, focusing on healing both individuals and the relationship.

Depression doesn’t have to define your relationship. 

With the right coping strategies for couples with depression and professional help, you can overcome these challenges and build a healthier, happier partnership. Reach out to us at Grace Recovery Center today!

How to Do an Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol

Having a loved one who is addicted to drugs and alcohol is a difficult situation. Many don’t know where to turn when it comes to getting their loved one the help they need, and asking a person you love who is addicted to drugs and alcohol to get help is a tricky situation, to say the least. At Grace Recovery our goal is to help people get the help they need. In this post, we’ll discuss what a drug and alcohol intervention is, the signs a loved one may need an intervention, and how to hold one. 

What Is an Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol? 

An intervention for drugs and alcohol is a process where loved ones confront the person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol with their addiction. In general, an intervention can be piecemeal as well as full-blown. For example, some interventions have just one family member participate while others may involve several different people from all over that individual’s life coming together in solidarity against the addiction. 

 

There are many reasons why those around someone abusing substances want them to get help including embarrassment; guilt; fear of getting caught up themselves; concern they or another loved one will die of an overdose due to carelessness because of drug use. What these individuals don’t realize though is most addicts feel much worse about their situation than anyone else around

Signs My Loved One Needs an Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol

There are many signs that someone may be addicted to drugs and alcohol. Changes in behavior, neglect of responsibilities, breaking of social ties, and even physical or mental side effects that may be noticeable as well. 

 

If you suspect that a loved one is addicted to drugs and alcohol to the point where it is impacting their day-to-day life, then it is time for an intervention. There is no rule set in stone for when to stage an intervention, but if you notice a loved one struggling with addiction, the best time to hold an intervention is as soon as possible. 

How to Hold an Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol

It can be overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to staging an intervention for drugs and alcohol. What is the best way to go about this? Where should I hold the meeting and who needs to attend, etc.? There are many aspects that need consideration before beginning a staged intervention for drugs and alcohol addiction. It will take time, patience, research, and organization in order to stage a successful drug or alcohol intervention. 

 

A good place to start is by deciding on whether you want your loved ones present at the discussion (i.e., pre-planned) or if they would not be allowed at all during the process (i.e., unplanned). If there was someone else who has also noticed signs of substance they may be able to help facilitate the intervention. At Grace Recovery we provide treatment options and plans to help people get their loved ones the help they need to begin living a sober life. 

 

A good intervention is positive and loving, but firm about how the addiction has affected everyone around them; as well as admitting that there may be some issues with those present which need attention too (hence why this type of gathering includes many people). It should not be confrontational, but truthful.

 

The intervention should allow for the person who is addicted to be heard and express their feelings about what has been said, which helps them see things in a different light. Once they have apologized or promised to change, it’s time to set out an agreement of how this will happen – with support from those present (and other professionals if needed). 

Let Grace Recovery Get Your Loved One on the Path to Sobriety

At Grace Recovery our treatment plans are tailored to your loved ones’ specific needs. From detoxification to dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders and aftercare, we do our best to get your loved one on a path to a healthy, drug and alcohol-free lifestyle.

What Are the 4 Types of Drugs?

When dealing with substance abuse and drug addiction, it is important to understand the type of drug that a person is addicted to. While commonly used drugs come in a number of different classifications, there are 4 main types of drugs when we talk about the drugs people use and become addicted to. 

 

This leads us to the question “what are the 4 types of drugs?” We’ll break down each category for you so that you have a better understanding of what the drug is and what it does. 

 

Different types of drugs are addictive for different reasons and have different type of effects on the body. The reasons a person may begin using and eventually abusing certain types of drugs can differ greatly as well. 

What Are the 4 Types of Drugs? 

Now that we’ve discussed the importance of knowing the difference in drug types, we’ll take a closer look at each of the four types so that friends and loved ones of a person suffering from addiction know what to look out for. 

Stimulants 

First on our list of “what are the 4 types of drugs” is stimulants. These are usually easily recognizable because of the effect they have on the body. They are also the most common by far, even above opioids. 

