By Safe Call Now Admin Staff
Depression is the second most common type of mental health disorder in the United States. It causes changes in your thinking, behavior and moods. First Responders suffering from depression often feel persistent sadness and anxiety. Hopelessness and a loss of self-worth are common symptoms. Clinical depression carries with it risk of self-harm and suicide. It can also weaken the immune system and your overall physical health.
When you add alcohol or other drugs to the mix, the situation can become extremely volatile. The combination of depression or other mental health disorders and drug addiction is referred to as co-occurring disorders, and it’s vital that both are treated simultaneously in order to make a successful recovery.
Some Depression and Substance Abuse Statistics
Nearly 10 million Americans suffer from co-occurring disorders each year. According to estimates, 2/3 of those with substance abuse problems have at least one mental disorder, and more than half of those suffering from mental disorders have at least one substance abuse problem. One in ten Americans suffer from depression. The groups at greatest risk for depression are:
- Adults ages 45-64
- Women
- African Americans and Hispanics
- People who are unable to work or are chronically unemployed
- Those without insurance or health benefits
The Importance of Dual-Diagnosis Treatment for Depression and Addiction
You might understand a person turning to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate or numb the pain of depression. However, positive developments can also drive them deeper into addiction. When you’re consumed with negative thoughts and feelings, happier states of being might prove frightening.
Someone seeking help for depression without addressing their substance abuse problems can make strides towards recovery and find themselves in uncharted territory. A return to their drug of choice is familiar ground. It feels more like home, and they relapse. Similar setbacks are just as likely if not more so for someone recovering from addiction while neglecting their mental health.
That’s why it’s so important to seek a treatment program that recognizes and treats both issues simultaneously. If you’re struggling with co-occurring disorders, talk to your physician. They can help recommend a mental health professional or a treatment center qualified to serve you.
If you, someone you love or someone you know needs help, call:
Safe Call Now: 24 Hour Confidential Hotline: 206-459-3020
For more information on the First Responders program: Click here
Or call Shannon Clairemont at 661-466-6352 or Vanessa Stapleton at 304-651-3008
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Published by armorupnow
Sean Riley is the Founder and President of Safe Call Now, a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide. Safe Call Now was started in 2009 after legislation was passed guaranteeing confidentiality nationwide for all who call the Safe Call Now crisis line that is staffed by current and former first responders.
Sean played baseball for San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration. He started his law enforcement career as a San Diego County Deputy Sheriff in 1987 and later relocated to Washington State in 1990. Sean spent over 16 years with the Kirkland Police Department. His many accomplishments include being a member of the International Homicide Investigator's Association, Homicide and Sexual Assault Detective, Interview and Interrogation Specialist, D.A.R.E. Officer, Gang Officer and Certified Training Officer. Riley is also credited with solving one of the first ever elder abuse homicide cases in the nation.
Sean's prominent career in law enforcement ended in 2005 when he could no longer hide his "secret" behind the badge. Sean threw away his almost 20-year stellar police career due to alcohol and drug addiction and was headed towards suicide to become just another unknown statistic. In addition to attending college for substance abuse counseling, Sean worked as a supervisor at a local treatment center where he witnessed many public safety employees coming in and out of treatment. Riley decided to do something about it. From his own experience, he knew that first responders wanted to come forward to help, but due to the stigma attached, they would not. Admitting to a substance abuse or mental health problem is perceived as a sign of weakness and could result in the termination from a noble career. By creating a safe and confidential place to reach out for help, first responders are now coming forward in droves from around the nation to better their lives, better their families and better their careers.
Recognized as a dynamic national keynote speaker, Sean travels throughout the country to share his inspirational story. Coupled with cutting edge, interactive training, Riley hits those once thought of as "taboo" or "controversial" topics head-on.
"Safe Call Now provides education, healthy alternatives, resources and a complete continuum of care to save lives and put families back together. Through a collaborative effort, Safe Call Now has discovered when you provide an opportunity for an individual to get their life and their family back, you get one great employee back out serving the public."
- Sean Riley, Founder/President
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