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[Delpedro]

Hi everyone,

I suffer from depression and anxiety and I just want to say after reading some of the forums, that I believe I am in the right place. I am currently on medication and have been for quite a while, but sometimes it does not seem to be enough. I am currently experiencing problems with self medicating with alcohol and even though I know better, the viscous cycle keeps drawing me in. I hope I can be a caring and sharing member and gain some benefit along the way. Thanks.

[Zeal]

Hi Delpedro,

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for posting!

Do you regularly see the doctor who prescribes your medication? It's important to develop and build on psychological strategies to lessen your symptoms. If you just see your General Practitioner (GP), you probably won't be educated on strategies for managing symptoms. Psychologists can use techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT) and instruction in mindfulness techniques as psychological skills which can have a beneficial impact on symptoms/distress.

I'd like to refer you to some great online resources:

http://www.mindhealthconnect.org.au/
http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/consumers.cfm

Beyondblue also has resources you may find helpful under Get support and The facts.

Unfortunately, drinking alcohol while on medication can result in the meds being less effective. As antidepressants (such as SSRI's) are a depressant class of drug, drinking alcohol (also classed as a depressant) often results in a reduction of the medication effectiveness. Definitely talk to your doctor about this. Hopefully they will have some suggestions for abstaining from alcohol, or at least reducing your intake.

I hope you enjoy being on this forum 🙂

Best wishes,

SM

[TheSteve]

Hi Delpedro, and welcome to the community. We are happy to have you here, you are in the right place.

I concur fully with SM's advice above. Overcoming depression and anxiety requires a multi-pronged strategy consisting of medication, cognitive therapy, lifestyle (healthy eating, exercise, good sleep, laughter etc.) and whatever it is that helps you maintain a good state of mind and a healthy life.

None of us are perfect, I can certainly appreciate that depression and anxiety can make you want to have a drink to self medicate. To be honest mate, if you can avoid it, do so. Each time you feel the urge to have a drink, just remember that the depression and/or anxiety you are feeling at the time is temporary, and will go away on its own given time. The booze is a temporary fix and long term it compounds the problems. Instead of a drink next time, put on a funny show or movie and make yourself laugh hard for 30 mins. See how you feel at the end of it. If you are still down, do it for another 30! Or, spend some time meditating or in a state of mindfulness and just monitor the feeling without judgement. You will see that it is temporary in nature, and cannot stay with you permanently. You will gain control over it this way.

If we can be of help, just reach out. All the best mate.

Steve