Mental Health Diagnosis In Recovery

Mental health problems are extremely frequent during the recovery process. When people suffer from substance abuse and mental health disorders, we describe them as having a dual diagnosis disorder. Many people in recovery struggle with feelings of depression and anxiety before, during and after rehab. Additionally, many people who have a dual diagnosis struggle with bipolar disorder, panic disorder, schizophrenia and other personality disorders. If you find yourself fighting behavioral health issues at any stage of your recovery process, you are not alone.
Understanding Dual Diagnosis and Mental Health Problems in Recovery
For many people with major behavioral health disorders, self-medication leads to addiction. Frequently, the symptoms of mental health disorders are uncomfortable and alarming, particularly for people who have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other personality disorders. Drinking or using drugs can be a way of coping and calming down symptoms such as voices, hallucinations or delusions.
In fact, it is common for people to be diagnosed with mental health problems when they are in recovery for substance abuse. Qualified behavioral health professionals are able to help patients understand their illness and learn healthy coping mechanism that can reduce symptoms.
For people with dual diagnosis, recovery can be extremely challenging. As a result, it is extremely important to remain in treatment and build a strong support group and relapse prevention plan.
Depression and Anxiety
Depression is one of the most common mental health problems for people, not only those in recovery. Feelings of depression can arise when you realize substantial parts of your life must change for you to remain healthy. You may need to change relationships, social activities and learn new ways of coping when you feel down or upset. Depression is characterized by feeling down, feeling hopeless, changes in sleeping or eating and a feeling of not wanting to participate in hobbies or previously enjoyable activities.
Anxiety is characterized by feeling anxious or agitated. Many people feel anxious so often that it impacts their behavior, decisions and choices. These people may suffer from an anxiety disorder, a common mental health problems that people face in recovery. People suffering from anxiety disorders may become easily annoyed or angry. They may also have difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Many people feel increased anxiety when they experience a craving or trigger, because they are keenly aware of the temptation to relapse. Many people find that exercise, journal writing and group meetings help them alleviate mild depression and anxiety while in recovery. Behavioral health problems are common, and for many people are a normal part of the recovery process.
Mental health problems are treatable and many people live healthy and productive lives after seeking treatment, even while they are in recovery. If you feel depressed, anxious or are struggling with substance abuse and a co-occurring mental health disorder, it is important to seek treatment. Remember that you are the most important person in your life, and your health and your recovery should always come first.

Ben Brafman, LMHC, CAP is the President and CEO of Destination Hope, a licensed dual diagnosis substance abuse treatment center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ben has more than 20 years of experience in the addiction and mental health fields, which led him to develop a combination of innovative treatment protocols at Destination Hope. He has been published on various topics including dual diagnosis and chemical dependency, and gives back to the community by educating other addiction counselors at his Academy for Addiction Professionals.