Mental Health Disorders: Overlaps, Distinctions, and Coping with Co-occurring PTSD and Depression
In the United States, various organizations and healthcare providers offer support for individuals dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mental health issues. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' National Center for PTSD, a leading research and educational centre, is one such institution that provides trauma-focused therapies. Professional organizations like the EMDR International Association, specializing in trauma treatment methods, also play a significant role.
Licensed psychotherapists and mental health clinics with expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other evidence-based treatments are common providers as well. Notably, healthcare providers who treat PTSD are typically trained to treat depression as well.
Traumatic events can lead to both PTSD and depression, and early treatment for both conditions can help prevent long-term or chronic complications. Prescription medications for depression include antidepressants, antipsychotic medicines, anti-anxiety medicines, and sleep aids. Doctors use many of the same treatments for both PTSD and depression, including these prescription medications, talk therapy, group therapy, and lifestyle strategies.
Natural products like vitamin D and St. John's wort have been reported to potentially help ease depression symptoms, but it's crucial to discuss these with a doctor first due to potential interactions with other medications.
Family members of veterans with PTSD and depression can seek support from organizations like the United Way Helpline, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America (MHA), and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affair's National Center for PTSD website.
If you don't have a regular doctor or mental health specialist, call your local hospital's patient outreach office to find a provider near you. It's important to remember that seeking treatment for both PTSD and depression as soon as possible is crucial to prevent harm to physical and mental health.
Research suggests that 30% to 50% of people with PTSD experience depression, and people with PTSD are three to five times more likely to develop depression than individuals without PTSD.
Crisis lines are available for those in a crisis, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, US Veterans Crisis Line, and Crisis Text Line. The Veteran Center Call Center hotline also provides help for veterans and can connect you with another combat veteran.
If you believe you have either PTSD or depression, make an appointment to see a healthcare professional who can recommend or refer you to a mental health specialist for evaluation and treatment. The most common treatments for PTSD can include prescription medications, talk therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), and support groups. Psychotherapy, such as talk therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), can help manage depression symptoms.
Seeking help is the first step towards recovery. Don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if you're struggling with PTSD, depression, or both.