 

Stimulants often give the appearance of someone having lots of energy when they may otherwise be calm. Stimulants can raise the blood pressure, heart rate, and cause severe symptoms over prolonged use. 

 

The most common stimulants are caffeine, found in coffee and many beverages, and nicotine, the primary addictive ingredient in tobacco products. More illicit stimulants like speed and ecstasy are less common and are considered illegal drugs. 

 

Stimulants are highly addictive because they interact with the body’s central nervous system. After prolonged use, the body may become chemically dependent on the substance to function normally. In these cases, medically assisted detoxification is highly recommended to overcome the substance use disorder safely. 

 

Opioids 

Our second category is incredibly common due to many of them being readily available through prescription. Opioids are commonly used as painkillers. Medications such as Vicodin and oxycontin are frequently prescribed. More illicit opioids like heroin are incredibly dangerous as well. 

 

There are two main reasons that opioids can become addictive. The misuse of prescription drugs often leads to addiction in an effort to treat prolonged pain from injury or other means. Secondly, opioids produce a kind of euphoric “high” that causes many users pleasure, which they then become addicted to. 

 

Opioids also interact with the cells in the body similarly to the way stimulants do, with the exception that opioids interact with the opioid (pain) receptors in the body, and over time the body becomes dependent on the substance. 

Depressants 

Third, on the list of drug types is depressants. These are also widely available, with alcohol being the most common. The primary danger with addiction to depressants like alcohol is that they interact with the body’s central nervous system and slow down the functions of the body and brain. 

 

This leads to a feeling of relaxation and over time, the use lowers one’s inhibitions making them act differently than they normally would. The primary danger of alcohol abuse in particular is the slowed bodily response combined with the damage to the liver and kidneys as a result of prolonged use. 

 

Other medications can have similar effects if misused, but alcohol is the primary culprit among this type of drug. A person suffering from alcohol abuse requires specific treatment that is different from other drug addiction therapy. 

 

Hallucinogens 

Hallucinogens are less common than the other three drug types, but the effects can be quite severe. LSD is the most well-known of the different hallucinogens, but all of them work by affecting the brain and altering a person’s perception and mood. 

 

Hallucinogens increase the production of neurotransmitters in the brain and can lead to severe impairment, violent mood swings, and other odd behavior. The use of hallucinogens can even cause or worsen underlying mental issues. 

 

In these cases, it is important that the addicted person seek dual diagnosis treatment to treat the addiction and the mental health issues that accompany it. 

 

When It’s Time to Get Help Come to Grace Recovery 

We know that finding the right treatment for addiction can be difficult and scary. That’s why the trained staff at Grace Recovery focus on treating the individual and not the disease. Our holistic approach to treatment combined with group therapy and other treatment options helps to get patients off of their addictive substances and on the path to a life of wellness. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Why It’s Necessary

Drug abuse is not a simple issue. For most of those suffering from an addiction, simply going through detox and deciding not to use again is not enough to actually curb the problem. Instead, increasing research shows that the key to long-term recovery from addiction is a combination of behavioral and mental health approaches. 

If you or a loved one are currently suffering from addiction and a mental health disorder(s), here’s what you need to know. 

What Is a Dual Diagnosis Program? 

Drug addiction and mental health issues are often referred to as Co-occurring Disorders, the two have a direct effect on each other. If the mental health aspect is left untreated, for example, affected individuals may turn back to drug abuse (either the same substance or a different one from before) in order to ease their symptoms.

Modern dual-diagnosis treatment works to prevent this by treating addiction and mental health disorders at the same time. While working on curbing addictive behavior, individuals are able to confront the mental aspect that causes the behavior in the first place.

Now, every case is different and the details of each person’s addiction treatment program will vary as a result. This is why at Grace Recovery, we take the time to diagnose patients upfront and lay out a detailed plan for recovery. Many patients will need to go through detox before intensive treatment can begin, but this stage will only be the beginning. The goal is to achieve long-term addiction recovery by getting to the root of the problem and treating it accordingly. What follows is often a combination of group and individual therapy, mental health counseling (and as needed, medical care), and behavioral therapy.

What Are the Benefits?

