Depression in Recovery

Depression in Recovery. One of the most challenging things a person in recovery does is overcome depression. First of all, most of us don’t know how to identify depression. Unless we are seeing a clinical professional, the likelihood is we have never been diagnosed with this debilitating condition. Depression comes in many shapes and sizes and from varying sources. There are many variables when it comes to these things, but what is universal is what depression does to us. One might think it strange that a person coming out of a life-threatening addiction or behavior could be depressed. Some may think there is nothing to be depressed over now that the thing that was likely going to kill us is now removed. What they and even so many of us don’t understand is that it wasn’t the substance that caused the depression. The substances or behaviors were a response to the depression. Because this is true for most of us, once we get clean and sober our real work is just beginning. We must now get to the foundational causes of the depression so we don’t return to the escape from it. 

BRC Recovery has some interesting research regarding depression in recovery and I have added some common indicators.

 Indications of depression may include

• Low mood
• Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or pessimism
• Sleep problems (insomnia or hypersomnia)
• Chronic fatigue (lacking energy even after sleeping)
• Social isolation
• Anhedonia (diminished pleasure from previously enjoyable activities)
• Appetite disturbance (eating too much or not enough)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of guilt or shame
• Intrusive, repeating thoughts of death or suicide

You may be able to relate to one or more of these. I know I did. Having been clinically diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder in 1983 I understand there are often mental and psychological conditions that contribute to our addiction if they are not the sole cause for it. 

Having said that, knowing the cause of something doesn’t mean we don’t have it. Knowing the condition or the cause gives us a direction to work in to remove it. 

Once we have addressed and overcome the depression we should continue to use the tools that got us to our new healthy position. We should safeguard ourselves from returning to that negative mindset by self-monitoring. 

The best way to combat depression is to live a life filled with a sense of gratitude. It is rare to find a person who is grateful for life as life comes to be depressed. I suggest the following to help monitor our condition. The only worse thing about being in a depressed state is returning there once one it has healed.

1. Have a daily regimen of positive self-talk
2. Focus on the things of life that bring us joy
3. Recognize and process challenges as they occur
4. Surround yourself with like-minded people
5. Create and focus on a gratitude list daily
6. Resume or find a hobby that bring enjoyment
7. Develop a spiritual understanding of self
8. We are NOT the mistakes we make
9. Share our freedom and joy with those around us
10. End each day thankful for what’s been given

Practicing these things will help move us from being depressed and the emotional bondage it creates. The depression will be pushed out and replaced with the joy that true freedom brings.