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What to Do if You Have Debilitating Depression: Understanding Treatment Options and Finding Support

How do you know when you need treatment for depression? We all feel sad sometimes. There’s nothing wrong with sitting with your sadness and reflecting on your feelings as you work through it. But when sadness doesn’t go away, it can hint at a more serious condition. If it begins to interfere with your life, you can even attend a rehab program for depression. 

Sadness vs. Depression 

There are some key differences between sadness and depression. With either, you may feel tired or lost. When you have depression, those feelings persist for longer periods of time, accompanied by a sense of hopelessness or worthlessness. You might even feel numb. Everyday activities you once enjoyed can start to feel like chores. 

Severe depression1 can also take a toll on your physical health, causing restlessness, changes in appetite, and physical aches and pains. And depression often co-occurs with addiction.2 If you have either or both of these conditions, you can choose between several different treatment options.

Available Treatment Options for Severe Depression

When you’re dealing with debilitating depression, it can feel like there’s no way out. But with treatment that aligns with your values, you can build a life you love. The key is to make sure your unique recovery goals are at the forefront of any care plan. To accommodate each patient’s needs, most rehabs offer a combination of treatment approaches.3

Medication

Medication can be vital in reducing depressive symptoms. Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antipsychotic medication can help you regulate your brain chemistry. It’s normal to go through trial and error with antidepressant medications. Most people try different types and doses to find the best fit for them.

Psychotherapy

Having a therapist to confide in and talk through your feelings can help you heal from depression. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and family-focused therapy help you address any underlying issues contributing to depression. You—and sometimes your loved ones—will also develop new coping skills to help you move forward.

Inpatient Rehab

If you have severe depression, you can start recovery in an inpatient rehab. These centers offer a safe space to heal without the distractions and stressors of your typical environment. You can choose between a wide variety of programs, including trauma-informed care, rehabs that treat co-occurring disorders, and more.

Outpatient Treatment

With outpatient treatment programs, you can receive similar care to inpatient programs while living at home. Like most other approaches, outpatient treatment is tailored to your specific needs. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) let you attend treatment part time, while you continue to work, go to school, or spend time with friends. Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) offer a higher level of care, but still give you some free time outside of therapy.

Alternative Therapies

If you attend a holistic rehab, you can participate in alternative therapies for depression. These treatments look a little different in every program. For example, you might connect with horses during equine therapy or practice mindfulness in a yoga class. These activities can be hugely beneficial, but they’re no substitute for more traditional treatments. A comprehensive care plan for severe depression could include these options as supplemental therapies.

Finding Support and Coping With Depression

When you’re recovering from depression, building a solid support system is essential. The details of that support system are different for everyone. Anything that keeps you engaged can help you work through difficult symptoms, reminding you that even strong feelings are temporary.

Spending time with family and loved ones you trust can help you feel supported. Opening up to a therapist might give you insight into your feelings. You can also join a depression support group to connect with people going through similar experiences. The opportunities are endless. But data shows that a few specific activities can be especially helpful.

Exercise 

Exercise has many powerful physical and emotional benefits. First and foremost, practicing physical self care is a meaningful way to cope with feelings of depression. Instead of working out so you can look a certain way, the activity itself can be your primary goal.

Exercise is shown to reduce depressive symptoms.4 When it’s hard to get out of bed, the last thing you might want to do is go for a run. But starting small, even for 10 minutes, helps you slowly build endurance and get stronger every day.

Changing Your Diet

Have you ever heard of the link between food and mood?5 Depression can make you skip meals, crave sweets, and indulge in junk food. Foods like refined sugars, processed foods, and fried foods can make depression worse. Adopting a balanced diet can help positively transform depressive symptoms.6

Eating whole foods that nurture your body can improve your mood along with your physical health. Complex carbs, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants are just a few vital nutrients that can help fight depression.

Getting Enough Sleep

Depressive symptoms can intensify when you don’t get enough sleep. Ironically, depression can trigger sleep problems7 like insomnia, making it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. It can be frustrating to navigate this situation. But making your best effort to improve your sleeping habits is a start. 

You can consistently prioritize sleep with small habits like getting in bed earlier, removing distractions like TV or phones at night, and creating a comfortable sleep environment. These small changes can have a huge impact on the quality of your sleep. You can also ask your doctor or therapist for more specific advice, with your exact symptoms and health history in mind.

Mindfulness Activities

Depression often brings up a lot of dark thoughts. You can take a step back and reflect on your feelings by making time for mindfulness activities like meditation. Mindfulness helps you acknowledge those thoughts without blaming yourself. The act of noticing a thought, accepting it, and then letting it go can empower you to break out of negative cycles.

Creativity 

Many people use creativity as a form of therapy. Spending time on creative outlets like art, music, or web design helps you shift your focus as well. Putting your energy into something positive can help you grow and feel better.

For example, studies suggest journaling is good for mental health8 because it can help you get your thoughts out and clear your mind. Even if your writing is all negative or doesn’t make sense, putting it on the page can make you feel lighter.

Journaling can also help you make sense of your own thoughts and feelings. When you start to notice emotional patterns, you might discover ways to work through them. You’ll also have a written record of your progress, which might help you stay on track when you encounter future challenges. 

The Road to Recovery

The journey to recovery isn’t always straightforward. But with the right support, you can find the best way to improve. For many people, professional treatment is essential. With your care team’s help, you can learn the skills you need to get and stay well.

Healing from depression looks a little different for everyone. You might benefit from any combination of medication, therapy, or alternative treatments. Talk to your provider about which options might best suit your needs, and don’t be afraid to experiment. It can take time to find the most effective approach.

With an effective depression care plan, you can rediscover the things you love most. For example, if you’re a nature lover, your plan might incorporate hiking or time at the beach. Beyond being fun, data shows that spending time outdoors improves mental health.9

Stick to your treatment plan as best as you can. If it feels like it’s not working, get support from your care team. They may suggest changes, or they may encourage you to be patient as treatment takes effect. Healing can be a slow process, and you may experience setbacks. Recovery doesn’t mean that you’ll never feel depressed again. Instead, it means you’ll have the tools to live a rich, meaningful life, even when you’re experiencing mental health symptoms.

Planning Your Journey

As you start to plan your recovery from depression, you can choose from many treatment options. Make sure to put yourself first, and find the type of care that best meets your unique needs. When you’re on the right path, you can take things by day. Small changes in diet, exercise, and other routines can make a huge difference over time. 

Getting professional help for severe depression is a vital part of recovery. When you take this step, you regain power over your own life. Check out our list of depression rehab centers to start your recovery journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Severe Depression

What’s the difference between sadness and depression?

Sadness and depression share similar symptoms, but depression is characterized by persistent feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness that interfere with daily life. Depression can also cause physical symptoms such as changes in appetite, physical aches and pains, and restlessness.

What are the available treatment options for severe depression?

