Alcohol and depression

[Sambo]

I am 20 years old and have been diagnosed with depression for over a year now. Sometimes when ive had a bad day i feel the need to have a drink, (i know this is bad) but in my head it makes me feel more normal. I just want to know how may people on here feel as if they also need a drink to feel this way because of their quiet or shy nature. 

Thanks

P.s this is one of those days:/

[Suzbj]

Hi Sambo,

There was an error message to the post I just sent you so you might get two messages from me. Hopefully that one will come through. In case it doesn't (because others haven't when I've got this message), I just want to say, YES! It is so easy to resort to alcohol with depression, but please PLEASE don't go down that path. It really does make things a hell of a lot worse. That is my personal experience and the experience of many others I have spoken to in life. Find another way - be it gym, jogging, walking, hiking, riding push-bikes, music - anything! Alcohol will turn ugly as does illegal drugs. The only difference is alcohol is legal.

[Gatesy]

Hi Sambo

I understand totally what you are going through. I have suffered depression all my life but only diagnosed a few years ago. Not knowing I had depression I turned to alcohol as it seemed to make me feel better. After awhile it made me feel worse to the point of being suicidal. Alcohol is actually a depressant. I have not had a drink now for almost 14 years and do not want to go back to it. I now get professional help instead of turning to the bottle.

Do your best to stay away from alcohol.

[geoff]

dear Sambo, do you feel as though your depression has been going on much longer, which is normally the case.

Alcohol and depression is such a common combination and this was exactly like I was, it was my only sanctuary, much to the distress of my family, doctor and psychologist, and it got to the stage that I became a cupboard drinker.

I'm not sure whether or not if you have been quite and shy all of your life or just now because of your depression.

I can't condone you for doing this because I would be hypocritical, but what I can say is that once your depression has gone it will then improve greatly, but in the mean time you need to find a doctor and psych who will offer you some help,advice and medication.

So really you are struggling with two illness, and this makes your mood go up and then. Geoff.

[MaryG]

Hey Sambo, the old alcohol and depression vicious cycle is a beast. You are definitely not the only one who wants to drink to help feel normal. You feel bad and you want to feel good, you're in pain and you want relief. Alcohol seems to help with both of these. For a short time you might feel better and the pain will seem less intense. Trouble is the feeling doesn't last and a lot of people end up chasing the relief by consuming more and more until it becomes their whole life. Meanwhile they aren't dealing with the core issue of depression and they are actually making it worse. People will tell you not to drink if you're depressed and that is certainly a good idea, but it's so hard when you are there to accept that life without it is possible. 

Are you getting some professional help? It's hard when you're shy I know but talking to someone confidentially about how you feel will help you move forward. This site is great for anonymous, non judgemental listeners. A lot of people here have experienced things similar to you.

Take care Sambo,

Mary