The primary benefit of dual-diagnosis treatment is the increased likelihood of long-term addiction recovery. That said, there are other benefits to consider as well:

  • Individualized care – A dual-diagnosis program acknowledges that there are many different root causes of addiction and works to treat them on a more personal level than other kinds of addiction treatment programs. 
  • Better understanding of your condition – Many people abuse substances without fully being able to explain why. A dual-diagnosis program can bring peace of mind by helping you better understand your behavior and how you can regain control.
  • Steady progress – Because the treatment goes beyond just detox, patients are able to take the time to really change. Each day is a new opportunity to learn new skills and make progress. 
  • Improve health – Health is both in the body and the mind. A dual-diagnosis program covers both and helps patients become healthier in every aspect. 

Why Is It Necessary?

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 10 million American adults suffer from both a mental illness and drug abuse problem every year. And that’s just including those who were officially diagnosed with both kinds of disorders. Many of those suffering from addiction do not even have the opportunity for their mental health to be examined, allowing the lead cause to go ignored. And because dual-diagnosis programs are still relatively new, many other people still do not have the opportunity to treat both areas, thus letting the vicious cycle of addiction continue.

But while many of today’s addiction treatment programs are based on older research and focus on addiction’s physical aspects, the dual-diagnosis programs that are rising up provide a source of hope. As mentioned earlier, it is imperative to treat the root cause of drug abuse in order to successfully end it. Research also shows that individuals who focus on changing their behavior while identifying their mental urge to abuse drugs and alcohol at the same time have higher long-term success rates. This focused treatment then flows into aftercare, which often include mental health counseling for months or even years following the initial treatment program. Dual-diagnosis treatment is therefore necessary, and without it, relapse rates remain all too high. 

Let Us Help

We pride ourselves on going far beyond basic addiction treatment at Grace Recovery. Our approach diagnoses both addiction and the mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, etc.) that go in conjunction. Patients are then able to undergo intensive treatment in both areas at our state-of-the-art facility in Hollywood, CA. We believe that dual-diagnosis treatment is not just beneficial — it is necessary for long-term recovery. We invite you to get in touch to learn more about how we can help you. 

 

Does Codependency Play a Role in Addiction?

Relationships are the foundation of modern-day society. Because of relationships, families are formed and businesses are built. Humans have an innate need to connect with one another emotionally. As we grow up we learn to care about people other than ourselves. We grow fond of our family, friends, coworkers, and sometimes even become attached. When we start to put others before ourselves and feel emotionally fulfilled when they need us, we can become codependent. Addiction and codependency often go hand in hand because addiction not only affects the person suffering from it, but also the people around them. Codependency often forms when an addict starts to take advantage of people who are trying to help them. If this pattern emerges, it will only make it harder for someone to break free from the chains and bonds of addiction.

What is Codependency?

Without a doubt, it can be hard to watch a loved one hurt themself and others by using drugs and alcohol. At the same time, individuals who are suffering from addiction might unknowingly start to take advantage of those who are trying to help them. When this takes place, this is called codependency. The people that are generally at risk of codependent relationships are parents, significant others, and family members. 

Parents often find themselves in codependent relationships because they want to help their addict child. If their child asks for money for food or rent, the parents are hesitant to say no because they don’t want their kid to not have food or a place to live. While they think they’re helping, they’re actually just providing the addict with a means to get high. Codependency can become habit-forming and it also leads to enabling. 

It’s challenging for people to pick up on codependency and enablement if they don’t know what to look for. The most important thing people need to remember is that this type of behavior is only going to encourage someone who is suffering from addiction to continue using drugs. If a parent tries to hide their spouse’s behavior from the children in an effort to protect them, they’re actually just shielding the addict from seeing how their actions impact their family.

There are a few characteristics of codependent behavior that people should be aware of. Codependency is incredibly dangerous for people who struggle with addiction. Someone in a codependent relationship is going to have an exaggerated degree of responsibility to the person who is struggling with addiction. Someone in a codependent relationship is also going to work hard to do far more than their fair share at all times. Finally, someone in a codependent relationship is also going to have an extreme degree of guilt about the situation, therefore they may feel trapped in the relationship. 