Treatment options for severe depression include medication, psychotherapy, inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, and alternative therapies. These options can be tailored to your specific needs and often include a combination of approaches.

What are some ways to find support and cope with depression?

Building a solid support system is essential when recovering from depression. This can include spending time with family and loved ones, opening up to a therapist, joining a depression support group, exercising, changing your diet, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness meditation. These activities help improve mood and overall well-being.

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25 Inspirational Quotes for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

Since 1994, June has been celebrated as Men’s Mental Health Month. Men are less likely to make their mental health struggles known. Millions of men struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. Men are also more likely to commit suicide compared to women1. The stigma associated with men’s mental health contributes to these statistics. That’s why in June we spread awareness to help all men heal and get the treatment they deserve.

Along your recovery journey, you can find strength in words of wisdom from other men who have also overcome challenges. Inspiration spurs motivation. You can overcome your mental health battle. 

25 Quotes to Inspire and Live By

“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.” — Matt Haig

“If a man’s mind becomes pure, his surroundings will also become pure.” – Buddha

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” — Bob Marley

“There is nothing wrong with being afraid – but there is nothing more wrong than allowing that to be your master.” — Bobby Darin

“Regardless of who you are or what you do for a living or where you come from, it doesn’t discriminate. We all kind of go through it.” — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King Jr

“The heart of man is very much like the sea; it has its storms, it has its tides, and in its depths, it has its pearls too.” — Vincent Van Gogh

“Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

“The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.” — Thomas Paine

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” — Albert Einstein

“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman.

“Since that day [I opened up about my emotions], it’s just been so much easier to live and so much easier to enjoy my life.” — Michael Phelps

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” — Ernest Hemingway

“To have become a deeper man is the privilege of those who have suffered.” Oscar Wilde

“Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” — Noam Shpancer

“Do not pray for an easy life. Pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” — Bruce Lee

“We need men who can dream of things that never were.” — John F. Kennedy

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” — Abraham Lincoln

“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” — Samuel Johnson

“The first step to be a good man is this: You must deeply feel the burden of the stones some else [is] carrying.” — Mehmet Murat ildan

 “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” — Marcus Aurelius

“All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.” — Michal Joan Bobak 

“A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.” — Ayn Rand

“Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.” — Muhammad Ali

“One man with courage makes a majority.” — Andrew Jackson

Men’s Mental Health Treatment

Men’s-Only Rehab

You don’t have to struggle in solitude. Various treatment options address the unique challenges men face during addiction and/or mental health issues. There are several men-only programs. 

Gender-specific centers empower their clients to tap into natural strengths. You’ll grow by exploring new ideas enabling continued self-growth. And gender-specific treatment is tailored to your needs. For example, Sunshine Coast Health Centre caters to mens’ mental health needs through non-12-Step programming and a focus on healing with dignity. Little Creek Recovery in Pennsylvania uses adventure therapy and 12-Step philosophy to help men recover. In the world of men-only rehab, the options for gender- specific rehab are boundless. 

Burnout and Stress

Men in high-pressure jobs can often experience burnout and stress. While this may be something you’re used to, this does not have to be permanent. Symptoms can get worse if you ignore them. Getting help for your burnout can ground you and give you a new perspective on life. J. Flowers Health Institute, for example, heals burnout with concierge care and unique services like brain mapping and wellness programs.  

Dual diagnosis

When you experience two disorders simultaneously, like bipolar disorder and addiction, this is what we call dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders. Treatment centers like Soberman’s Estate, a men’s-only facility, can determine the root cause of your co-occurring disorders. They offer 3+ individual talk therapy sessions per week to discover how your disorders impact one another, and they also include on-site holistic activities like equine therapy to create a well-rounded program. Dual diagnoses can be complex, but the right care can lead you to success.

Eating disorders 

Eating disorders affect everyone, including men. Often, it’s harder to spot these patterns in men because they’re less likely to ask for help. That’s why Men’s Mental Health Month is so important: so we can spread helpful information and resources2 to those who need it. Finding the right care is essential for overcoming your eating disorder and living freely. Newport Academy Washington State offers eating disorder treatment for adolescent boys. They focus on having fun in recovery with activities like hiking and skiing. They also offer family therapy and academy support. 

Realizing Your Power

Whatever difficulty you’re facing right now, you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether it’s Men’s Mental Health Month or not, you can always prioritize healing. Discover the man you want to be by exploring and connecting with rehabs for men.

Transformation begins within. Here are some ways to prioritize your mental health now:

  1. Make time for self-care
  2. Talk to a mental health professional
  3. Connect with others
  4. Exercise regularly
  5. Solidify a good sleep routine
  6. Eat a balanced diet
  7. Practice M3H: Mindfulness/Meditation/Movement/Hydration
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What is Hangover Anxiety?: Why Drinking Causes ‘Hangxiety’

Hangover anxiety, or hangxiety, isn’t a diagnosis, but rather how you feel after a night of drinking alcohol. A hangover has physical symptoms like nausea and a headache, but you can have mental effects as well.

Drinking responsibly likely won’t lead to these negative feelings; however, if you’re consistently drinking a lot and feeling hangover anxiety, then it may be time to look for help. Getting treatment for alcohol addiction can help you get a handle on your drinking, so you don’t have to wake up with worry the next morning. 

Hangover Anxiety or ‘Hangxiety’

75% of those who get a hangover have some impairment in their normal functioning1, like difficulty concentrating. On top of that, roughly 22% of drinkers also experience psychological effects like anxiety and depression after a night out. This is what we call hangxiety.

What Does Hangover Anxiety Feel Like?

When you start drinking, alcohol drives a surge of endorphins in the brain2, which feels good at first. Then, after this rush, there’s a decrease in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) which leads to a form of withdrawal. This is what we commonly refer to as a hangover.

This withdrawal affects you physically and mentally, including provoking anxiety and depression symptoms. Hangover anxiety can look different for everyone, but these are some common symptoms:

  • Restlessness
  • Anxiousness
  • Ruminating on yesterday’s events
  • Heart racing
  • Feeling guilt
  • Difficulty concentrating

What Causes Hangover Anxiety?

After your endorphins drop, your brain can quite literally feel exhausted the next day. Your body uses a lot of energy trying to maintain homeostasis after being affected by the alcohol. And cortisol, the stress hormone, releases after drinking3, making you feel even more anxious. 

These factors can also exacerbate hangnxiety symptoms:

1. Social Anxiety

You might use alcohol as a “social lubricant” if you experience social anxiety. This can cause you to drink more than you should. Though for those few intoxicated hours you may feel less anxious, these feelings return as the alcohol wears off. And if you have a hangover from excessive alcohol consumption, your anxiety can skyrocket. Alcohol will enhance whatever emotional state you’re in, so if you’re anxious, it’s going to come back in full swing.

