I need support/confirmation that it is worth giving up alcohol for mental health!
Question: I struggle with anxiety and depression, and I think it's time to go back on medication. However, I understand with much of this medication it's dangerous to drink alcohol. Alcohol has acted as a sort of social-crutch for me, as I am normally socially anxious but this allowed me to get out. I think it's important to get on medication soon, but I'm having trouble making the decision because I'm afraid of giving up alcohol and turning back into the guy that stays home on weekend nights. This would be especially challenging in my situation as a freshman in college. Any advice/similar experiences? Thanks in advance for any help.
Answers: I struggle with anxiety and depression, and I think it's time to go back on medication. However, I understand with much of this medication it's dangerous to drink alcohol. Alcohol has acted as a sort of social-crutch for me, as I am normally socially anxious but this allowed me to get out. I think it's important to get on medication soon, but I'm having trouble making the decision because I'm afraid of giving up alcohol and turning back into the guy that stays home on weekend nights. This would be especially challenging in my situation as a freshman in college. Any advice/similar experiences? Thanks in advance for any help.
Mental health is worth anything you have to do to get it. I spent years drinking to dull the pain, but it wasn't until I stopped drinking and got some good therapy that my life improved.
Don't waste years of your life figuring this out, like I did. You've got your life ahead of you and it's much better living it free of mental health problems.
I think you are self medicating dude! I would suggest you check if you have add check out www.add.org see links to addictions - depression etc. There is a online test. Go see a profesional and get a proper diagnosis.
Good Luck!!!
omg!! I tottally understand what you are going through , and I am going through it right now as well . I started going out with my friends alot lately , parties , clubs , etc , and I always end up drinking and getting hammered. The after effect is the worse . I am depressed and anxious and I get stressed out over anything big or small. I get really emotional as well . However , I keep doing it and doing it ! I am sarting to realize that it is really not worth it .
Yeah , I feel good for a couple hours while I am drunk off my ***, but if you think about it .. what are we without our mental sanity???
get back on medication. the alcohol will you want to hurt self.
It IS WORTH IT to give up alcohol for mental health.
It works like this...you drink on the weekend...monday comes along and the anxiety attacks start...you drink to relax because of the anxiety attacks...then the next day the anxiety attacks are worse. Alcohol is the worst thing a person can put into their body when they have chemical depression (I have had this condition for the past 6 years and it took me 3 years to realize the connection).
There are no shortcuts here. It purely biological and there is nothing we can do to change it other than avoid the stuff. Whether or not you go back on medication you NEED to give up alcohol!!!! Sorry, but there it is.
Obviously it's going to be important in the long run for you to stop drinking - I can tell you know that.
The question is, how can you have a social life and feel OK without alcohol? I have seen a lot of people do it. Everyone in AA has been through this, and there are a lot of young people in AA. Even if you're not an alcoholic for sure, you can build a group of friends who are sober. I'm SURE there are AA meetings on your campus. They DEFINITELY don't stay home all weekend. They do fun stuff. They just don't have the pressure of booze. Plus, they talk about how to deal with social anxiety when you are used to having booze as your helper.
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/en_i...
Good luck. Freshman year was very scary for me, a lot of adjustment and change. You'll weather it much better if you have meds and if you feel like you're acting safely.