Depression and Alcohol

[Mickii]

Hi Everyone. I am interested to hear about your experience with alcohol and depression. I self medicate with alcohol. Maybe I am an alcoholic but I don't know. I know when I drink I feel better mentally but non physically, I can mix with people and feel I am happier. I am worried about how much I drink though...never more than one bottle of wine a night, but often every night.I would like to give up alcohol but am scared if I do I will not be able to mix with people anymore....I am interested in any feedback. Thank you.

[geoff]

Hello Mickii, drinking alone was always my forte, then no one could say 'haven't you drunk enough', but do know that your doctor can prescribe medication, as mentioned that will stop the urge to drink, that's if that's something you want to consider.

Geoff.

[Mickii]

Hi, I was re-reading posts on this thread tonight and just want to thank you for what you have said. I struggle with MDD and can relate to everything you say. I was thinking...if I die earlier because I drink, yet it gives me some peace, is it wrong? I am a happy drunk (compared how I am sober). I take my prescriptions, and they make a huge difference ( I tested this by not taking them for a while), but alcohol gives instant relief on bad days. I wonder if there are any 'prescription' drugs that do the same?

[geoff]

Hello Mickii, no one can really deny you the pleasure of drinking if you enjoy it, there were amounts of times I really enjoyed it and had fun, the only times were when I was depressed and needed it to numb how I was feeling.

I know doctors ask you how much you drink and they always say ' it's too much' whether it's a glass or more, but if you enjoy it and it's not causing any trouble, then enjoy it.

There is medication that is supposed to make you feel better but could be addictive, so the doctors will only prescribe it for a short time only, however, it hasn't had any benefit to me, and I'm excluding the one that makes you stop drinking when I say this.

Most threads with alcohol are for those where there is a problem, but if it gives you peace and there isn't any problem then cheers.

Geoff.

[Lost_hope]

Hi Mickii

Sorry I haven't been on here for a while, mate I totally get what your saying, alcohol makes me feel normal it takes away my anxiety, it stops my brain from trying to analyse the past and come up with an answer that doesn't exist and it gives me peace if only for a while. There is no substitute, I have asked my shrink why nothing can make me feel the way alcohol does, if I have a heap of stuff I need to get done around the house having a few drinks gives me the energy and focus to get it done. I too like you think of the health impacts as I only have one kidney, the human mind is a complicated thing, on one hand I don't care what alcohol does to me but on the other hand I worry about its impacts on my health, just something else for my mind to analyse. I'm yet to decide if it's a problem or just who I am, I enjoy drinking especially when I'm out or travelling etc, I guess the problem is I can go for a couple of weeks without a drink and I often start to feel a bit better so I will buy a b bottle of vodka and the next minute I have bought a bottle every second day for the next 2 weeks. I like to go for periods of not drinking just so I know I can and luckily for me my job requires me to be 0.0 and you get tested randomly. I think I have just excepted its a part of me that will always be there just like the depression, I guess the question is will I control it or will it control me in the long run ? All I know is sometimes there is no fight left in me and my mind needs a rest, I have learnt to forgive myself for that. Thanks for all the responses, sometimes we feel so alone in the battle but we are not unique, we are just aware enough to know why we are drinking.

[Sophie_M]

Dear Lost Hope,

Thank you for your post.

We're sorry to hear about your concerns about your alcohol use, and that you experience poor mental health. Please remember that there are crisis support services that you can contact, such as Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467). 

We're not sure if you're familiar with Turning Point, but they are an organisation dedicated to supporting people across Australia affected by alcohol or drug use. They have telephone and online counselling support services that operate 24/7. You may want to visit their website to learn more about their services here: https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/about-us 

Please continue to post as you see fit. 

[Chris_Tas]

Hi Mickii.

From my own personal experience i can assure you alcohol and depression (and worse) are definitely related.

My 6 hospital visits and 3 stays in a mental ward in less than a year suggests that. (I have no mental illness diagnosed outside depression).

Of course everyone is different and i was drinking much (much) more than you.

You seem already aware of where this might head and I'd really dislike you follow my path of self-medication due as it's it's an elevator in life that only goes down not up.

Best of luck and feel free to chat to me anytime as yes, I'm very well experienced on what alcohol can do.

Chris