Recovery is a difficult journey for everyone but, for some, there are obstacles that can slow or even block progress. While it is easy to say, “Make changes in your life,” some changes can be difficult to confront. Here are some examples:
Substance abuse: Many people with depression try to self-manage their symptoms with alcohol, drugs or compulsive gambling.
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Unsafe living conditions: This can mean living in an abusive relationship or surrounding yourself with people who make poor choices or who are dangerous and cruel. It can also mean living in unsafe housing.
7 Removing yourself from these conditions involves first, recognizing the effect they are having on you and then, making some difficult choices.
A history of child abuse: People who’ve experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse as children have many difficulties as adults. One problem can be depression.
7 It is not easy to confront what has happened to you but with help this can be done.
Negative life circumstances: People who live in poverty or who are all alone are more prone to depression and their recovery can be slowed by the difficult realities they face daily.
7 Others may struggle with poor working conditions, unemployment, the loss of a loved one, divorce, or other misfortunes.
7 Some of these circumstances can be changed or improved, while others require coping strategies for dealing with their effects.