2. Water intake

Alcohol is a diuretic, so drinking it makes you dehydrated. This can contribute to hangover anxiety because low water intake, which happens while drinking, is associated with detrimental effects on mood4. The more hydrated you are, the better chance you have of being in a good mood.

3. Sleep

Alcohol causes poor sleep quality5 because it messes with your rapid eye movement (REM) cycle. This, in turn, negatively affects your mood because getting proper sleep is vital for good mood and functioning. 

4. Emotional dysregulation

Emotional dysregulation is a common symptom in disorders like anxiety and depression. It’s also associated with intense cravings, higher alcohol consumption, and is commonly experienced during hangovers6. Lowered emotional competence during a hangover can lead to negative mood and thoughts, or, what you may feel during hangxiety. This can also contribute to regretful drinking behaviors.

5. Repetitive negative thinking (RNT)

Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is negative thought patterns that are recurring, unproductive, and common in disorders like anxiety and depression. It’s also a part of emotional dysregulation. These patterns of thinking are associated with prolonged negative emotional states6, so this can exacerbate symptoms when you experience hangover anxiety. 

How to Cope with Hangxiety

The best way to avoid hangxiety is to avoid drinking, especially in excess. Doctors recommend drinking a minimal amount of alcohol because excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health problems such as liver damage, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

However, if you do decide to drink, there are a number of ways you can cope with your hangover anxiety and make this experience manageable:

However, drinking responsibly, or being abstinent, can help you avoid these feelings all together.  

How to Have Fun Without Alcohol

Life can be just as fun, if not better, without alcohol. You’ll feel healthier and more energized, which can help you do more outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking. You’ll also save a lot of money from not buying drinks, which you can spend on new experiences like travel or exploring the area you live in.

You can also talk with your therapist and dig into the real reasons why you’re drinking alcohol. Why are you having this drink? And why do you feel like you need to drink so much? This can reveal deeper issues that you can work through together. 

When to Seek Professional Help for Your Drinking and Anxiety

Taking a step back and assessing the role that alcohol plays in your life, especially if you have pre-existing anxiety or depression, is crucial. If you’re using alcohol as a crutch, and as a coping mechanism to suppress difficult feelings, then it may be time to reach out for help.

Mental Health Treatment Options

Alcohol is a depressant, so it can aggravate your existing conditions. If you drink to escape your anxiety or depression, treating the root cause of your disorder can help mediate this issue.

Attending an outpatient program can teach you skills to help you replace your drinking with healthy coping techniques. You’ll explore how drinking has been a way to hide from uncomfortable feelings, and then you’ll learn how to face those hard emotions. You’ll likely practice different talk therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to learn new positive ways of thinking. 

Virtual treatment for anxiety and depression can be a great way to learn these tools with more flexibility. You can prioritize healing and see how it fits into your life.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options

Detox with a licensed professional may be the first step in your sobriety journey. Safely ridding your body of alcohol can help you feel clear minded and ready to tackle treatment. Different levels of residential or outpatient care can help you replace your unhealthy coping mechanism, drinking, with positive habits.

A great option post-treatment is sober living homes. These programs are less structured than residential rehab, and provide a comfortable place for you to focus on your recovery. While living here, you’ll likely attend an outpatient program, go to work or school, and grow with other companions in recovery. 

Life Without Worry in the Morning

Drinking socially and safely is perfectly acceptable, but if heavy drinking and hangxiety is a normal thing that you’re getting addicted to as a coping mechanism, then it’s time to get help. Life can feel so much more fulfilling without hiding behind alcohol. Embrace your true self and find freedom through rehabs for alcohol addiction.

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Sober Women of History

Sober women have contributed to the recovery movement in America since it first began. Their early contributions helped make the recovery space more accessible and acceptable for women. 

Women also advocated for gender-specific treatment, support groups, and 12-Step meetings. Their work is still felt around the world today. Some rehabs cater to just women, too. 

Women in Recovery Who Made a Difference

Each and every woman in recovery makes a difference. Women who challenged the stigma of addiction and recovery early on paved the way for continued advocacy, fresh recovery programs, and support. 

Betty Ford (1918-2011)

Former First Lady Betty Ford left a large mark on the addiction treatment scene and the stigma surrounding it. After a battle with opioid and alcohol addictions, an intervention, and treatment, Betty realized she was in a unique position to make a difference. 

First Lady Betty Ford helped create her own treatment center, the Betty Ford Center, designed to help both men and women find recovery. Betty Ford Centers have since expanded across America. 

The Betty Ford organization merged with the Hazelden Foundation in 2014. Hazelden pioneered the Minnesota-model of treatment1, which focuses on 12-Step treatment. Their merge broadened the impact of Betty’s first decision to make her addiction known and use her notoriety to help others.

Jean Kirkpatrick, Ph.D (1923-2000)

Jean Kirkpatrick, sociologist, formed Women for Sobriety in 1975. She attended 12-Step AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings throughout her recovery process. After finding a need for women-focused treatment, she created a solution herself: Women for Sobriety2. 

Women for Sobriety groups meet across America now. Dr. Kirckpatrisck’s history of repeated relapses, research, and life-long determination brought a gift to the world many women continue to enjoy. 

Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011)

American actress Elizabeth Taylor lived a lavish, seemingly ideal life. But after a spinal surgery and other health conditions, she became addicted to prescription pain pills3. She also struggled with alcohol addiction. 

Elizabeth Taylor made the decision to publicly announce her admittance to Betty Ford Center, Betty Ford’s first treatment center. By doing so, Elizabeth gave permission for other celebrities to do the same. She also normalized treatment for women—even pretty, successful ones like her.

As a Hollywood Icon, Elizabeth Taylor embodied who many women wished they could be. So seeing her go to rehab, openly admit it, and then go again after a relapse may have been more impactful than she’ll ever realize.  

Nora Volkow (1956-Present)

Nora Volkow, current director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), changed the way we see addiction. Her work in brain imagery showed that addiction isn’t a character flaw or personal failing. Rather, it’s a tangible change in the brain. 

Her work contributed heavily to the disease model of addiction4. This revolutionized the old idea of addiction being something to punish. Now, for many, it’s something to treat.

Women in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provides a resource for Americans struggling with alcohol addiction. While it didn’t specifically exclude women, they weren’t welcomed in the same way men were. Usually, women were seen as the supportive spouse, attending just for their husbands’ sake. Or, women were villainized for their addiction. 

Some of the very first women in AA decided to change that.  

Florence R. (?-1943)

Florence was one of the very first members of AA5. She joined one of the pioneering groups in New York, wrote the first section written by a woman in the Big Book, and tried to start an AA group in Washington. 

Though she didn’t succeed, and eventually returned to drinking, Florence made AA meetings somewhere women could go, too. Those early members became family to her—something that still happens to this day.

In Florence’s case, just showing up to meetings made her an early AA icon. Despite her sobriety not lasting, she still made AA meetings a more accepting, open place for women.

