Drinking and Anxiety

[adz2332]

Hi all,

I currently take SSRI medication for my anxiety and depression. Since going on it a few years ago it has been great and ive had great results. Im in my mid 30s

My only problem is when i drink the next days are horrific. ive read its normally 24 hours where things can go bad, but mine last (all be it the effects get less and less) for around 3 or so days.

I rarely drink now if at all , for these reasons. But sometimes one thing leads to another and now even a couple gets me the same way as if i had a big night.

The obvious is to not drink, and thats what i try to do. But its just very hard some times when your caught up in the moment and having fun.

Just really struggling with it and why it happens and for so long.

[AverageAusGuy]

Hi adz2332,

I have have never had this experience personally but the best advice that I could probably give is to give up drinking for a while if that is the best thing for your mental health.

I know that this is tough because alcohol consumption is such a big part of Australian culture. There can be alot of pressure to drink at BBQs, dinners, work functions, family events etc.

You could try organising catch ups with friends and family where alcohol isn't a focus. You could also try bringing some non alcoholic beers or wines to your next social event.

I like to have a drink myself, but when I need to cut back I focus on other hobbies/ activities and spend less time with people who like to party.

Hope this helps. All the best.

[CalmCat]

Hi adz2332,

Thanks for such a raw and open post.

I was put on SSRI's very briefly and remember the side effects well, so I feel your pain. And I hear you when drinking becomes in the moment, its something hard to say no to.

There are so many other options out there that you could speak with your medical health professional about. I found the right one for me that has no interactions with life evens or our amazing culture.

Defiantly speak to your GP though as hangovers shouldn't that bad from experience.

Good luck.

Regards,

D

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

Two good replies so far and your brave first post is something to grow with.

Personally I dont understand the need for alcohol at all. I can have a fun time without it and not pay the price of the next day. However, that doesnt help you. What I'm going to suggest that if you feel you drop your guard as you do then change the type of drink you take. There is hundreds of drinks you can try and some wont have the effect you are getting.

Some alcoholic drinks are too potent and upset all the hard work you put in.

TonyWK

[Summer Rose]

Hi adz2332

I think your experience with the after effects of alcohol mixed with anxiety/depression is quite common. I can understand why it's hard to give up something you clearly, although rarely, enjoy.

Three suggestions, which may be of interest, come to mind.

One. Try changing the type of alcohol you consume. It just might make a difference to the severity and longevity of the negative impact you experience in the following days after drinking.

Two. Reduce the amount of alcohol you consume. One drink, one glass of water, is my rule. You will still be able to have fun and socialise and will hopefully find the right limit for you.

Three. Accept that you must pay a high price (I know it's not fair) for drinking and endure or give it up.

Kind thoughts to you

[adz2332]

Thank you all for the quick replies.

Im currently on day 3 of a bad one from sat night. the sad part is i had a great time, saw friends who because of covid i havent seen in ages, have nothing to worry about like didnt do or say anything i regret etc but still it lingers with me. it goes from day after of tight chest, panic, twitches, just pure anxiety. to day 2 slowly lesser and lesser and in about a week im fine again.

The advice is right, dont drink. simple! its also why ive never brought it up with my doctor, as i think its stupid of me to ask when the answer is of course DONT DRINK. simple!

Because i am shy and have anxiety when i go out or meet people i always used having a few drinks as a coping method. it would relax me, bring me out of my shell etc. i guess i then relied on it to much and has got me to where i am now.

As mentioned i think its going to have to be a cold turkey, no drink from now on. Hold a coke in my hand or something to stay social. Its not like im worried what my friends would think, they are a great bunch of people. i just think ive relied on it for to long to help me through

[Gambit87]

Hi,

I wouldn't say i've 'quit' drinking as I still have the odd drink every once and a while, but cutting down to almost nothing has helped my health both physically and mentally.

I used to use drinking as a way to relax, especially in social situations because I was fairly (still am) introverted and it loosened me up a bit. I've noticed as ive gotten older it makes me more anxious and fueled intrusive thoughts. I was also told to cut my drinking because my liver was throwing out abnormal results (not drinking related) as a precaution, So I pretty much cut alcohol out for a long time and slowly introduced it again as a special occasion type thing.

when im out and about - lemon lime and bitters is my go to. I sometimes buy a very nice bottle of scotch and that will last me for months and I might have a beer when I catch up with my dad.

I actually don't miss the alcohol. I don't miss the hangovers and the effects alcohol had on my mind. It makes me feel good about myself when I have one drink and say thats enough now.

all the best mate.

[adz2332]

cheers!

that sounds exactly what i go through and why i drink.

defiantly seems the best way to go from now on out. Just a shame as i have a great time, now ill have to try and get myself out there sober and find some confidence