Imagine feeling your worst every day for weeks, months, or years. Unlike ordinary sadness or grief, the symptoms of depression can be debilitating. Severe depression is more than just feeling sad, and it can interfere with all aspects of your life.
Depression in women can also increase the risk of substance abuse. Up to a third of clinically depressed people engage in drug or alcohol abuse, many becoming dependent or addicted. It becomes a form of self-medication to soothe or relieve the feelings of low self-esteem, hopelessness, and despair that characterize clinical depression. Unfortunately, using and abusing drugs and alcohol can make depressive episodes more frequent, more severe, and more destructive.
At Crossroads Maine, we offer treatment programs that address both depression and substance use disorder. Our experienced staff has developed programs to stop both disorders’ progression and empower you to live your life to the fullest in recovery. To learn more about treatment options for co-occurring disorders, reach out today at 877.978.1667.
Symptoms of Depression and Substance Use
The symptoms of depression can cause noticeable problems with work, school, family, and social relationships. Depressive episodes may cause women to experience a lack of energy, extreme fatigue, and lose motivation. Several symptoms to look for in yourself or a woman you love may include:
- Extreme sadness
- Loss of pleasure or interest in daily activities
- Feelings of self-hatred, worthlessness, or guilt
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Physical fatigue
- Low energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating
- Persistent, intrusive thoughts about death or dying
- Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
A woman suffering from depression may feel a sense of doom throughout the day and may want to be alone, even though, deep down, she wants to spend time with friends and family.
Is My Loved One Using Substances to Self-Medicate?
It’s crucial for you to watch for signs that they are using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate for their depression, including:
- Staying away from family, friends, social events, and other activities
- A sudden change in hobbies
- Secrecy about how one spends time or with whom
- Neglecting physical care
- Having difficulties in work, school, or other areas
- Sudden anger
- New or unusual financial problems because of the cost of drugs and alcohol
If you witness three or more signs of depression or substance use disorder in yourself or someone you love, reach out for immediate assistance. The compassionate team members at Crossroads Maine will guide you toward the best treatment option by calling 877.978.1667.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Some women are diagnosed with a premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which also manifests as sadness, irritability, low energy, lack of interest, and anxiety. Symptoms may arise a week or two before the menstrual cycle begins and may persist for several days once it starts.
If you have been experiencing any of these signs and symptoms for several menstrual cycles, you may be suffering from PMDD and should reach out to one of the clinical staff members at Crossroads Maine.
Learn More at Crossroads
It’s essential to recognize that depression is a disease. Whether caused by circumstances or a chemical imbalance, it deserves treatment to ensure you can get back to being who you want to be.
At Crossroads Maine, we offer a broad range of evidence-based treatment options to help women who suffer from depression and substance use disorder, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Trauma therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Individual therapy program
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
Depression comes in many forms. When you find the signs of depression are too much to ignore, it’s time to reach out for help. Contact a medical professional for an appropriate diagnosis. Then, let our team at Crossroads provide you with the strategies and solutions you need to heal and begin to live the life you want. There is hope for recovery. Let us help you on that path. Call us at 877.978.1667 today to learn more about our services.