Marty Mann (1904-1980)

Marty supported the disease model of addiction, a brave move at a time when it wasn’t yet proven. She was one of the first women to bring awareness to addiction6 as something to heal, not punish. Marty fought against the stigma women in particular received: that they were promiscuous, uncontrollable, and without value. Instead, she advocated for recovery through acceptance.

Marty Mann also founded the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. She encouraged other women to get help, and those in the LGBTQ+ community. As a gay woman, Marty Mann bridged gaps between 2 underserved communities and the help they deserved. 

Dr. Ruth Fox (1896-1989)

Dr. Fox became the first medical director of The National Council on Alcoholism in 1959. She was one of the first psychoanalysts to take alcoholic patients. And she pioneered the use of Antabuse7 to treat alcohol addiction, which we still use today.

Dr. Ruth Fox also founded the American Medical Society on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies. 

Dr. LeClair Bissell (1928-2008)

Dr. Bissell co-founded the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)8. Like Marty Mann, she helped change the way the public saw addiction, women in recovery, and gay women. Dr. Bissell followed the 12-Steps of AA, published books on recovery, 

LeClair also advocated heavily for alcoholism in professionals, specifically medical professionals. 

All these women changed the way women and the world see recovery. They made healing seem like a safe option for women who were scared, embarrassed, and without hope–but wanted out.

Those options for recovery still exist today, for men and women. And we have a lot of people to thank for that.

Find a Recovery Program Today

Much has changed from the early days of AA and recovery as a whole. While the stigma surrounding addiction hasn’t yet disappeared, these early women in recovery diminished it bit by bit. 
Thanks to them and many others around the world, ethical, women-focused recovery programs exist globally. You can browse our list of women-only rehabs and see photos, reviews, insurance information, and more.

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2023 Oscar Nominated Movies That Include Addiction

Films and TV shows tend to shape how culture views a certain subject (or profession). Recently, the idea of therapists, mental health, and addiction in pop culture became more mainstream. However, some films and shows do more harm than good—overdramatizing addiction and mental health, or just poorly representing it.

Others capture the rawness, truth and importance of addiction and mental health. 

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed 

Winning an Oscar for best documentary, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed recounts photographer Nan Goldin’s experience with addiction. She depicts her addiction to prescription painkiller OxyContin, and her frustration with the Sackler family.  

America’s Opioid Crisis

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed shows that Nan’s addiction began after an injury. Doctors prescribed a common medication at the time, OxyContin – which is highly addictive if taken incorrectly1. It contains oxycodone, which causes a high similar to heroin. 

Nan, like many others, became addicted to OxyContin after a perhaps thoughtless pain management plan. Nan formed P.A.I.N.2, Prescription Addiction Intervention Now, to “speak for the 250,000 bodies that no longer can.”

The Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, received backlash for pushing OxyContin prescriptions when they perhaps weren’t needed. Nan worked to get museums and other Sackler-supported institutions to publicly separate from the family. 

America’s opioid crisis may have begun with overprescription of pain meds3, but it’s since grown for new reasons, like cheap, accessible products. Fentanyl, too, plays a large role in the 1,500 opioid-related deaths per week.

Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction

Many rehabs treat opioid addiction. In a residential setting, you’ll likely go through a medically supervised detox first, then begin therapeutic treatment. 

Therapies for opioid addiction could range from talk therapies to contingency management plans, which offer rewards for each step you complete in treatment. Talk therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) will help you work through the thoughts and emotions causing your behaviors. Then, you’ll learn new ways to process and manage what you feel.

You’ll learn coping tools for the future, relapse prevention strategies, and typically engage in an aftercare program to keep you well supported. 

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed explored prescription medication addiction. Other nominated movies this year blazed new trails, like The Whale.

The Whale Explores Grief And Binge-Eating

The Oscars nominated Brendan Fraser for Best Lead Actor. The Whale depicts Charlie’s (Fraser) journey through binge eating, grief, and depression. His coping mechanism began after the death of his partner. 

The story highlights the power of grief and the hold of eating disorders, and how they can function as a coping tool. Different characters in the film try to help Charlie, but as it often is, his grief is persistent. 

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating is eating without control4—it might feel impossible to stop. Sometimes, after binging, a purge happens; this is the pattern of bulimia nervosa5. You might purge through throwing up, taking laxatives, excessive exercise, or starving yourself. It’s meant to “undo” the binge. Not every binge eater purges, though. 

Binge eating might be your coping tool, especially if you’re dealing with something as powerful as grief.

Grief And Depression

Depression is a stage of grief6, as proposed by Kübler-Ross. In The Whale, Charlie mourns the loss of his partner, who died by suicide. Depression became a strong stage in his mourning. 

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, you can call or text the number 988.

The film suggests binge eating became Charlie’s own way of committing suicide.

Getting Help for Grief And Depression

There’s help for the millions of others like Charlie. Grief and depression can weigh heavily—sometimes unbearably so. But you do have options to heal. 

Complicated grief therapy (CGT)7, for example, can help with grief and all its stages. Using loss- and restoration-focused care, “the therapist works to facilitate the progress of grief to help the client come to terms with the death.” 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help with depression and grief7. Using CBT, your therapist can help you modify your thoughts and change your behaviors. For grief, CBT could help you process your loss in a more productive way.

To Leslie And Blonde

Both To Leslie and Blonde highlight drug and alcohol addiction. They were also both nominated for Best Leading Actress in the 2023 Oscars. Ana de Armas played Marilyn Monroe in Blonde, and Andrea Riseborough played Leslie in To Leslie.

To Leslie depicts a mother’s struggle with addiction, spurred on by a seemingly-ideal lottery win. Leslie reaches new lows and eventually seeks help for her daughter’s sake and herself. 

Blonde retells the life story of Marilyn Monroe, who tragically and famously died after an overdose. 

Drug And Alcohol Addiction: Not Just for The Famous

Movies like Blonde make addiction seem almost ritzy—something only people with deep pockets can do. Then, To Leslie goes and proves that wrong. So which is true? 

It’s both. 

Addiction doesn’t discriminate. In each movie, despite the contrasts in leading women, their reasons for substance abuse were similar. The case remains true for many today. Stressors, mental illnesses, or trauma can start a habit you can’t stop on your own. 

Stories like Leslie’s and Monroe’s can help the larger public see this through a cleaner lens. Addiction wasn’t a moral failing of either woman. It was how they coped. 

But there’s more than one way to find that same sense of control. Treatment can help you see that.

Treatment Options for Drug And Alcohol Use

Many rehabs treat drug and alcohol addiction. Here, you’d have constant monitoring, individualized care, and a structured treatment schedule. Most residential rehabs also offer on-site detox. 

Depending on your situation, you might find an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or partial hospitalization program (PHP) more suitable. Each of these programs provides effective treatment, and you get to go home at night. IOP is less intensive, usually lasting 3-5 hours a day, while PHP could go for 5-8. 

