Counseling for Depression: Navigating Alcohol, Anger and More

A Guide to the Different Forms of Depression and How Counseling Can Help.

It is without a doubt that major depression is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns plaguing the United States today. The 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that over 21 million adults in the United States — or around 8.3% of the population — had experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2021¹.

With almost one in ten adults experiencing some form of depression, it can be easy to overlook how deeply this condition impacts individuals, families and communities. Yet, despite how common depression is, many people who struggle with it often fail to get help due to fear of judgment from their peers, a lack of access to mental health support systems, or even the misguided belief that what they are experiencing is “normal”.

In many cases, because of misconceptions and lack of awareness about treatments for depression, individuals suffering from depression may not seek help until it is too late and irreversible harm has already been done to themselves or to those around them.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the nature of depression and how counseling can be helpful — with the goal of demystifying this prevalent but often misunderstood mental health condition. We’ll take a closer look at the relationship between depression and its various presentations and manifestations, such as anger, alcoholism and postpartum depression.

What Is Depression?
What Causes Depression?
Depression and Alcohol
Depression and Anger
Postpartum Depression
When to Seek Help

Understanding Depression and its Impacts

Depression is a mental illness that can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, background or religion. While everyone may feel down, moody or out of sorts from time to time, clinical depression is something that goes beyond just that occasional feeling of sadness.

According to the World Health Organization², depression is characterized by symptoms of severe and persistent low mood that can often cause its sufferers to lose interest in their daily activities such as eating, sleeping and interacting with others.

While depression may manifest in countless different ways that are unique to the circumstances of each individual, some common symptoms that most who have depression experience include poor appetite and disturbed sleep. In more severe cases, those with depression may also experience irritability, frustrated outbursts, feelings of low self worth and even suicidal thoughts³.

What Causes Depression?

Unfortunately, because of how wide ranging and varied depression can be in terms of its symptoms and causes, there is no one answer to this question. The factors that lead to depression may vary significantly from one person to another. However, studies have shown that a combination of both genetic predispositions and stressful or traumatic experiences can contribute to the development of depression or depressive symptoms⁴.

The Impacts of Depression

At the same time, the potential impacts of depression can also vary based on factors such as the way one’s depression manifests, for example, or severity of symptoms. Nonetheless, it’s generally accepted that the impacts of depression extend far beyond just the individual suffering from it — potentially affecting their personal relationships, work performance and overall quality of life as well.

In many cases, friends and family members of an individual who suffers from depression may feel helpless and overwhelmed as they witness someone who they care about struggle. In a work setting, lower levels of productivity and higher rates of absenteeism can be common factors when suffering from depression.

The Complex Relationship Between Alcohol and Depression

Because of the detrimental, wide-ranging impacts of depression, it can be tempting to attribute depression to an external factor – alcohol, for example, is commonly linked to depression or depressive symptoms. However, the reality is often far less straightforward, and the relationship between alcohol and depression is a complex and cyclical one, often with one exacerbating the other.

Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism

While the abuse of substances such as alcohol has clear links to depression, what is less clear is the causal relationship between the two. In many cases, individuals with depression turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism, using it to numb the feelings of sadness and temporary relieve their depressive symptoms⁵.

However, because alcohol is a depressant, it can disrupt neurotransmitters in the brain and alter an individual’s brain chemistry, ultimately leading to more depressive feelings in the long term⁶.

Bipolar Depression and Alcohol Abuse

Bipolar depression, also commonly referred to as bipolar disorder or manic depression, is characterized by extreme mood swings and episodes of extreme mania and depression. Sufferers of bipolar depression have also been shown to be at a higher risk of alcohol abuse⁷, which can potentially result in a depressive spiral.

Furthermore, alcohol abuse in such cases is also especially dangerous, as alcohol can interfere with the mood stabilizers and anti-psychotic medications that those with bipolar depression are typically prescribed.

