However, one of the drug’s long-term effects is disrupting the brain’s ability to produce the natural feel-good endorphins that help fight depression. If you’re looking for compassionate, effective heroin rehab in Portland, Maine, call Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758 today.

Self-Medication with Heroin

The human body’s opioid system regulates pain responses. All opioid drugs, whether they are prescription medication or illegal heroin, produce pleasurable sensations and dull the body’s natural response to pain.

A person in physical or mental pain can get almost immediate relief from the tranquilizing effects of heroin. Unfortunately, long-term self-medication leads to two major problems – heroin use disorder and diminished brain function.

The Connection Between Heroin and Depression

Using heroin and other opioids can cause depression and worsen an existing depression disorder. Research shows that people seeking treatment for heroin use disorder are up to four times more likely than people in the general population to be suffering from a major depressive disorder. This statistic begs the question: can using heroin cause depression, or does depression make you vulnerable to opioid use? It turns out both statements are true.

Each time a person who uses heroin injects the drug, the chemical imbalance inside their brain becomes more destabilized. With prolonged heroin use, white matter in the brain regions that regulate stress and decision-making begins to erode.

The physical dependence on heroin can cause depression to become severe. Once the brain becomes dependent on synthetic opioids, it becomes less and less able to produce its own. Once this happens, the person facing heroin addiction becomes stuck in a pain/reward cycle. With their body unable to manage pain responses naturally, the individual’s depression and entwined dependency on heroin grow more intense.

Withdrawal from Heroin and Depression

When a person with heroin use disorder attempts to quit using the drug, depression can push them back into active addiction. Depression is one of the many side effects of heroin withdrawal. Other symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sleep disturbances
• Flu-like symptoms
• Intense cravings
• Sweating
• Muscle pain
• Involuntary leg movement

In severe cases, withdrawal can lead to seizures or psychotic episodes. If a person is also struggling with depression or other mental health disorders, facing withdrawal alone can seem impossible.

The Need for Dual-Diagnosis Treatment

A large percentage of people who seek addiction treatment have a comorbid mental health disorder. In fact, the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that as many as 53% of people with substance use disorder receive an additional mental health diagnosis when they enter treatment.

In many cases, a client’s mental health issues were not diagnosed or treated correctly in the past, leading them to engage in self-medication with drugs or alcohol.

Dual-diagnosis treatment includes simultaneous treatment for addiction disorders and other mental health disorders. Depressive disorders are among the most common co-occurring mental health disorders. Treating heroin addiction without addressing depression or other mental illness issues would be incomplete.

Dual-diagnosis treatment allows clients to learn how to manage their mental health safely and break free of the drug dependence cycle.

Find Relief from Heroin Use Disorder at Liberty Bay Recovery

Liberty Bay Recovery understands that seeking treatment for opioid use disorder can be frightening and emotionally overwhelming. Our understanding, evidence-based approach to rehab provides the medical, psychiatric, and emotional support you need to recover from heroin addiction and manage your mental health.

Call Liberty Bay Recovery today at (855) 607-8758 for more information on our heroin rehab in Portland, Maine.

The post How Heroin Can Impact Depression? appeared first on Liberty Bay Recovery Center.

Chronic low-level depression, sometimes called functioning depression, affects 1.5% of all U.S. adults each year. But treatment can help all levels of depression; just because you are not incapacitated doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to feel better. Call Liberty Bay Recovery Center at (855) 607-8758 to learn more about effective options for treating your depression.

Are There Different Types of Depression?

The stigmas attached to mental health are disappearing, but unfortunately, some still exist. Feelings of shame or misinformation can prevent people from getting the help they need. The stereotype that depression makes it impossible to function only adds to the confusion. Understanding the types of depression and their common symptoms may help you recognize your situation better.

Major Depressive Disorder

People with major depression lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Those who suffer from major depression may lose or gain weight, isolate from others, have feelings of worthlessness and despair, or experience thoughts of suicide.

Major depression is generally treated with antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, and if needed, electroconvulsive therapy.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Also known as dysthymia or functioning depression, PDD refers to a low mood that has persisted for at least 24 months. Symptoms may not reach the intense level of major depression, but people with PDD tend to report feeling “joyless” most of the time.

Some of the causes of functional depression include:

• Stress
• Prolonged illness or injury
• Unresolved grief
• Substance use issues
• Trauma
• Relationship problems
• Major life transitions

Appetite and sleep changes, low energy, and feelings of hopelessness are some of the warning signs of dysthymia. Antidepressant medications and therapy are effective depression treatments for most people who suffer from functioning depression.

Bipolar Disorder

People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of depression between manic episodes. Mania symptoms include unrealistically high self-esteem, grandiose ideas, overspending, and risk-taking.

Medications for bipolar depression are different from those used to treat major or functional depression. These medications effectively stabilize moods and prevent the extreme high and low mood swings associated with bipolar disorder.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

This type of depression is associated with the change of seasons. A lack of sunlight in the winter can change the body’s natural rhythms and alter melatonin and serotonin function. These changes can lead to depression and insomnia.

A combination of light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy can effectively treat SAD for most people.

Depression and Women’s Health

Post-partum (perinatal) depression and premenstrual depressive disorder are two types of depression that affect women. These disorders are caused by a fluctuation of hormones and can be treated with medication and therapy.

The Risk of Untreated Functioning Depression

Ignoring depression because you can still function is one of the biggest health risks you can take. Unfortunately, many people with PDD do exactly that. Those who minimize their condition are less likely to seek support. It may be tempting to hide your condition from others, as feelings of guilt often accompany PDD.

However, ignoring symptoms can be dangerous. Untreated depression can lead to more severe symptoms, including thoughts of suicide.

