Many women today are struggling with various problems. Some are dealing with eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating. Others are suffering from alcohol or drug addictions. Amongst these women are individuals who are living with problems regarding their mental health and addictions. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people to suffer from issues with their mental health in addition to substance misuse. Often, people who seek help for addiction also need treatment for additional disorders. The good news is that, through a dual diagnosis treatment program, people can get help for more than one issue at a time. But, it’s important to understand how mental health and addictions are connected. If they’re both playing a role in one’s life, it’s helpful to know exactly how the conditions and disorders are impacting the person.

About Mental Health and Addictions

When a person has a mental illness and a substance use problem, treatment should cater to both issues. Mental health and addictions can work together to develop various issues in a person’s life. Substance use and mental disorders can sometimes trigger one another. In other words, a mental illness can lead to an addiction. For example, a person might become dependent on or addicted to the medication she takes for her mental disorder. Or, she may use alcohol as a way to escape from the negative emotions she feels because of her mental health. On the other hand, excessive substance use could cause a person to become depressed. In that case, the addiction actually lead to the development of a mental health disorder. Every case that involves mental health and addictions is different. So, it’s very important to address each specific struggle in an individualized way.

Addressing the Effects of Mental Health Disorders

There are several different types of mental illness. We’ve already mention depression as one disorder. Others include:

• PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Bipolar Disorder
• OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder)
• Eating disorders
• Anxiety

Each of these types of disorders brings with them their own symptoms. They can each cause a person’s life to become difficult. And, when issues with mental health and addictions combine, the result can be very negative. Again, many people who deal with the effects of a mental disorder often find themselves also facing the issues that come with substance addiction. Alcohol or drug use can become a major problem in the life of a woman who has a mental health disorder.

When both of these struggles are present, a person could become isolated. She could begin to withdraw from family and friends. She might also deal with serious and concerning thoughts, like suicide. This is why it’s so important to get help for those who are dealing with mental health problems and addictions. It’s not always easy to figure out exactly how to help someone in this position. Sometimes, the situation might seem to be hopeless. But, there is still hope and there’s help for people who need it!

Let Willow Place For Women Help

At Willow Place for Women, we work to help women who are struggling with eating disorders, mental health disorders, and addiction problems. Our mission is to give the best help possible to those who come to us. It’s our goal to end the cycles and harmful behaviors that come with addiction and mental illness. We value the overall health of our clients. This includes the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of each patient. Through our various treatment programs and therapies, we work to equip women with the strength and knowledge they need in order to fight addiction. If you or a woman you know could use some help, just contact Willow Place for Women today. Let us help you find a new and healthier way of life.