Millions of people from all over the world suffer from mental illnesses such as depression. These conditions not only make life challenging, but they also expose the victims to discrimination. Every year in the first week of May, the US observes the National Depression Awareness Week. However, people also celebrate this week during Mental Health Awareness Week, which occurs during the first full week in October.
National Depression Awareness Week involves activities that educate people and encourage them to talk about depression. The events also help others understand what those with this condition go through, which allows them to come up with ways to support them. It’s critical to learn more about the importance of this period and how the mental health treatment programs in TruHealing Centers can help you live a healthy life. If you need mental health treatment for depression, contact our team today at [Direct].
Increasing Depression Awareness
Depression is a condition that causes constant sadness and lack of interest in daily activities. While it is a common condition, most people are familiar with depression awareness. In some cases, it can occur alongside other problems such as drug abuse. This feature makes it hard to notice that a person is ill and in need of depression treatment.
Looking out for the symptoms of depression can help to distinguish it from other issues. This illness causes appetite changes, which lead to rapid weight gain or loss. It also affects the ability to reason and focus, making it difficult to carry out day to day activities. Furthermore, you may feel lonely and dismiss your friends to avoid any form of social interaction. The low moods might also influence one to experience thoughts of suicide. Other signs of this condition are feeling guilty, tired, and finding it hard to make decisions.
The Importance of National Depression Awareness Week
People suffering from depression often face discrimination when they interact with others. They may come across unfair judgment because some believe that they cannot cope with life challenges. This stigma makes it hard for victims to admit that they do experience the symptoms of depression. Besides, it influences them to avoid seeking professional help. If untreated, the illness can increase medical costs and affect performance at school or work.
The National Depression Awareness Week is important as it educates people about the condition. The knowledge clarifies beliefs about depression, making it easier for society to embrace the victims. Other than that, it provides a safe space where people can share their views and experiences. These talks help them and their loved ones to feel comfortable and supported. Also, it encourages seeking treatment, which prevents adverse effects like suicide.
The Relationship Between Depression and Drug Addiction
Despite the availability of professional depression treatment, some people choose to self-medicate. For example, they may use drugs to avoid feelings of sadness or loneliness. This behavior can regulate the symptoms for some time and reduce emotional pain. However, it makes it difficult to seek treatment, and it can lead to addiction. Quitting drugs when there is a causal medical condition can be challenging. It is best to choose a program that can solve the underlying problem when seeking addiction treatment.
Most addiction treatment facilities have a dual diagnosis program that can treat drug addiction and depression. This program includes supervised detox and various therapy programs to speed up recovery. The therapies will also help identify the causes of depression and the aspects that influence you to use drugs. Examples of therapies used in dual diagnosis treatment include:
Seek Help for Depression at TruHealing Centers
The National Depression Awareness Week is crucial as it creates awareness of the effects of depression. It also helps to recognize why it is not good to avoid emotional pain by abusing drugs. At TruHealing Centers, we provide addiction recovery programs to help you stop using drugs and improve mental health. Our centers offer dual diagnosis programs that attend to each patient’s unique needs. The specialists also assist clients in picking a rehab aftercare program that will help them stay sober. Do not allow drugs to affect your mental health. Contact TruHealing Centers today at [Direct] for specialized addiction treatment.