In these treatment settings, you’ll learn relapse prevention skills and work on the thoughts behind your behaviors. Rehabs typically offer a variety of therapies to meet your needs. 
You can browse our list of rehabs to see reviews, pricing, and insurance information, and more.

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Neurofeedback For Addiction Recovery: Letting Your Body Heal Your Mind

Neurofeedback can help those who need something different than a traditional way of healing during their recovery journey. With neurofeedback, you can see how your mind and body connect. And you’ll learn how you can shift your habits and ways of thinking to help you overcome addiction. You can start moving in the right direction to align your mind and body through neurofeedback treatment. 

How Addiction Affects the Brain

The human brain is made up of cells called neurons1 that interact with each other in different networks. One neuron releases a neurotransmitter, like a message, into the gap called a synapse, which then attaches to the next neuron telling it what to do. And different networks, or circuits, of neurons are responsible for different functions in the body.

neurotransmitter process

When you take drugs, they interrupt how this process occurs in the brain. Some drugs mimic the structure of natural neurotransmitters, and others cause neurons to release a lot of natural neurotransmitters. 

Addiction starts when your brain begins to produce less of its natural neurotransmitters due to high, constant drug use. It becomes harder to find the same happiness from things you used to enjoy. You then need to use drugs to find that pleasure again. And oftentimes, you need to use higher and higher amounts to get that same joy.

This becomes a dangerous cycle. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help you find your passion for life again without the use of a substance.

What Is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, measures brain activity with a few different devices like an electroencephalogram (EEG), sweat sensors, and heart rate monitors. Then, a trained professional can see where damage is in the brain. Your neurofeedback practitioner can work with you to get these harmed parts of the brain back to healthy functioning. It essentially harmonizes your brain waves. This treatment is non-invasive and does not use medication.

The main goal is to give you strategies to interfere with unhealthy thought patterns and help you take charge of your mind. This facilitates positive changes in thinking and behavior.

How It Works

Professionals at Luna Recovery explain that an electroencephalogram (EEG) uses sensors placed on your skin to gather information about brainwave activity2. It also collects data about your blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature. Practitioners then locate where there’s damage in the brain due to drug use, or other conditions. Knowing this, they can help you correct these faulty neural pathways.

What Happens During Neurofeedback Therapy?

During a neurofeedback session, which typically lasts about an hour, you’ll likely wear a cap on your head with different electrodes placed on it. These electrodes connect to a machine to monitor your brain’s activity.

neurofeedback session

After this is all set up, your practitioner will do activities with you to stimulate different areas of your brain. This could include watching a movie or playing a video game; however, your brain activity directly affects what’s happening on the screen. 

For example, your screen may only be at full brightness when your brain waves are interacting in unison. If you lose focus and your brain activity scatters, the screen will dim. Simple exercises like this not only show you how your brain is working, but they also begin to teach you how you can control it.

Are There Risks Associated with Neurofeedback Treatment?

Neurofeedback is generally a safe form of treatment because it’s non-invasive. It is possible, but unlikely, to experience some side effects during sessions, like anxiety, fatigue, and headaches.

Neurofeedback for Addiction Treatment

Addiction typically creates irregular brain waves3, and each drug creates different types of damage in different areas. Luckily, we can correct these irregularities through neurofeedback. 

During sessions, you’ll pay close attention to your thoughts. Outside of sessions, you can practice what you’ve learned to help you manage your feelings or cravings in real life. You’ll learn skills to adapt to any new situation that life throws at you. Throughout treatment, you can train your brain to become as healthy as someone without addiction4.

Neurofeedback and Mental Health

Neurofeedback is extremely useful for not only addiction recovery, but also for mental health disorders5. It’s an effective treatment for common disorders like anxiety and depression6. But neurofeedback can also treat co-occurring disorders and other singular  diagnoses:

  • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Insomnia
  • Schizophrenia 
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

By disrupting unhelpful thought patterns, you can manage the emotions that come with your mental health condition. And neurofeedback can offer a good alternative to medication, especially if medications or other treatment plans haven’t worked for you in the past.

A Different Way of Healing

You have resources available to heal from addiction or mental health issues. Neurofeedback can give you a whole new perspective on life. You can attune your mind and body to connect with yourself and the world around you. Discover how rehabs with neurofeedback can help you start living fully.

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Goals of Depression Treatment (AAA)

You need more than a quick fix to treat depression. Depression won’t go away overnight, but that’s okay. That’s why therapy is a continual process that supports medication management, and vice versa. The goal, then, of depression treatment is to work through its root causes and teach you how to navigate daily life with more hope, ease, and joy. 

Through treatment, you can learn to manage depression and navigate your emotions. Talking with your doctor can help you decide which level of care is best for you. You could even attend a rehab for depression. 

Depression treatment could take many directions. Dr. Malasri, psychologist and Senior Director of Content at RehabPath, describes her AAA method below. 

“The more we focus on perseverative thoughts, the more they will prevail. To work through them, it is crucial to take the AAA approach: Acknowledge, Acknowledge, Action. The first round of Acknowledgement involves listening to yourself and acknowledging what you are truly feeling. In the second round of acknowledgement, you need to acknowledge the aspiration—what do you actually want to bring to your life, what are you seeking? Finally, take action—this is where you create an action plan that will enable you to take your solutions and break them down into monthly, weekly, and daily goals.”

You can use this method during and between therapy sessions. Using AAA, you can have progressive conversations with your therapist and yourself, and an all-around more successful treatment experience.

AAA Infographic2
The AAA method.

Acknowledgement 

The first step and goal of depression treatment is acknowledgement. You can acknowledge your symptoms, how they affect your life, and that they could mean you need extra help. Doing so might be your first step to healing.

You can do this with yourself, a therapist, or both. Because therapy doesn’t stop once you leave a session—it’s also every moment in between.

Your therapist can help you work through and resolve what contributes to your symptoms, especially if it feels hard to identify. For example, you might try to navigate a difficult job situation by identifying its pain points and seeing if you can relieve them. Or, your therapist could help you navigate a toxic relationship or living situation.

Once you’ve acknowledged what’s going on and how you’re feeling, you can move onto the second phase of acknowledgement.

Acknowledge What You Want

What do you want to happen next? What do you seek? Take some time to reflect on this. Dream, visualize, and see what you can imagine for yourself.

What does happiness look like? What does your ideal work experience look like? What motivates you? What are your sources of inspiration? 

Try to be realistic as you do this—taking off too big a chunk might feel daunting. Identify what you want here. Think of a blank canvas, and what picture you want to paint. 

And once you know what you want, you (and your therapist) can begin making it happen.

Action: Plan Your Next Steps 

Sometimes, leaving the cycle of depression can seem scary—paralyzingly so. Once you acknowledge this cycle and your goals, you can redirect your energy into action. Alone or with help, you can identify manageable steps that you can accomplish daily, weekly, and monthly. These form your action plan. 