Find Help at Liberty Bay Recovery Center

If you or someone you know is isolating themselves from loved ones or has lost interest in the activities that once brought them joy, they may be suffering from chronic low-level depression. Depression is a real health problem that needs appropriate medical attention. Telling yourself — or someone else — to put on a happy face may only serve to worsen the condition. Contact Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758 for information about effective depression treatment.

The post Living with Functioning Depression appeared first on Liberty Bay Recovery Center.

What Is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day is on October 10th of each year. With the expressed purpose of raising mental health awareness, this day brings thousands together to call attention to the importance of mental health and its impact on people’s lives across the globe. Each year, people gather in countries worldwide to celebrate and promote mental health awareness and the necessity of continued care and improved services for those who have a long-term mental illness.

The History of World Mental Health Day

First celebrated on October 10th, 1992, World Mental Health Day was initiated by the World Federation of Mental Health. In the first year, the date was established by Deputy Secretary-General Richard Hunter as a single activity to raise mental health awareness. Still, it caught on and has been commemorated by annual celebrations since then. In the first few years of conception, World Mental Health Day had no set theme. There was a two-hour informational broadcast that reached across the globe through the US information agency satellite system. Members around the world participated by phone and sent in pre-taped segments to be aired during the broadcast.

Since then, a lot has changed. In 1994 Secretary-General Eugene Brody proposed giving the day a theme to call attention to a specific aspect of mental health. The very first theme was “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services Throughout the World.” Each year since has had a theme that corresponds with the changing times as they affect mental health in the modern world. Some of the themes over the years include:

• Women and Mental Health, 1996
• The Effects of Trauma and Violence on Children and Adolescents, 2002
• Mental Health in a Changing World: The Impact of Culture and Diversity, 2007
• Living with Schizophrenia, 2014
• Move for Mental Health: Increase Investment in Mental Health, 2020

These carefully selected themes serve as a call to action on topics of significance each year.

How to Celebrate Mental Health Awareness

Much like in 1992, when it first started, the day is marked by an event broadcasted worldwide. As the times have changed, this event looks a bit different from it back then, with a broad range of expert and celebrity guest speakers such as Demi Lovato, Lady Gaga, and Selena Gomez, live streaming access, and critically acclaimed music events. In addition, to live streaming access to the main event, those wishing to get involved and observe World Mental Health Day are encouraged to participate in workplace group therapy, practice self-care, and research the annual theme to find out how it affects you and the people around you to spread further awareness and understanding.

Addiction Treatment Matters

Substance use disorder often stands in the way of mental health. The following programs at Liberty Bay can help:

• Inpatient detox
• Prescription drug rehab
• Residential rehab

Liberty Bay Recovery Promotes Addiction Recovery

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, addiction, or both, our compassionate team of healthcare professionals is standing by. Call Liberty Bay Recovery today at (855) 607-8758 or through the online form to find out how to help.

The post Observing World Mental Health Day appeared first on Liberty Bay Recovery Center.

It can be helpful to have days set aside to celebrate awareness about the dangers of mental issues. If you live in Maine, you can support mental health awareness in ME in any way you can. Liberty Bay Recovery Center delves into more detail into why this week is vital. 

Psychological Problems Impact Millions of People

Mental health issues affect all of us, either directly or indirectly. You might be struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, and eating disorders. On the other hand, your loved one, or someone you know, can be struggling with different issues, like insomnia, suicidal thoughts, and bipolar disorder.

Millions of Americans suffer from mental disorders, and the condition does not spare children. A study reveals that an estimated 21.4% of teenagers in the US will suffer from mental illnesses at least once in their lives.

Therefore, mental health is here with us, so we need to use the mental health awareness week to sensitize society about the dangers of mental disorders and why prompt dual diagnosis treatment is necessary.

More People Need Information and Awareness

If you help make it easy for people struggling with mental health issues in your community to talk about their struggles, you restore hope and strength. You can make such people feel like they are not alone during their moments of vulnerability.

For community members who are yet to experience severe mental problems, talking to them can provide sensitization on various issues, such as:

• Risk factors for mental illnesses
• Symptoms of other psychological conditions
• Available treatment
• Caring for loved ones with mental issues
• Prevention methods

Mental health sensitization can make your community more knowledgeable and accommodating about psychological illnesses.

Fight Against Mental Illness Stigmatization 

When society is not aware of mental problems, victims of these conditions feel stereotyped, shameful, and isolated. Such feelings often stand in the way of seeking help for those who feel overwhelmed.

You can use the mental health week to help fight the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Mental Health Awareness Week Gives Courage 

When creating awareness about mental issues, the community can help those battling such problems realize that their conditions are worthy of concern. The awareness week can make victims discover that what appears insignificant can quickly deteriorate into hypertension, brain damage, or even suicide.

However, mental health awareness week is also an opportunity to give people hope that mental illnesses are treatable. All stakeholders try to make the general population understand the critical role mental health facilities play in the community. 

Seeking Professional Rehab Help

If you live in Maine, take this time to learn about available mental health treatment programs. It will equip you with relevant information to take an active role in mental health awareness in ME. 

Some of the useful therapies available at rehab include: 

• Residential addiction treatment
• Drug and alcohol addiction treatment
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Marijuana addiction treatment
• Prescription drug addiction treatment

Awareness Week at Liberty Bay Recovery Center

When more people become aware of mental diseases, we will win the fight against the stigmatization of mental issues. Awareness makes it easy for victims to seek treatment because society becomes more accepting of psychological diseases. Reach out to Liberty Bay Recovery Center for more details on making an impact during mental health awareness week. Contact Liberty Bay Recovery Center at (855) 607-8758 to get started.

The post Why Mental Health Awareness Week Matters appeared first on Liberty Bay Recovery Center.