Depression is the number one cause of disability worldwide. It affects your relationships, your career, and your quality of life. Depression and substance use frequently overlap, and each can make the other worse. Although depression can affect anyone, the following factors increase your risk of having a depressive episode.
Genetics
Genes are a major factor in whether you suffer from depression. Just as the causes of depression are not yet clear, neither are the genetic factors that contribute to depression. However, we do know that if a close relative, especially a parent, suffers from depression, you are more likely to suffer from depression as well.
Abuse
People who have been abused or are in abusive relationships are more likely to suffer from depression. This is true of both adults and children. Being in an abusive relationship not only means dealing with physical and emotional pain on a regular basis, it also causes feelings of anxiety and helplessness, all of which contribute to depression.
Grief
Grief is a major cause of depression. Depression is common after losing someone close, especially a long-time partner. This is one reason depression is common among older people. However, grief can affect anyone. It’s normal to feel sad for months after losing someone close, and it’s easy for that sadness to slide into depression.
Trauma
Grief is just one form of trauma that can cause depression. An accident, an assault, or witnessing something traumatic can also lead to depression. These events can cause persistent anxiety, loss of sleep, and sometimes guilt or shame, all of which can lead to depression.
Life stress
Major life stress such as losing a job or getting divorced are common causes of depression. Ironically, sometimes even good things can cause depression. Getting married, having a baby, buying a house, or getting a promotion may make you feel overwhelmed and out of control, leading to avoidance and depression.
Chronic illness
It’s extremely common for people with chronic illnesses to become depressed. This is especially true of people with terminal illnesses, such as cancer. The more painful the condition, the more likely it will cause depression. Arthritis, back pain, and other kinds of chronic pain conditions often cause depression. Ironically, studies have found that debilitating injuries that don’t cause chronic pain may cause an episode of depression, but in the long term, they don’t significantly affect happiness.
Substance use
There is a significant overlap between depression and substance use. Each makes the other worse. Avoiding pain or stress by using drugs or alcohol is a common way that stress and anxiety turn into depression. Addiction is often characterized by helplessness. People with substance use disorders are often aware of the negative effects substance use has on their lives, but they are unable to quit. They watch helplessly as their lives get worse. This is often compounded by shame and loss of close friends.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or depression, we can help. Recovery Ways is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the resources to effectively treat a dual diagnosis. Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible. Request information online or call us today at 1-888-986-7848.
