The consumption of alcohol is a common thing in our society. It is also extremely common to see people who are struggling with depression also consuming alcohol on a regular basis. There is a definite correlation between alcohol, depression, stress and anxiety. Research has indicated that drinking, doubles the impact of a person’s depressed or anxious state.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to know which one comes first – alcohol consumption or depression, but research has shown that regardless of the order, both issues are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and co-occur. At times, having depression can lead a person to self-medicate with alcohol in an attempt to feel better. And, drinking alcohol, which depresses the central nervous system, can lead to more depressed feelings in those already suffering from depressive and/or other mood disorders. Thus, a vicious cycle has begun.
Individuals who suffer from depression are more likely to abuse or become dependent on alcohol. Across the globe, depression affects more than 264 million people, of all ages, and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. The causes of depression include genetics, personality traits, environment, various life stressors and substance abuse. Depression is a mental health condition that involves continually experiencing feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Over time, these emotions influence how people think and act. This can affect many aspects of life, including professional responsibilities, personal goals and relationships with family members and friends.
For those struggling with depression, alcohol is sometimes used to suppress symptoms related to their condition, such as irritability, loss of interest, anxiety, restlessness and insomnia. Drinking becomes a way to escape reality and relax.
Unfortunately, using alcohol as a way to self-medicate depression can significantly affect your physical and emotional well-being, negatively. Alcohol consumption alters the brain’s neurotransmitters. Chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine will fluctuate rapidly with alcohol consumption. Serotonin helps balance a person’s mood, whereas dopamine controls the brain’s reward system. Thus, unusually high or low levels of these chemicals can trigger symptoms of depression, anxiety and despair.
Alcohol also increases the risk of severe bodily injury and suicidal behaviors. Alcohol can be used to achieve a temporary sense of pleasure. However, it can be a danger to one’s health and well-being, in so many life balances. Rather than providing a sense of calmness, alcohol actually increases the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Stress is also greatly triggered while under the influence resulting in behavioral changes and paranoia tendencies.
For sufferers with major depression, alcohol should be avoided entirely. Drinking can heighten the symptoms of depression, which can have life-threatening implications. This occurs because alcohol impacts the same areas of the brain that help regulate moods. Drinking alters the brain’s chemical levels.
Thus, if you are one of the millions of people who suffer from depression, please help reduce your suffering. Alcohol is not your friend, it is a foe. You can greatly reduce your anxiety, stress and depression by proper diet, positive thinking and a clean way of living. Keep on a healthy life path, and keep on going. Lifestyle changes can occur at any time. It just needs to be realized that positive change is necessary and needed in our lives and then take the steps to make those changes. Always know that there is help out there to help you gain control of your life and well-being. And, do some research and continue to read more about healthy living and ways that you can do all you can to achieve positive and healthy life choices. Walk the path of self-kindness, not the path of self-harm. You can do it!
Here are 12 benefits to not drinking alcohol:
- Your heart gets healthier
- Your liver heals
- You will lose weight
- Your relationships improve
- Lowered cancer risks
- You will sleep better
- Your immune system will strengthen
- Your blood pressure will lower
- You will have improved mental clarity and positive-thinking
- You will increase motivation and energy levels
Plus, there has been much research stating that depression, anxiety and life stress have all been heavily reduced by ridding yourself of alcohol consumption. Keep track of how much better you feel after days, weeks, months etc. You will not only feel better, you will look much better too!
With all this said, I am very glad you are here! You’ve got this! Keep on walking your positive life path, keep on reaching your life goals. You are so deserving of a great life. Let’s do all we can to make it the best life we can have for ourselves, and share our best selves with all those around us. You can do it! Do it for You!
