DEPRESSION

Do you or does someone you love suffer from depression, or do you suspect that depression exists? If so, you are not alone, for depression affects approximately ten percent of adult Americans in a given year. Nearly twice as many women are affected as men by depression, but this may be skewed by the tendency of men to be less likely to verbalize their problems. This equates to approximately 18.8 million Americans suffering from some form of depression. Depression is also becoming more and more prevalent among American youth, as depression is appearing at earlier ages in recent decades than it has in the past. Often, depression coexists with anxiety disorders, and more commonly alcohol and/or drug abuse.

There are three main types of depression, which are major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. Major depressive disorder is a state of deep depression that severely impacts the person who struggles with it. Its average age of onset is mid twenties, but can develop at any age. Some symptoms of major depression may include:

· Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or an "empty" mood
· Feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness
· Loss of interest in hobbies, activities, or work
· Fatigue
· Insomnia
· Loss of or increased appetite
· Difficulty concentrating or remembering
· Suicidal thoughts or threats

Dysthymic disorder is chronic, mild depression that persists for at least 2 years in adults and 1 year in children. Approximately 40 percent of people diagnosed with Dysthymic depression also meet the criteria for major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, and the average age of onset is childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.

Finally, bipolar disorder is a form of depression that involves periods of severe depression and extreme highs (called manic episodes). There is little balance in the life of a person who suffers from bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, as they swing from high to low. Alternating periods of depression and mania can be as short as a few days or as long as a few months. Some symptoms of mania include:

· Excessive or extreme elation
· Irritability
· Decreased need for sleep
· Grand notions
· Increased, rapid speech
· Racing thoughts
· Increased sexual desires
· Poor judgment involving risk behaviors such as sex, drugs, and spending sprees.
· Increased energy
· Inappropriate social behavior

Very commonly individuals who suffer from some form of depression turn to drugs and/or alcohol to compensate for their periods of sadness or mania. This form of self-medication can turn deadly, especially when patients mix their medications with alcohol and or illicit drugs. A person suffering from depression and drug and/or alcohol abuse often finds it impossible to treat their problems alone. For many of these people, treatment centers are the best option for a full, successful recovery.

At Gulf Coast Recovery, combination treatment for depression and substance abuse is utilized for optimum results. Abstinence from alcohol and/or drug use is urgent, therefore the first goal in treatment for the safety of a person struggling with depression. However, Gulf Coast Recovery is more than simply a detox program. Underlying depression or other disorders are treated aggressively as well as the substance abuse to ensure full recovery. Located on the sunny, beautiful Gulf of Mexico in Treasure Island, FL, Gulf Coast Recovery provides a serene, tranquil environment that allows for the best results in treatment.

If you or someone you love is suffering from depression and substance abuse problems, please call Gulf Coast Recovery for information on treatment programs and options.