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How Codependency Is Fueling Your Depression

Do you know how codependency is fueling your depression? Did you know that depression is often a symptom of codependency? If not, you’re not alone. Most people who are codependent don’t realize they may have chronic depression.

That’s because the symptoms are usually mild. But, they can become worse over time as your codependency continues to fuel that depression.

People with severe depression might have problems doing something as simple as getting out of bed in the morning. If you have depression due to codependency, you’re more likely to see signs of it in the form of fatigue, sadness, or low self-esteem.

How exactly does codependency fuel depression, and what can you do about it?

How Do You Know You’re Codependent?

You may not realize how much codependency fuels your depression if you aren’t aware of it in the first place. However, there are some common signs that a person is codependent, including:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Persistent people-pleasing
  • Emotionally reactive
  • Obsessing over what another person is doing
  • Willing to overlook destructive behaviors and habits in another person
  • Always needing to be in a relationship

If any of those signs sound like you, you could be dealing with codependency. Once the symptoms are identified, it can often become clearer why it’s easy for depression to grow and thrive in codependent people.

Codependent relationships are often intense and fueled by emotions. That can make it difficult to separate reality from what you’re feeling. For example, if you have a partner that treats you poorly or cheats on you, you might make up excuses for them or think things “aren’t that bad” because you’re afraid of losing them.

Unfortunately, those falsehoods you tell yourself serve as food for your depression and cause it to worsen. If that relationship ends, the depression can become even worse and cause you to become anxious. You might feel the need to get into another relationship immediately, which only continues the cycle.

Codependency and Depression; So What Can You Do?

If you recognize yourself as codependent and you already struggle with depression, there are a few things you can do to stop the cycle and focus on your mental health.

Most importantly, don’t wait to seek out professional help if you feel like your depression is out of control. In some cases, depression can lead to thoughts of self-harm. If you can see that you’re heading down that path or things feel genuinely hopeless, talking with a therapist can help you manage your symptoms of depression and work on freedom from codependency.

Additionally, start taking care of yourself. Codependency can cause a lack of self-esteem. By practicing self-care each day, you can boost your esteem and feel better about who you are on your own. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Lean on friends and family for support, and talk to them regularly about how you’re feeling.

Codependency and Depression; What to Avoid

Codependency and depression don’t just magically go away. They may both be something you have to work on managing for a very long time actively. With that in mind, there are a few things to avoid to keep your codependency from triggering your depression.

Most importantly, don’t isolate yourself from family and friends who love you. One of the biggest mistakes people with codependency make is believing they are weak. Focus on your strengths instead.

Additionally, work on yourself and manage your depression and codependency before getting into another relationship. Make sure you’re ready to be yourself, and you feel good about who you are before letting someone else in.

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Codependency and depression are two “friends” you don’t want to have to deal with forever. By recognizing how being codependent can make your depression worse and doing what you can to manage it, you can break free from that emotional turmoil and be happy with who you are.

Please reach out to me today for support or visit my Addiction Intervention page to learn more about my services.

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5 Warning Signs of Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. That said, the signs of depression can vary for everyone. Some people might experience more severe symptoms. Others might be “high-functioning” with their depression. Knowing the signs of depression can help you determine when it might be time to get some help.

Despite some of the differences, there are a few warning signs of depression to be aware of. You may not be experiencing full-fledged symptoms yet, or you might be noticing that you feel a bit “off.”

Understanding some of these warning signs early on will make it easier to seek out help sooner. As a result, you can take control of your depression and manage your symptoms more effectively.

Let’s take a look at a few of the most common warning signs of depression.

1. Your Outlook Has Changed

One of the most common symptoms of depression is a feeling of hopelessness. If you’ve noticed that you have started to see things in a negative light, or your mood is more “down” than usual, it could be an early sign of depression.

Keep in mind that everyone feels sad and down from time to time. But, if it’s persistent and those feelings don’t seem to go away, it may be something more.

2. Physical Signs

While depression is a mental health condition, there are physical signs to watch for, too.

Some of the most common symptoms of depression are changes in sleep patterns or eating habits. If you’ve started to notice some of those changes, consider why they might be happening. Are they connected to how you feel?

3. A Loss of Interest

Do you find yourself not wanting to do things you usually enjoy? It’s normal to want some alone time or to relax. However, if you’re always backing out of something you typically love, it could be a warning sign of depression. That’s especially true if those things usually bring you happiness.

