DE A R GEE
Alcohol and Mental Health The relationship between alcohol and mental health is complex. Some people may drink alcohol to relax or help cope with daily stresses; however, alcohol is a depressant drug 1 that can cause anxiety and increase stress. Alcohol can negatively affect thoughts, feelings and actions, and contribute to the development of, or worsen, existing mental health issues over time. In summary, while alcohol might be a common coping strategy, it is not an effective solution. Alcohol is a depressant drug that can affect our mental health and wellbeing and damage our bodies over both the short and long-term. Alcohol and Mental Health The relationship between alcohol and mental health is complex. Some people may drink alcohol to relax or help cope with daily stresses; however, alcohol is a depressant drug 1 that can cause anxiety and increase stress. Alcohol can negatively affect thoughts, feelings and actions, and contribute to the development of, or worsen, existing mental health issues over time. In summary, while alcohol might be a common coping strategy, it is not an effective solution. Alcohol is a depressant drug that can affect our mental health and wellbeing and damage our bodies over both the short and long term. How does alcohol affect our mood and mental health? Alcohol slows down the central nervous system. The central nervous system controls thoughts and how your brain talks to your body. The most immediate effects of alcohol are on the brain1, affecting the way you think, feel and behave. READ in full, here
LETTER FROM READER
I am feeling tired and sad in my early sobriety and the pink cloud has well and truly passed. At what point do I seek help from my family doctor? Am I feeling depressed or just tired post giving up alcohol? It’s very hard for me to know whether this is part of the journey is normal or whether I am falling into a depression. I thought when I stopped drinking I would feel fresh and vibrant. I don’t. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Love L.B. Good Afternoon L.B, firstly it’s always good advice to seek a medical review before you decide to put down the wine glass. The withdrawal symptoms that may come with abstinence can be pretty frightening, so being prepared for them and able to recognise what they are will equip you to better cope. Your doctor may decide you need treatment initially, so I would always advise seeking medical advice. Regarding depression and tiredness, this is definitely part of the journey! Although it doesn’t happen to everyone, depression, when you give up alcohol, is very common. It can happen for several reasons, but if not addressed, it can lead to fantasising about the wine and reaching out for the glass. When we stop drinking, we experience chemical adjustments. Alcohol touches many systems in the body and touches almost every neurotransmitter. It particularly affects gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA), which inhibits brain activity, and glutamate, which stimulates it. When we drink, glutamate is less able to stimulate the brain, and GABA is better at inhibiting it. This is why alcohol makes you relaxed and happy, and lowers your inhibitions: It slows some of your brain’s signaling. When you stop drinking, these changes reverse themselves. Your brain almost goes into hyperdrive for a while after you remove the alcohol and are no longer numbing it. Realistically it could take anything up to a full year to reach a baseline again and feel better. But don’t let that put you off, we know the long-term benefits will be a new you! It’s a marathon, not a sprint sister. When you’re feeling down and low, reach into your pocket and tell your sisters, they will be there waiting to listen and offer their experiences and advice. This is the best therapy you can have and it’s free and on tap. G x
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