For individuals going through recovery, sobriety can be a challenging life stressor that may result in the development of depression. While some people might experience what’s commonly known as the pink cloud (a sense of joy or euphoria about going through treatment), others might not feel the same level of excitement or confidence. It’s essential to recognize that individuals’ experiences in recovery vary, and each person follows a unique path to total recovery. Additionally, it’s important to note that many individuals with substance abuse issues already battled with depression before developing addiction.
If you find yourself amid recovery or have already traveled the journey and you’re noticing symptoms of depression in sobriety, this article will provide you with insights that can deepen your understanding of the issue. By gaining clarity on this aspect, we hope to brighten the path toward a healthier, substance-free future.
Depression: definition and symptoms
Depression is a complex and difficult mental health issue that millions of individuals around the world are suffering from. This condition isn’t just characterized by long-term feelings of sadness. It comes with an overwhelming sense of despair and hopelessness that can negatively affect an individual’s (social) life. The disorder affects people of all ages, regardless of their background. However, individuals in recovery, particularly those who have undergone addiction treatment, tend to be more susceptible to developing depression.
Many outside factors can contribute to the development of depression. One Californian study proved that, for instance, the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences (virtual school, job loss, social isolation, etc.) influence the rise of depression among young adults in California. These findings from California are a crucial reminder of the state’s proactive stance in mental health research and its commitment to understanding and mitigating the effects of such global crises on mental well-being. This emphasizes the need for ongoing support and innovative solutions to tackle mental health challenges in the whole country.
Common symptoms of depression
Here, we’ll take a look at the most common symptoms of depression.
- Lack of energy to do everyday tasks;
- Daily feelings of worthlessness or guilt;
- Having a hard time falling asleep or sleeping too much. Keep in mind that many mental health issues can affect your sleep.
- Having a hard time remembering details;
- Not being able to make decisions;
- Suicidal thoughts or other thoughts about death;
- Lack of interest in activities or pleasure in daily activities;
- Sudden loss or gain in weight.
Understanding depression in sobriety
There are many reasons why people going through recovery or post-recovery processes have a greater tendency to develop symptoms of depression. Let’s explore some of them!
The difficulty with authentic emotions
Navigating authentic emotions might feel a bit uncommon, especially if you’ve been using substances to numb and suppress any discomfort that surfaced. Straightforwardly facing these emotions might be somewhat challenging in sobriety. Consider alcohol (or other substances) as a temporary adhesive bandage; when you’re sober, that bandage comes off. The journey to total recovery involves time and learning to cope with and manage negative emotions effectively.
Boredom, boredom, boredom (and loneliness)
During the early stages of recovery, one might feel overwhelmed by feelings of boredom and solitude. That shouldn’t come as a surprise since alcohol (or other substances) used to occupy an important place in an individual’s life. Therefore, everything feels a bit dull when sober, and there are fewer friendships a person can count on. All of these feelings combined might lead to the onset of depression.
Relationships with others are changing
The path to recovery involves rebuilding relationships, especially primary ones, and cutting down on toxic friendships. Healing lingering anger and resentment is part of this process. As you evolve in recovery, integrating this transformed version into existing relationships takes time, and many individuals might find it a bit difficult to do.
Altered brain chemistry
That’s right, being addicted to alcohol will modify your brain pathways; it will create a reliance on daily dopamine release. Once you begin your journey to sobriety, your brain chemistry will need some time to readjust. This adjustment might trigger certain symptoms of depression.
How to treat depression while in recovery
We’ve compiled a list of crucial tips made to help battle depression whilst going through recovery.
Practice self-compassion and care
Try to be kinder towards yourself: if you’re feeling depressed, you shouldn’t place all the blame on your back and constantly criticize yourself. Even though avoiding feelings such as these is a bit of a challenge in depression, you might want to give it a try. Also, you should establish certain self-care routines (keeping a diet, going to routine health checkups, and so on).
Embrace medical assistance
Alcoholism and depression are chronic conditions that, while treatable, remain incurable. For individuals grappling with both addiction and depression, it is critical to embrace medical intervention. California’s progressive approach to mental health and addiction services makes it an ideal setting for those seeking comprehensive care. Engaging with a reputable facility experienced in managing both issues concurrently can provide significant benefits. Such a center offers personalized advice, ensuring your unique situation is fully understood and appropriately addressed. It is advisable to seek out a dual diagnosis treatment center in California that delivers comprehensive support tailored to your needs. Effective treatment includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and supplementary therapies like yoga and massage. Given the intertwined nature of alcoholism (or other substance abuse) and depression, tackling both conditions together is recommended for optimal outcomes.
Get some exercise
In other words, get moving! Adding some exercise to your daily routine is a well-known game-changer for tackling (the consequences of) both depression and addiction. Physical exercise does wonders for handling early sobriety depression by boosting the quality of sleep and dialing down harmful stress.
In addition, there’s that natural high associated with endorphins! Moving your body also helps you deal with cravings that might appear in the early days of recovery. So, whether it’s a walk, a workout, or dancing in your living room, find what gets you moving and feeling good.
Spend time outdoors
Also, speaking of natural high, another effective way to get those endorphins going is to spend quality time outdoors. Nature works wonders: it offers stress relief, creative inspiration, and immune system support. Beyond that, the sense of connection to something larger can be a powerful ally in your journey through depression and addiction recovery. Therefore, step outside and let nature be part of your healing process.
Final thoughts
To conclude, the journey through depression in sobriety is a profound exploration characterized by self-discovery and resilience. Putting self-wellness first, embracing medical support, and incorporating exercise and nature are essential components of the successful healing process. Don’t worry; this path is not solitary – it’s a balance of professional guidance and human connection. Acknowledge the challenges, seek support, and cultivate positive habits, for each step forward is a triumph on the road to a brighter, sober future.
References:
https://www.cwcrecovery.com/blog/4-tips-for-coping-with-depression-in-sobriety-that-really-work/
https://www.risingphoenixaz.com/blog/depression-in-recovery-and-sobriety/
https://journeyhillside.com/i-quit-drinking-and-now-i-am-depressed/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9315391/ (ext. link)