4. Pulling Away From Loved Ones

In addition to losing interest in interests, another potential warning sign is withdrawing from the people in your life.

Have you said “no” to spending time with family and friends lately? When was the last time you talked to someone you love? Withdrawal is a common sign of depression, often linked with feelings of hopelessness or even fatigue.

5. Changes in Your Emotions

It’s not uncommon for emotions to fluctuate throughout the day. But, depression can take those emotions to the extreme. If you feel sad one minute and angry the next, to the point where it causes an irritable outburst, it’s likely more than just your “typical” emotions coming through.

People with depression also sometimes experience feelings of anxiety. Fear can be overwhelming, and you might feel as though it’s taking over every aspect of your life if you don’t find a way to fight against it.

If you feel like you are losing control over your emotions, or they’re controlling you, it’s essential to understand why as soon as possible.

What’s the Next Step?

Again, the warning signs of depression can be different for everyone. But, the signs listed here are relatively common. If you’re struggling with this condition, you’re likely to display at least one of them.

Thankfully, depression isn’t only one of the most common mental health conditions; it’s also one of the most manageable. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, even if you’re not sure why, feel free to contact me to set up an appointment or visit my page about Heart Disease and Depression.

Together, we can work out the underlying cause(s) of why you might be feeling this way. Once we understand that root cause better, we can work on a management plan to help you control those depressive thoughts and symptoms.

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Ketamine and Depression: Know the Reality, Myth, and Controversy

Ketamine has a long history of wearing many hats. Initially, the military used it as an anesthetic. Today, ketamine and depression are getting a lot of attention because of how quickly the drug works.

The most significant benefit, according to some, is that ketamine could help to prevent depressed individuals from harming themselves.

Unfortunately, there is some controversy surrounding ketamine and depression because of the drug itself. Ketamine is sometimes shuffled into the category of synthetic and designer drugs.

As a street drug, it has names like Special K, Vitamin K, or jet. It can be highly addictive when taken incorrectly. Therefore, it’s essential to separate the truth from reality when it comes to this drug.

What Does Ketamine Do?

When it comes to ketamine and depression, the drug works by giving users a sense of dissociation. Some describe the symptoms as a less-intense version of PCP. Extremely low doses are given for depression, meant to manage symptoms rather than offer a feeling of “getting high.”

That’s why people who use ketamine for depression go for a limited amount of infusion treatments only. The procedures are monitored, and the correct dosage is given. Patients safely wean off the drug after about eight sessions.

When it’s taken in pill or capsule form, and the incorrect dosage is given, ketamine can cause harmful symptoms like:

  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Nausea
  • Visual disturbances

More severe side effects can include difficulty speaking or slowed breathing. Often, people who abuse ketamine show signs of irritability and have changes in their mood. Also, they are often disoriented or have difficulty remembering things.

Is Ketamine a Good Thing?

So, can ketamine and depression work together? Or, should you worry about the “street drug” aspect of it?

While misusing ketamine can lead to dependence and withdrawal, medical professionals often use it to treat depression. It’s never something that you should start taking on your own without the guidance of a medical professional.

If you do start taking it in capsule form, it’s more likely that you’ll become dependent on the drug. That can quickly lead to addiction and, eventually, without it – withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms from ketamine include an increase in depression as well as anxiety, anger, and even restlessness. In the long run, taking it improperly can make your depression worse.

People who experience depression can quickly turn to things like drugs or alcohol to cope with the symptoms. So, the euphoric-like side effects that ketamine can provide are often appealing to those who have feelings of extreme sadness. But, it’s never a good idea to use a substance as a way to deal with depression.

Controlling the Controversy

One of the best ways to manage your depressive symptoms is to talk with your doctor or a therapist. If you’re having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, don’t take it lightly. Call 911, go to your nearest ER; get help immediately. It’s best to speak with someone who is able to help and support you.

While different types of anti-depressants and other drugs work to manage your symptoms, controlled environments and dosages are critical.

If you have an interest in ketamine as more than just a street drug, infusion treatments can help. A physician will space out infusions over several sessions. And, help you come off the drug carefully, so it doesn’t become addictive, and your system doesn’t go through withdrawals.

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It’s understandable to want to find relief from your depressive symptoms immediately. But, don’t risk your overall health and wellbeing to do it.

If you want to learn more about ketamine and depression, or you want to talk about your symptoms, feel free to contact me or set up an appointment. Or, if you are struggling with addiction, visit my page on synthetic and designer drugs to learn more about how I can help.