Living With Depression, Anxiety, and Addiction: Don’s Dual Diagnosis Recovery Story

What does it mean to live with a dual diagnosis?

In this episode, Don shares his candid story of navigating clinical depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder—a combination often called a dual diagnosis.

After decades of silent suffering, Don finally received the correct diagnoses and found a treatment plan that worked, including medication, support groups, and telehealth through the VA. He talks openly about how depression convinced him he was worthless, how addiction fueled the darkness, and what finally helped him find hope again.

Don also shares how music, gratitude, and peer support networks became essential tools in his recovery. His story is a reminder that recovery is possible, stigma must be challenged, and sometimes just listening is the greatest form of support.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What “dual diagnosis” really means
• Don’s early struggles with undiagnosed depression and anxiety
• Misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder and finding the right treatment
• The role of medication (escitalopram and gabapentin) in his stability
• Don’s history of substance use and recovery through AA/NA
• How telehealth and the VA became a lifeline for mental health care
• Music as a powerful coping tool against depression and anxiety
• Why asking “How can I support you today?” matters
• Challenging stigma by speaking openly about depression and addiction

Timestamps

00:05 Introduction and welcome
 01:03 Podcast updates and live webinar announcement
 02:06 What “dual diagnosis” means (mental illness + substance abuse)
 03:15 Introducing Don and his story
 04:21 Don’s early experiences with anxiety as a child
 04:58 First diagnosis (misdiagnosed bipolar, later corrected)
 06:05 Finding the right medication for depression and anxiety
 07:59 How depression and anxiety feel without medication
 08:10 Don’s history of substance use and recovery journey
 09:03 Building a strong support network through AA/NA
 09:56 The importance of connection, even long-distance, through technology
 11:28 How telehealth with the VA transformed Don’s access to care
 12:20 Why Don values the VA’s mental health services
 13:07 Music as a daily coping tool and source of gratitude
 14:58 Recognizing early signs of depressive episodes and acting quickly
 15:50 The empathy and wisdom gained from lived experience
 17:14 How friends and family can best support someone in depression
 19:47 Why stigma is dangerous—and why Don refuses to stay silent
 22:28 Closing reflections and reminders of hope

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