Everyone has a bad day now and then and may feel sad or upset. However, this generally passes on its own within a few hours or a day or two. Then you’re back to your usual self. But when these feelings linger and start to negatively impact your life, it can be a sign of something more serious like depression. Recognizing the signs of depression can help you or a loved one to get the help you need to start feeling better and make the most of each day.
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It goes beyond that and often there are other symptoms as well:
- Prolonged feelings of sadness lasting more than two weeks.
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, or lack of motivation to participate.
- Uncontrollable mood swings or irritability.
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
- Feeling helpless, hopeless, or worthless.
- Changes in appetite.
- Pain with no identifiable cause.
There are several different types of depression, but it is a manageable condition. Without professional help, individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of trying to ease symptoms on their own. This can quickly spiral into a substance use disorder or addiction, leading to more problems. Some people may also ignore symptoms hoping they go away, or be embarrassed to admit that they need help. Early detection can allow you to receive treatment before symptoms become worse. October 6 is National Depression Screening Day and a great time to reflect on your mental health.
Northbound places a strong emphasis on helping clients to achieve more positive mental health. Whether struggling with a mental health disorder, substance use disorder, or dual diagnosis, all clients engage in therapies and activities to promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Clients learn strategies to support better mental health and maintain well-being throughout recovery and beyond. Managing depression can help reduce risk of relapse and promote a sustainable lifestyle of recovery. Northbound walks alongside clients every step of the way to empower you in recovery.
Don’t let depression keep you from living your life to the fullest. Contact Northbound to learn more about how we treat mental health disorders.
Author
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Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