You need to paint your dreams with paced, manageable steps. Here, it’s important to remember that small steps in your plan might feel easier to follow and commit to. 

For example, you might take a walk each day. Some days you might feel up to something bigger. Take that motivation and focus on the pace you created. On the days where it seems undoable, take that energy, go back to acknowledging those emotions, breathe through it, and remind yourself of your paced approach. 

Give yourself compassion—and space to breathe in your action plan.

Committing to the process could be invaluable, especially since, like other conditions, depression requires maintenance. It won’t vanish on its own. And once it’s gone, there’s always the chance it could come back. 

Maintaining your treatments, like therapy, self-care and medication management, can keep recurrent episodes at bay. 

And you can always come back to AAA. The process has no expiration date, and it’s yours. 

Break The Chains Without Fear

Despite how it may feel, depression can go away with proper treatment. The goal of treatment isn’t to give you a fast cure. Rather, it’s to give you systems and plans to manage the condition.
If you think residential treatment for depression could help you best, you can browse our list of depression rehabs and see pictures, pricing, and reviews.

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How to Spot High Functioning Depression: Signs and Treatment

High functioning depression can look like appearing okay to friends and family, while really you’re struggling on the inside. There are a lot of misconceptions about what depression looks like. But depression actually comes in many different forms and levels of intensity. Sometimes, symptoms can be hard to identify.

Seeking help can be daunting, but you are strong enough to begin healing. You can get treatment for high functioning depression to start living to your fullest potential.

What Is High Functioning Depression?

High functioning depression is a subtype of depression in which individuals experience symptoms of depression but can maintain their daily functioning, such as going to work or school, socializing, and completing daily tasks. It is characterized by a relatively high level of functional status, low depression scores, and little agitation.

High functioning depression can be challenging  to spot, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms you’re experiencing. This disorder usually has milder symptoms of major depression1. And it can be caused by a combination of genetic factors2 and other life experiences.

Despite feeling the opposite, putting on a happy face may seem like a good way to cope with depression at first. But ignoring the signs that you might be depressed can make it worse. High functioning looks different for everyone. Sometimes it seems like a way to protect yourself from uncomfortable feelings, and sometimes it looks like wearing a mask and pretending to be happy when you are not.

While your high functioning depression might feel manageable now, it could snowball into something more harmful. But co-occurring disorders like anxiety, major depressive disorder, and insomnia can also be an issue as a result of the depression3. And if you’ve experienced these feelings for 2+ years, you may have persistent depressive disorder (PDD), or dysthymia4. 

Signs of High Functioning Depression

If you think you have high functioning depression, it’s essential to talk to a licensed clinician who can diagnose you; however, here are some of the symptoms that you can identify4: 

  • Low self-esteem
  • Changes in sleep habits 
  • Changes in appetite 
  • Internalized distress
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Trouble making decisions
  • Feelings of sadness and hopelessness
  • High achievement orientation
  • Difficulty seeking help

These symptoms can have damaging and long lasting effects. Sometimes, high functioning depression can cause more harm than acute major depression5. But there are resources and tools available. You can stop the cycle and step into a more fulfilling, positive lifestyle by seeking professional help for your high functioning depression. 

Healing from the Inside Out: Treatment for High Functioning Depression

Acknowledging that you may have high functioning depression, and facing those negative feelings, is a vital first step in your journey toward healing. Getting a diagnosis and the right care can then get you to feel like the real you again.

Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs) can help manage your symptoms. However, medications are even more effective when combined with other therapies5. 

Talk Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is proven to be one of the best treatments for depression6. This therapy helps you identify unhelpful thought patterns that might contribute to your high functioning depression. Then, you’ll learn how to replace those negative thoughts with positive ones. Once you build out these new ways of thinking, your emotions will likely become more manageable. And you’ll learn habits to overcome any new challenges that arise in the future.

Cognitive behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy (CBASP) is a therapy designed specifically for persistent depression7. CBASP helps you create a clear, step-by-step action plan to tackle your issues. You’ll learn how to develop constructive, positive habits. And you’ll focus on your actions’ impact on yourself and others. This, in turn, motivates you to maintain a positive lifestyle.  

Holistic Therapies

Healing requires looking at the whole “you.” And healthy lifestyle changes can enhance treatment for depression5. There are a few different holistic practices that you can incorporate into your recovery to heal your mind, body, and spirit.

Yoga builds physical and mental strength, which makes it an effective treatment for depression8. Yoga can provide community and a sense of belonging, and depression-related themes can be shared in classes. You’ll work through breathing exercises, learn resilience in different poses, and practice mindfulness. And you can do it from anywhere and on your schedule. 

Meditation and mindfulness are another instrumental way to treat depression. In fact, data shows that mindfulness-based training is as effective as other talk therapies for depression treatment8. These practices draw your attention to the present moment and your surroundings. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can become more aware of your emotions. And in time, you can better manage your feelings and choose to seek the positive. 

How to Support Someone with High Functioning Depression

If you think someone you love is experiencing high functioning depression, providing a listening ear and complete understanding can go a long way. While you can be a support system for the person you love, encouraging them to get professional treatment is the best way to help them heal. You can be their rock, guide them through the process, and be patient as experts help your loved one work through their depression. 

Learning to Live Fearlessly

Coming face-to-face with your depression can be scary. But by confronting what’s holding you back, you can set yourself free. Tap into your resilience by seeking help for your high functioning depression. 

Change happens in small steps. Here are 6 things you can start doing today to live fearlessly: 

  1. Seek professional help
  2. Challenge negative thoughts
  3. Practice self-care
  4. Reach out for support from friends and family–remember reaching for help is a good thing
  5. Make manageable changes (i.e. daily routine, new hobby)
  6. Set goals for yourself
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How to Deal With Depression

Depression is far from uncommon—globally, it affects 5% of adults1. That amounts to 280 million people. It’s the leading cause of disability, can lead to suicide, and affects more women than men. It’s clearly a prevalent condition. 

But you can heal from mild, moderate, and severe depression.

If you think you might be depressed and want to discuss your immediate treatment options, talk with your doctor. Together, you can find treatment and a new sense of hope. You could even go to a rehab for depression.

If you or someone you love is contemplating self-harm, call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to get immediate support.

What Are The Types of Depression?

Knowing that depression can present itself in a number of ways1, and understanding that symptoms can appear and stay for different lengths of time, can help you create a plan to deal with depression. Understanding your particular symptoms, how they appear, and their patterns can help you embrace your own unique plan for living fully. 

Usually, the symptoms of depression fall into a more specific diagnosis2. Talking to your doctor about your symptoms can help you understand your diagnosis and your emotions—and how to navigate them.

