Hi Scotty2013,
Thanks for you post about your difficulty in managing your dual diagnosis. I am sorry to hear that you are struggling to manage your mood and keeping well but it is great to see you reaching out for some support on the forum. The forum has many people who experience a dual diagnosis but I'm not sure everyone is familiar with the terminology. I have cut out a definition and linked a page on dual diagnosis to help increase understanding.
"Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe when a person is experiencing both mental health problems and substance misuse. It is also commonly referred to as co-morbidity and co-occurring mental health and substance use. Examples of a dual diagnosis might include:
*A mental health problem or disorder leading to or associated with problematic alcohol and/or other drug use;
*A substance use disorder leading to or associated with a mental diagnosis;
*Alcohol and/or other drug misuse worsening or altering the course of a person’s mental illness."
https://adf.org.au/insights/what-is-dual-diagnosis/
This page includes a fact sheet with some resources that are within the linked page for your interest and for others to help understand a bit more about dual diagnosis and some management strategies.
Having to deal with two different complex health issues such as a substance misuse issue as well as a mental health diagnosis is very common and also very difficult. For example, it is common for people (that I have treated) who have alcoholism to also have depression or anxiety. It is in my experience that often people attempt to 'self medicate' their depression or anxiety with substances which can then lead to addiction to these substances.
There is support and treatment available specifically for people with a dual diagnosis but this can depend on where you live. I wonder if you see a therapist or counsellor who has experience in managing dual diagnosis? If not, I wonder if you could find out if there is a specialist in your area. You GP may be able to offer some advise on this. Below I have also provided a link to some National support services,
https://adf.org.au/help-support/support-services-directory/
No matter what way you decide to achieve this, getting some extra support when you are struggling is key. If you feel like talking to someone I can also recommend the beyondblue support line on 1300 22 4636.
Wishing you the best possible outcome,
Nurse Jenn
