DEPRESSION IN SOLDIERS

Depression in soldiers and the struggles people go through due to depression is a battle many people face. The National Institute of Mental Health, in 2022, reported more than 21 million adults in the US had at least one major depressive episode. That number is a little less than 10% of the population of the US. When compared to the nearly 20% of active duty service members who have been clinically diagnosed with depression, it becomes evident that those who serve our country have the highest risk of battling depression. The truth is depression is massively affecting the United States, but those who have sacrificed and served our country have the highest risk of suffering from untreated depression. 

What is Depression?

Depression (also called clinical depression or major depressive disorder), although a common disorder, is severely misunderstood. The symptoms of depression must be present for a minimum of two weeks to receive a clinical diagnosis. There are multiple types of depression, and the nuances between them are subtle. 

Types of Depression

Major Depression: Major depression has symptoms of depression for two weeks or more that typically interfere with the person’s ability to eat, sleep, study, and work.

Persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia) includes less severe depression symptoms for two weeks or more and doesn’t interfere with daily responsibilities.

Perinatal depression, also known as postpartum depression, is exclusive to depression experienced during pregnancy or after delivery.

Seasonal affective disorder depression comes and goes with the changing seasons. 

Depression, with symptoms of psychosis, is a severe form of depression where a person experiences symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations (hearing and seeing things that aren’t there) or delusions (disturbing, false beliefs feeling real). 

Symptoms of Depression

The National Institute of Mental Health has identified the following symptoms of depression: 

    • Feelings of pessimism or hopelessness
    • Persistent “empty” mood, sadness, or anxiety
    • Feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, or guilt 
    • Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness 
    • Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling “slowed down.”
    • Loss of pleasure or interest in hobbies, activities, and things that once brought joy.
    • Headaches, Aches or pains, or some digestive issues without a clear physical cause.
    • Difficulty making decisions, concentrating or remembering
    • Irregularity with sleeping patterns 
    • Abnormality in appetite, and other eating patterns
    • Suicidal thoughts
    • Attempts of Suicide

Remember not everyone who struggles and is battling addiction will experience all of the symptoms above. To know if you are working with depression, asking your primary care physician to help assess you would be a significant first step. For Veterans, these services are typically handled through their local VA. Once you know if you or your loved one is struggling with depression, you can begin looking into ways to take action and win against the struggle. 

 

Depression and Alcohol Abuse

The Link Between Depression and Alcohol Abuse. Many people who struggle with depression seek ways to help overcome their depression independently. Veterans are severely at risk for depression. 1 out of 3 Veterans who visit primary care clinics have symptoms of depression. 1 out of 5 have severe symptoms, and further evaluation is suggested. Further, 1 out of 8 Veterans needs immediate treatment to address their depression. 

 

Many Veterans who struggle with depression end up using alcohol or other substances to combat their depression. They have tried antidepressants, therapy, and other methods, but unfortunately, they still struggle. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and depressive disorder studies have indicated that the co-occurrence of AUD and depressive disorders are associated with greater severity and a worse prognosis for both diseases. In other words, If someone is struggling with both AUD and Depression, both conditions negatively affect the other. If either disorder is left untreated, there is a higher propensity for suicide among people who struggle with both diseases. Additionally, A 2022 study found nearly an average of 44 veterans per day from suicide. Furthermore, when accounting for previously overlooked causes of death that are linked with suicidal and other harmful behaviors, which is 2.4 times greater than the official estimate. 

Effective Treatment for depression and Alcoholism

Scholars have recognized that there are several practical therapeutic approaches to treat both depression and AUD simultaneously. Are you ready to conquer this battle? At Tree House Recovery PDX, we successfully treat depression and AUD simultaneously with tremendous results. Whether you or someone you love is battling AUD and depression, understand that no one has to fight this alone. Tree House Recovery offers confidential assessments, where specialists will help you create and carry out a plan that is specific to your unique situation and will work. We can and want to help.

Our treatment team is an expert in treating depression and AUD. Our team employs evidence-based methods to resolve your symptoms of depression and help you regain control of the life you deserve. Our approach is a Mind-Body & Team approach that will optimize your mental, physical and social fitness. 

Our comprehensive evidenced-based approach includes the following: 

    • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy 
    • Cognitive Processing
    • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
    • Motivational Enhancement Therapy
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
    • SUD Fitness Therapy
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
    • Interpersonal Psychotherapy 
    • Family Therapy

A Veteran’s Personal Story

Tree House Recovery has treated many veterans over the years. We have treated generals, Green Berets, SEALs, Marines, and nearly every other armed forces branch. Every client has a unique and individualized treatment plan. Some veterans who made their way to Tree House Recovery were deep in depression and AUD. One client’s story, Cole M, is of a veteran who returned home to civilian life to battle alcoholism, depression, and PTSD. 

Watch the video below to hear Cole’s whole story, but Cole’s depression consumed him enough to the point where he considered, planned, and nearly attempted to take his own life. Through this horrific tragedy, Cole and his family found Tree House Recovery. Through Tree House’s innovative approach to depression and addiction treatment, Cole was able to build a civilian team and defeat his depression and battle with substances once and for all. 

Cole is not the only Veteran who has found success through Tree House Recovery. Two of Tree Recovery’s Founders, George Coleman and Neil Trusso, are both Veterans who have dedicated their lives to helping others heal through their struggles and live the lives they deserve. 

Get Help with Depression

If you or your loved one is ready to get help for depression and AUD, reach out to our admissions line. All of our calls are confidential. Our Admissions Specialists will work with you to create your personalized path forward into recovery. They will help you through every step of the process and ensure you finally have the resources you need to end the struggle. Please, call now and begin your journey to living the life you deserve. 

TREATMENT FOR VETERANS

Ready to conquer this battle? THR is here to help by making an individualized purpose-built treatment plan that works for you. Our treatment teams are trauma and SUD experts. The team uses proven methods that will resolve your struggles and help you regain control of your life. As a veteran, you have already proven your strength. Our approach will build your strength using evidence-based practices. We offer a Mind-Body & Team approach that will help optimize your mental, physical and social fitness

Rehab for Veterans

Evidence-Based

Our approach integrates the best available research, using evidence-based methods that work.

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
  • Cognitive Processing
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive
  • Therapy
  • Motivational Enhancement Therapy
  • SUD Fitness Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy
  • Family Therapy

Learn about how the Tree House Recovery Program can help soldiers with depression and addiction today. Call now for a fast, confidential assignment now (503) 850-2474.

Cited Sources:
  1. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
  2. https://www.research.va.gov/topics/depression.cfm
  3. McHugh RK, Weiss RD. Alcohol Use Disorder and Depressive Disorders. Alcohol Res. 2019 Jan 1;40(1):arcr.v40.1.01. doi: 10.35946/arcr.v40.1.01. PMID: 31649834; PMCID: PMC6799954
  4. Conner KR, Gamble SA, Bagge CL, et al. Substance-induced depression and independent depression in proximal risk for suicidal behavior. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2014;75(4):567–572.
  5. https://web.archive.org/web/20220923043056/https://e55c5558-502f-457d-8a07-a49806f5ff14.usrfiles.com/ugd/e55c55_3e4c6bae16a945bbb8dbfa36739af2df.pdf
  6. https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2022/09/17/veterans-suicide-rate-may-be-double-federal-estimates-study-suggests/

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