For example, if you have mild but long-lasting symptoms, your doctor might diagnose you with dysthymia, or persistent depressive disorder (PDD). There’s also postpartum depression, which affects women after giving birth, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which describes depression symptoms that only arise during winter. Bipolar depression and major depressive disorder can both have more severe symptoms, like suicidality.

Signs of Depression

Doctors make a diagnosis based on your number of symptoms, their frequency, and how long they last. Usually, symptoms lasting 2 weeks or longer point to a form of depression.

Some signs of depression2 include feeling empty, sad, or hopeless. Losing interest in your hobbies or daily life is common too. You might also:

  • struggle to concentrate 
  • feel excessively guilty 
  • lose hope 
  • sleep too much or too little 
  • feel tired 
  • lose your appetite
  • entertain the thought of suicide 

The symptoms of depression could feel like fog that never really goes away, touching all areas of your life. But where does the fog come from? 

It could actually come from a few places at once.

The Causes of Depression

Depression has a cause3, whether it creeps on slowly or strikes suddenly. A non-exhaustive list of them includes:

  • Biological factors & susceptibility 
  • Sudden life changes
  • Trauma

Biological factors usually mean a chemical imbalance4. If this happens, the imbalance could lead to the symptoms associated with depression, like low mood. And you might be biologically susceptible to depression5 if it runs in your family.

A sudden life change, like moving, starting a new job, or losing someone you love can also lead to depression. Trauma can cause depression5 too, whether it’s underlying trauma or something you’re well aware of, like a car accident. 

It’s also common for depression to co-occur with other conditions5. For example, addiction can contribute to depression. Dual-diagnosis treatment can help you recover from both conditions at once. 

But for each cause and type of depression, you do have opportunities to heal.

Treatments for Depression: Medication, Therapy, and More

Depression treatments fall into 2 general categories: medication and therapy4. And when talk therapy supports medication, the combined benefits are greater than either alone. 

Medication Management

Medications for depression6 include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors). Because of their success rate and low side effects, doctors typically begin with SSRIs. MAOIs can help with treatment-resistant depression. 

But in most cases, medications work best combined with talk therapy3—they’re one part of a combined treatment effort.

Therapies for Depression 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) challenges your perception6. Its success in breaking negative thought cycles makes it a strong tool in depression treatment. With CBT, you can identify persistent, plaguing thoughts and neutralize them. Or, CBT can help you rework those thoughts into something positive.

Through CBT, you might also learn to recognize the thoughts that trigger depression and any conditions that co-occur with it. And once you know what those thoughts are, you can catch them before the cycle can even start. 

By reframing your thought processes, CBT can also boost your self-esteem, giving you a renewed belief in what you can accomplish. 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) adopts a dialectical philosophy7, which teaches you to accept yourself while motivating change at the same time. This mindful approach can be empowering. You might say, “I accept that I have this diagnosis and these feelings, but I can learn how to manage it.” Or, “I’m doing my best, and I can keep doing better.”

DBT is a cornerstone treatment for borderline personality disorder, but shows remarkable success in treating depression and suicidality8. DBT has an integrative nature, which means it can work well with other therapies. It can also apply to group and 1:1 settings. 

DBT therapists also like to be easily accessible, since the introspective nature of DBT could give you an epiphany any time. This means you could call or text your therapist throughout the day, which can be especially important for suicidality.

Brain Stimulation Therapy (rTMS)

Doctors use brain therapies9 like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treatment-resistant depression. It activates specific areas of the brain with magnetic waves. For depression, doctors usually focus on the frontal cortex, which is just behind your forehead.

You can also manage depression in other ways. For mild depression, for example, you might not need behavioral therapy or medications. Small tips and lifestyle changes could alleviate your symptoms and help you manage more severe depression long term. 

For any type of depression, no matter what causes it, you can get better. Your healing opportunities await.

Find Yourself Again

One type of treatment won’t work for everyone. But with multiple treatment pathways, you can begin to navigate depression, reduce its intensity, and grow in your resilience. 
If you think residential treatment could help you reach your goals, you can browse our list of rehabs with pricing, reviews, and insurance information.

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Traumatic Brain Injuries and Your Mental Health

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be extremely serious. Unlike most injuries, they can directly alter brain function, and have a severe impact on your mental health. Some patients even develop addictions following TBI, whether or not they have a history of substance abuse.

Even a relatively mild concussion can cause long-term symptoms. And because those symptoms won’t necessarily appear right away, it can be hard to see the connection between TBI and subsequent mental health issues. After sustaining any type of head trauma, it’s important to see a doctor and learn about your options for recovery. Depending on your exact experience, you may benefit from getting treatment at a residential rehab.

Mental Health Symptoms of a Physical Injury

Although they’re caused by physical trauma, TBIs are strongly related to mental health and addiction issues. Because these injuries can affect brain function, mood and behavioral changes are common symptoms of traumatic brain injury.1

In some clients, head trauma can lead to serious mental health conditions,2 like depression or anxiety. This is even true for people with mild TBIs, like concussions. According to one study, “both moderate to severe and mild TBI are associated with an increased risk of subsequent psychiatric illness.3 Whereas moderate to severe TBI is associated with a higher initial risk, mild TBI may be associated with persistent psychiatric illness.”

The connection between TBIs and mental health conditions goes both ways. Many TBI patients experience emotional changes, regardless of their prior health history. People with a preexisting mental health diagnosis may also be at a higher risk for traumatic brain injury.4 No matter what your mental health history looks like, you may be especially vulnerable to certain issues after a TBI.

Depression

TBIs are correlated with major depressive disorder.6 One study found that this condition “occurs with sufficient frequency to be considered a significant consequence after TBI.” And unfortunately, these symptoms may get in the way of your recovery. Many people with depression have trouble finding the motivation to get the help they need.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are quite common after traumatic brain injuries.7 TBI is associated with a number of anxiety disorders, including (but not limited to) the following:

  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Phobias
  • Panic disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

In some cases, these conditions are simply emotional responses to the event that caused traumatic brain injury. For example, you might develop PTSD after being in a serious car accident. However, they may also result from changes to the brain itself. Experts have found that anxiety is “a strong predictor of social, personal, and work dysfunction” in people with TBIs.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD commonly co-occurs with traumatic brain injuries. This might be true because of the prevalence of TBI among military veterans,8 who are at risk of PTSD for additional reasons. However, research has found that civilians with a history of head trauma are also at risk for developing PTSD.9 If you’re experiencing the symptoms of PTSD, whether or not you have a history of TBI, consider attending a program that offers trauma-informed care.

Choosing the Right Therapy for TBI Recovery

Treatment for TBI depends on your exact symptoms, and on their severity. Because these injuries may affect any area of the brain, different clients have vastly different needs during recovery. Most people benefit from a combination of physical and psychotherapeutic interventions for traumatic brain injuries.10

If you’re experiencing mood or behavioral changes, or other mental health symptoms, the following types of therapy can be especially helpful:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is the most widely used mental health intervention for people with TBI.10 In this type of treatment, you’ll regularly meet with a therapist to discuss your emotional experience. During each session, you’ll identify challenging thought patterns and emotional responses, and learn practical tactics to help you navigate them. These skills empower you to approach difficult emotions and situations with equanimity.

Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness techniques may be helpful for TBI,11 especially for people with both cognitive and psychological symptoms. Preliminary research shows that therapies like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) are highly effective in treating a wide variety of symptoms. These techniques can help you come into the present moment, accept your emotions as they are, and find a sense of peace. More research is needed into this form of treatment in the context of TBIs. If you do engage in meditation as part of recovery, it’s important to combine it with other healing methods.

Pharmaceutical Treatment

Depending on your symptoms, you may be a candidate for pharmaceutical treatment for mental health issues following a TBI.12 If you decide to try taking medication after a brain injury, it’s important to stay in close communication with your prescribing doctor. Any prescription can have side effects, and you could be at risk for developing serious cognitive or even physical symptoms due to your health history. Some medications, including tricyclic antidepressants, may not be safe for people with a history of TBI.

all points north lodge indoor pool
All Points North Lodge offers specialized programming and facilities for both active and former professional athletes.

TBI and Addiction

There is a high rate of substance use disorders among people with a history of TBI.13 Although more research is needed into the exact link between these two conditions, data supports the idea that addiction can make people more vulnerable to brain injuries, and vice versa.

Drug and Alcohol Use Can Cause TBI

Like other mental health conditions, substance abuse can increase your risk of traumatic brain injury.12 One study suggests that problem drinking is an especially common risk factor for these injuries, because it interferes with physical coordination. Drinking post-TBI can lead to severe mental health symptoms.

Any history of addiction can have an impact on your recovery from these injuries. One study found that people who had already entered recovery for substance misuse, and then sustained a traumatic brain injury, were at an increased risk of addiction relapse after their TBI.13 And since new symptoms can appear long after the original injury, it’s important to make a long-term plan for your recovery.

Neurological Changes Following TBI

Evidence suggests that people who sustain early-life TBIs are at a greater risk for developing substance use disorders.14 Head trauma can impact brain development, and it sometimes changes the way you respond to certain stimuli. In particular, research shows that the “regions of the brain associated with the perception of reward” may be directly affected by brain injuries.

If these areas of your brain are changed or damaged, you’ll be more vulnerable to addiction. A wealth of neuroscientific research confirms that drug use hijacks the brain’s reward system.15 According to neuropharmacologists Wilkie A. Wilson, Ph.D., and Cynthia M. Kuhn, Ph.D., “when addictive drugs enter the brain they artificially simulate a highly rewarding environment.” This modifies brain chemistry, provoking behavioral changes. Habitual drug use causes “the reward system to modify the brain to crave the drug and take action to get it.”

Professional athletes may also be more vulnerable to developing addictions16 following TBI. According to one study, athletes are “more susceptible to the intoxicating effects of substances and may get in trouble more easily due to the disinhibiting effects of the brain injury.” Because addiction often starts as an attempt to self-medicate mental health symptoms, early treatment may help you avoid more serious consequences.

If you have a history of either drug abuse or brain injury, be sure to inform your doctor when you seek treatment for either condition. Healing is absolutely possible, but you may need specialized care during recovery.

Rehab for Professional Athletes

Traumatic brain injuries are common among athletes.17 Experts estimate that 10% of all TBIs “are due to sports and recreational activities.” And if you’re a professional athlete, this type of injury can directly interfere with your ability to do your job.

Fortunately, several luxury rehab programs are designed to meet your unique needs. Orenda at Futures offers the Orenda Athletes Track, in which clients can continue physical training during residential treatment. This empowers you to recover without sacrificing your long-term career goals in the process. At this facility, “a team that has provided training and physical therapy to MLB, PGA, and more helps athletes heal and train while receiving comprehensive care for mental health and substance use disorders.”

You may be eligible for one of these specialized programs even if you’ve already retired from professional sports. All Points North Lodge treats both active and former professional athletes. Their experts continue offering support even after clients complete inpatient treatment. With their guidance, clients can start planning for long-term recovery from the moment they enter rehab. For some, that recovery plan may need to include medical care alongside mental health treatment.

orenda at futures athletes track
Orenda at Futures’ Athletes Track allows clients to continue physical training during residential treatment.

Other Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries

If you develop mental health symptoms after a TBI,18 you may be at greater risk for additional symptoms. Specifically, mental health issues could be a warning sign for functional limitations, like memory loss and difficulty performing regular activities. Your healthcare team may be able to recognize those signs in advance, and help you prepare for challenges.

TBIs may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.19 According to the CDC, symptoms may last as little as a few hours, or they may linger for the rest of a person’s life. These injuries are especially dangerous for children and older adults. For children, TBI symptoms can affect brain development and result in long-term cognitive issues. Older adults are often misdiagnosed, and fail to receive the care they need as a result.

In mild cases, common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury5 include, but are not limited to:

  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue
  • Mood or behavioral changes

Moderate or severe TBIs present with the same symptoms, and may also cause the following issues:

  • Seizures
  • Nausea
  • Pupil dilation
  • Loss of coordination
  • Agitation

If you exhibit any of these symptoms after a head injury, no matter how minor, it’s very important that you consult a doctor.

Long-Term Recovery for Body and Mind

Traumatic brain injuries can have long-term health impacts. And if your brain functions differently than it did before, it can be difficult to imagine what healing will look like. Recovery might not mean returning to life as it used to be. Instead, this is your opportunity to get to know yourself again, and decide how you’d like to move forward.

It’s extremely important to get comprehensive care after a TBI. Physical and mental health are always connected, especially if you’re healing from a brain injury. By working with a skilled team of doctors and therapists, you can decide on a plan of care that feels right for you.

If you’re concerned about the impact of an injury on your mental health, talking to a treatment facility can be a good place to start. Search our collection of luxury rehabs for program information, photos, reviews, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Brain Injuries and Mental Health

What are the mental health symptoms associated with traumatic brain injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to various mental health symptoms, including mood and behavioral changes, depression, anxiety disorders (such as social anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms can occur regardless of your prior mental health history.

Can traumatic brain injuries lead to addiction?

Yes, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are associated with a higher risk of developing substance use disorders and addiction. Addiction makes people more susceptible to brain injuries, and vice versa. Substance abuse, including problem drinking, can increase the risk of TBIs and worsen mental health symptoms. Early treatment and specialized care are important for individuals with a history of addiction or brain injury.

What types of therapy are effective for TBI recovery and mental health symptoms?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely used for people with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and mental health issues. It helps identify challenging thought patterns and emotions and provides practical tactics to navigate them. CBT is only one kind of available talk therapy; your treatment provider can help you decide which therapies are best for you.