How Does it Affect Addiction?

Codependency fuels addiction. Why is someone going to stop using drugs or alcohol if they know their loved ones will give them money and provide them with a place to live? Codependency gives the addict inherent permission to continue using drugs or alcohol because they think they’ll always be ok. 

Codependency is also dangerous because the nonaddict often makes excuses for the addict. If an addict is high and unable to go to a family gathering, they’ll probably rely on their significant other to tell the family. This can encourage the nonaddict to lie and make excuses when they definitely shouldn’t have to. 

A codependent relationship is going to shield someone with addiction from the consequences of their actions. This is going to end up furthering someone’s addiction, making it harder to recover when that person finally reaches rock bottom and looks for help. 

Let Us Help You with Addiction Treatment!

At Grace Recovery, we are a brand new state-of-the-art addiction treatment program located in the heart of Hollywood, CA. We have been designed to take advantage of the beautiful area of Los Angeles, CA to help individuals and families recover from addiction. We provide luxurious amenities along with the latest in substance abuse programming at our detoxification and residential inpatient program. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, please contact us today!

 

How to Know if a Dual-Diagnosis Program Is Right for You

In order to know if this type of program will work for you, you first have to understand what dual diagnosis is and what may cause it. You should also know the benefits of simultaneously treating substance abuse and mental health issues — as well as the consequences of not addressing the underlying causes of addiction.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis treats both mental illness and substance abuse for a holistic healing approach. Up to the 1990s, those receiving treatment for mental health problems, such as depression, delusional behavior or anxiety attacks, received separate treatment from those with substance abuse.

If someone drank or abused drugs, they were often required to get sober before they could get treatment for mental health. Unfortunately, this approach ignores underlying mental disorders or puts them at the end of the treatment cycle.

What Causes Dual-Diagnosis Disorders?

Substance abuse and mental illness are biologically based. Family members should withhold judgment and blame until they understand the entire situation. It’s important to recognize the person can’t get well without help.

Why Are Dual Diagnoses Hard to Treat?

When you have mental illness and substance abuse issues, it makes it harder for doctors to know where symptoms come from. For example, if someone with a dual diagnosis gets depression, according to one study, they have to be treated together in a holistic manner.

Double diagnoses patients have a higher chance of not completing treatment. That’s due to complications from addiction.

Are Those With Mental Illness Susceptible to Addiction?

The answer is yes. Those who suffer from depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety, for example, may increase their drug or alcohol use. Many rehab facilities can’t handle dual diagnosis patients. Facilities offering dual diagnosis treatment also have to have psychiatric staff and other equipment.

Do You Rely on Substances When You Are Feeling Anxious?

If you use alcohol or drugs to calm your anxiety at family gatherings and other social events, dual diagnosis treatment may be right for you. Some people are awkward in social settings and have social phobias.

You can go through treatment at a center that specializes in your health and mental health challenges related to addiction

You Have Trouble Focusing without Drugs or Alcohol

If you have a hard time focusing without drugs, you are not alone. Modern life travels at the speed of light. Drugs and alcohol may seem like a huge relief. Fortunately, you can get help and stop using substances as a crutch. That’s why it’s so important to pick a treatment program that works for you.

If you have lapses of concentration, it’s important to seek medical care right away. Treatment at a reputable drug treatment center can provide you with the tools you need to deal with things that come up in life and save money. For example, if your inability to focus stems from ADHD, dual diagnosis treatment can help you reduce disruptive behavior.

Those With a Mental Disorder who Currently Abuse Substances

Dual diagnosis treatment is necessary if you have a diagnosed mood or behavioral disorder and are using drugs. It helps you escape the cycle of cleaning up just to come back a few months later. Addressing the related issues at once may spare you a round of treatment in the future.

If you are worried that a loved one is in danger of addiction, look for the warning signs. This could include missing objects from around the home or agitation and anger, needle marks, paraphernalia and dilated or pinpoint pupils. Then, help them get help.

Grace Recovery is an addiction treatment program in Hollywood, California. You find luxurious amenities and effective detox programs that help you face recovery with a sober mind. There are both inpatient and outpatient options. Visit the website for more information.