Alcohol Withdrawal and Depression

Another close link between alcohol and depression is between alcohol withdrawal and mood disorders that can be indicative of depression. Prolonged alcohol use can lead to changes in the brain chemistry and as the body slowly becomes reliant on alcohol over time, alcohol withdrawal can then lead to mood disorders such as anxiety, mood swings and depression⁸.

This can lead to a challenging cycle for individuals who are attempting to quit drinking and who may consequently find the process emotionally and physically taxing.

Understanding the complex relationships between alcohol and depression is crucial for navigating recovery safely and sustainably.

Consult a licensed mental health professional today to receive personalized guidance and a tailored treatment plan that can help you healthily manage both your mental health and sobriety.

When Depression Manifests as Anger

In most cases, depression is typically associated with feelings of sadness, hopelessness and fatigue. Most individuals who suffer from depression often exhibits symptoms such as low mood and a disinterested nature. However, in some cases, depression can also manifest as anger or irritability⁹.

For some people suffering from depression, overt or suppressed anger may be a defense mechanism or an outward expression of the hopelessness or emotional pain that they are experiencing. Using anger may feel safer for these individuals than confronting or acknowledging their underlying feelings of sadness. In other cases, depression may lead to a feeling of helplessness, which may then result in frustration that can eventually erupt in anger if left unresolved.

Manic Depression and Anger

In cases of manic depression, anger can also play a significant role during manic or hypomanic episodes, and studies have shown a strong link between manic depression and aggressive behaviors¹⁰. This is especially so during manic episodes, which are in and of themselves characterized by heightened energy levels and impulsivity. During such episodes, individuals may become more irritable and frustrated, especially if they feel that they are not being heard or understood. Furthermore, the impaired judgment and impulsivity that is associated with mania can also lead to outbursts that might be beyond the control of the individual.

Learn how to manage your mental health and express your emotions in a healthy way with the help of a licensed professional counselor.

Depression in Unique Life Stages and Circumstances

While depression can occur to anyone at any stage of their life, there are certain life stages and circumstances which are uniquely associated with depressive symptoms and mood disorders. Perhaps the most prominent of these is postpartum depression, which many new mothers experience.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is most commonly experienced by new mothers within the first few weeks of giving birth and can last for up to several months or longer, depending on the affected individual. It is typically caused by a combination of factors including the physical, emotional and hormonal changes that are associated with giving birth as well as the pressures of adjusting to a new role as a mother. Factors such as a lack of spousal support and a previous history or depression or psychiatric illness can also be risk factors that increase the risk of developing postpartum depression or exacerbating its symptoms¹¹.

If you or someone you know is experiencing postpartum depression, it’s important to reach out for help and support. With the proper treatment and management of symptoms, postpartum depression can be treated, and the transition into motherhood can become a more fulfilling, manageable experience.

Seeking Help and Moving Forward

At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to dealing with depression. The causes, symptoms and treatments for depression can vary significantly from one person to another.

Instead, what’s most important is to realize is that taking active steps – starting with help from a trained professional – is the best way to get started on the journey towards recovery.

The Role of Counseling in Dealing with Depression

While there are various treatment options available for dealing with depression, counseling plays a crucial role in helping individuals understand and manage their depressive symptoms. With the help of a licensed professional counselor, individuals who suffer from depression can develop healthier coping mechanisms and reflect on their circumstances to gain deeper insights that can help them work towards long term healing and emotional development.

Moreover, counseling can also often work hand in hand with other treatment options such as medication and support groups to provide a holistic and well rounded approach to improving one’s mental health.

Get Counseling for Depression with Fortified Souls

If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of depression, take the first step today by getting counseling for depression with Fortified Souls Counseling. Here at Fortified Souls, our practice is centered on evidence-based practices and we seek to empower adolescents and adults who struggle with depression and other mental health conditions.

Our team of Pittsburgh-based counselors has decades of industry experience combined and we offer fully online mental health counseling services via HIPAA compliant telehealth appointments throughout Pennsylvania. Get in touch with us today and let us help you embark on the road to recovery.