Mental illness and addiction tend to go hand in hand.

Individuals who suffer from a drug or alcohol addiction and a mental illness are diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder. A major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Especially for people who have received treatment for substance abuse or mental illness, dealing with depression in recovery can be a struggle.

As a drug rehab center in Gilman, we understand that addiction recovery can be an emotional rollercoaster on its own. Additional challenges, like depression, can prevent an individual from progressing in both their physical and mental recovery. We offer a variety of treatments and programs that address all aspects of substance abuse and mental illness. Our goal is to help people with addictions and mental illnesses achieve and maintain healthy lifestyles.

How to Deal with Depression in Addiction Recovery

It’s important to find realistic ways to manage your depression systems in your day-to-day life. Although your addiction treatment helped you achieve sobriety, maintaining it outside of rehab may require some changes. Dealing with depression in early sobriety can set you up for success in the future. Learning how to manage your symptoms in a safe and healthy manner can help you sustain your sobriety in the long run. Below are some ways you can manage your depression in addiction recovery.

Establish a Daily Routine

You may experience a significant shift in lifestyle after rehab. Life after active addiction should be different. When dealing with depression in recovery, establishing a routine can help you stay on track. Following a daily routine can improve your brain function, self-esteem, and help to alleviate stress. You also want to avoid leaving too much room in your schedule for boredom. Staying idle can cause your thoughts to wander back to old habits. Keeping a consistent routine can help you manage your depression symptoms and stay focused on your sobriety.

Do Volunteer Work

We often feel as if we receive the most when we give back to others. Volunteer work can reduce feelings of depression by improving your self-esteem. When we feel productive and helpful, it improves our mood. You may also develop a new sense of identity and may even discover a calling you were unaware of.

Change Your Diet

What you eat has a big impact on your mood and brain function. The healthier you eat, the better your mind and body will feel. Consuming high levels of processed sugar and caffeine can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Natural sugars affect the body differently and are healthier to consume. So, the next time you have a sweet tooth, swap out the donut for an apple.

Exercise

Exercise can have a big impact on your mood and overall health. A healthy dose of daily exercise can keep your spirits up and keep your body functioning the way it should be. You could get your daily steps in by hiking, swimming, jogging, going for a long walk, and any other physical activity that you’d enjoy doing daily.

Adopt a Pet

Pets are great support systems for times of loneliness. Dogs are often trained to offer emotional support for people who suffer from mental disorders or other health conditions. Adopting a pet is a great way to give them a good home and keep yourself accompanied. Caring for your pet also keeps you accountable for your own health.

Join a Support Group

Support groups allow you to connect to others in similar situations as your own. Recovery group meetings offer a safe place where you can share your story, learn from others, and build friendships.

The alumni program at Banyan Heartland offers individuals lasting support after completing substance abuse treatment or program at our facility.

Get Help

Receiving professional help is the best way to deal with depression in recovery if your symptoms persist. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been beneficial to many. This form of therapy addresses negative thoughts and how they’ve contributed to the person’s addiction. If you had depression during an active addiction, you may return to substance abuse in an attempt to cope with your symptoms during recovery. Receiving mental health or addiction treatment can help you avoid relapse and other dangers.

If you or a loved one is caught in addiction, call Banyan Treatment Centers Heartland today at 888-280-4763 to find out more about our substance abuse programs..