How to Deal with Depression in Sobriety

Depression is a mental illness that can occur multiple times. The American Psychiatric Association even said that half of the people diagnosed with major depression often suffer a second episode. Apparently, 80% of those who suffered a second episode ends up having a third episode as well. The exact cause of depression is still a mystery yet it is connected to traumatic events, family history of depression, and addiction to alcohol and substance.

Addiction and Depression

Depression episode is different for every depressed individual. However, the symptoms are always the same. A depressed individual feels worthless, anxious, irritable, and lacks concentration among others. For a person who just came out of rehab, depression is always expected.

A sober alcoholic often comes with these symptoms of depression:

  • Feeling hopeless
  • Feeling guilty of why he or she became an addict
  • Feeling tired of everything around him or her
  • Wanting to taste alcohol or drugs again

Depression relapse can challenge your sobriety. This is normal. What you have to do is to acknowledge it. You are feeling depressed and you have to accept what’s coming, the symptoms. Once you accepted it, take your medication. People who are from a detox do self-medication. Be aware of how long you have been suffering. If it is taking more than a week, you better check with your doctor.

Treating Depression

For a recovering addict, treating depression can be difficult. In fact, treating depression alone is difficult. During recovery, sobriety can be put at risk once depression sets in. Imagine waking up with a sinking feeling. The next thing you know, you are reaching out a bottle of vodka again. For this reason, it is important to stay connected with a support group.

If you just came out from a rehab, ask your treatment program provider if they can suggest a support group for you. Keep your family close as well. Your family’s love and support can go a long way to continue your recovery and to fight attacks of depression.

Knowing the Symptoms of Depression

If you just came out of a treatment facility, you should be aware of the symptoms of depression. Your full recovery depends on understanding these symptoms and taking appropriate steps to deal with it.

  • Inability to sleep or having excessive sleep
  • Losing interest with your regular routine
  • Lack of energy even when you haven’t done anything yet
  • Losing focus or having a shorter span of attention
  • Losing or having an excessive appetite
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Feeling worthless
  • Feeling anxious for no reason
  • Having thoughts of death and how it can help you gain peace of mind

Watching out for Relapse

If you are able to maintain your sobriety, chances are you won’t have relapses. Being sober will help you watch out for possible symptoms of depression. If you can address the symptoms before it gets worst, you have a chance to beat depression and relapses.

Surviving a severe depression should be considered a victory. If you went through one and got through it, be proud of yourself. It is a big achievement. If you are feeling okay, don’t settle with it. You should find ways to feel much better. That way, you can avoid having a relapse.

To fight depression and relapse, you should slowly gain your self-worth from within. Self-worth that comes from within means knowing your worth as a person and loving yourself. After recovery, you often receive positive reinforcement and applauses from friends, families, and loved ones. These praises often become your external validation of self-worth. This is dangerous. Once the hype is gone and no one praises you anymore, you will start feeling down again and relapse can set it.

Still Struggling with Sobriety and Depression?

Dealing with addiction and depression can make you feel like you have nowhere to go. It can make you feel like a sore loser. It is important for you to remember that you are not. Remember, when you are so down, there is no other way but to go up. This is what recovery is all about.

The road to complete recovery and sobriety is by admitting that you have a problem. Once you accept this fact, you can start taking a treatment program. If you are in the Hollywood, CA area, you can check rehab facilities that offer treatment programs for alcoholics. Most facilities in the CA area like Grace Recovery comes with stare-of-the-art- addiction treatment program that can help you with your addiction.

Aside from getting treated with the latest substance abuse programming from Grace Recovery, they can also offer you extended support to prevent depression from setting in. They can provide you with a holistic or group therapy, depending on what suits your personality. Don’t let depression steal your sobriety. You worked hard to be sober so continue working hard to fight depression as well.

Is Therapy for Addiction Worth It?

Abandoning a substance abuse habit is a courageous accomplishment. However, detox alone doesn’t promise success in recovery. Therapy for addiction is effective, but it must be readily available and custom to the individual. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the right treatment must also take into account medical, social, psychological, legal, and vocational […]

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