When depression and addiction occur together, the struggle is even greater. This is called a dual diagnosis, and it requires unique approaches to treatment and recovery.
In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Don shares his lived experience with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and how he eventually found a path toward healing. He discusses early misdiagnoses, the importance of honesty in therapy, and how support groups and the VA’s mental health system became essential lifelines.
Don’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, even when depression and addiction feel overwhelming. By leaning on peer support, healthy coping tools, and persistence, he demonstrates that dual diagnosis does not have to define you — healing can.
Link to NAMI Dual Diagnosis Fact Sheet: https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Images/FactSheets/Dual-Diagnosis-FS.pdf
Primary Topics Covered:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and podcast milestone
02:48 – What dual diagnosis means: depression plus substance use disorder
04:46 – Don’s early experiences with depression and anxiety
05:32 – Misdiagnosis and finding the right treatment
08:43 – Struggles with addiction and early recovery
10:26 – Building a support network and staying connected
11:58 – Don’s positive experience with VA mental health care
13:27 – Music as a tool for managing depression and anxiety
15:22 – Why early intervention in depressive episodes matters
17:25 – Communicating needs during depression
19:17 – What real support looks like from loved ones
21:28 – Helping others through lived experience
22:28 – Fighting stigma with honesty and storytelling
24:28 – Final takeaways from Don’s journey
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