Co-occurring mental disorders are common. Experts explain that once the brain develops one mental disorder, it’s easy for another to develop. Depression and substance use disorder are two conditions that occur together frequently, particularly among members of the LGBTQ community. When people suffer from both, it’s important that they get both LGBT addiction treatment and depression treatment to avoid relapse.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a common emotion that has a negative impact on how people feel. It’s normal for people to feel the effects of depression from time to time. However, having these feelings on a regular basis or without just cause isn’t normal.
People who have depression too often might suffer from depression disorder or major depression. Thankfully, they can take medications to help them handle these feelings. Unfortunately, a majority of those who suffer from depression don’t seek the help that they need. Instead, they try treating depression themselves with self-medication.
Some people end up abusing drugs to cover up the symptoms. Unfortunately, the drugs don’t treat the root cause of the depression. Instead, people have to continue abusing drugs to get relief.
Depression Treatment
Thankfully, members of the LGBTQ community can get help to manage the symptoms of depression. Keep in mind, however, that depression is a serious condition. They should never try to handle it without professional help. However, they can engage in some activities during dual diagnosis treatment to speed up the process.
One great way to fight back against depression is exercise. Studies show that the body releases serotonin, which is a “feel good” chemical that the brain makes naturally. Getting exercise doesn’t mean running a marathon. Instead, it involves going for a light walk or traversing stairs a few times.
In addition to physical exercise, sunlight can fight depression. Experts believe that absorbing natural vitamin D from sunlight can reduce depressive emotions. People should get at least 10–15 minutes of sun a day. It’s even better if they can get it while taking a light walk.
People also have to set realistic goals for themselves. Setting a goal that they can’t reach makes them feel worse about themselves. They have to find little things that they can do throughout the day to cross off their list. Every time that they complete something on their list, they feel better about that little win.
Not Treating Depression Can Lead to Relapse
Seeking help for depression is an important step in any substance use recovery program. In fact, depression treatment is a necessity for people who want to avoid relapse, for both men and women. To treat substance use disorder, it’s important for people to deal with the root cause of the addiction. For people suffering from depression, it’s likely one of the root causes.
Part of LGBTQ addiction treatment programs involve treating underlying issues and identifying triggers. Ignoring half of the problem doesn’t make it go away. Getting help for both conditions gives individuals the best chance of achieving recovery.
