Dealing with the symptoms

I have been in a depression for almost two weeks now, longer than my normal cycling. I have also had a great amount of anxiety this time around. I have always known that I can easily abuse alcohol and other substances and have done so in the past; however, I have whittled my drinking down to a couple of glasses of wine on the weekends. Now, my pdoc and t both emphasize that I need to even stop this because any alcohol is helping to keep me depressed. Alcohol's properties of acting as a depressant evidently work very hard on me. Being/having bipolar makes everyday living so hard.
Bluemountains

I feel you, bluemountains. I used to drink heavily and use other drugs as well before I was diagnosed as BP. I rarely drink at all anymore, because I feel that depression the next day. For me it's not too intense, but it is definitely there. It seems to clear up within a couple days or so. If I have only 1 or 2 drinks, I'm usually OK, but any more than that and I feel it the next day. The only time I drink now is when I get together with some old friends a handful of times a year, and I tend to drink somewhat heavily at that time, since I only see those people sporadically. So it could be a mix of things that cause the depression - like the fact that my visit with them is over, and the hangover, but I think it is mostly the depressive action of alcohol.

I stopped using all other substances a little over a few years ago, and I'm really glad I did. I just feel that I've already got so much going against me and I don't need to make it worse. Hang in there.

I definitely feel the effects the next day, too. I started noticing it on my mood charts, hence the need to stop. The thing is, I drink such a minor amount-a friend and I like to get together for 1-2 glasses on weekend evenings. With all of the other roller coaster rides we deal with, you'd think we could find a little part of normal to experience somewhere.
I have not used drugs for many years; however, I now have to request no prescription for painkillers when getting a tooth pulled, etc. because of the addictive personality I have.
Bluemountains

Do you actually need the alcohol to feel like you have had a good time? I don't drink at all any more even though I only drank 1 or 2 drinks a couple of times a year. At holidays, I serve sparkling apple or grape juice. Looks like champagne and tastes good too. I feel like I have had a festive time and no alcohol.

I have MORE fun now that Im sober!

Best of all, we REMEMBER the fun we had!!

Like you, I had to give up getting drunk. I limit myself to 2 drinks a night, and most nights it's none. It's worth it to be stable though.

I rarely ever have a drink, and when I do, I usually regret it. Just one drink can send me straight into deep depression by the next day. After realizing what a strong effect it had on me it became a lot easier to just not have a drink. Feeling suicidal for a week or two after isn't worth it for me. I also feel an emmense sense of guilt, an this isn't getting drunk either, a few drinks and the guilt is horrible. I'm not even sure what I feel guilty about, but I know that guilty feeling well.

Alcohol magnifies my mood tenfold. So I only drink if I'm DEADSURE I'm happy, and not pretend happy coz this morning I woke up crap but put on a fake face. Yes, sometimes I have to double-check that I feel how I feel, and not just projecting how I ought to feel but even then, I don't drink much anymore, and not to avoid a hangover, Idk what they even feel like, never had 1, it's still 1 of the mysteries of my body I just hate getting drunk coz I like to be in control, and I like to remember the fun I had as opposed to hearing about it and checking pics for confirmation

I drink on the weekends with my husband, not to get smashed, just to get happy for a little while. I've not noticed being more depressed the next day. I have noticed that when I am depressed I want to drink more. I love the numb feeling alcohol gives me. I just forget what ails me.

I too have limited my drinking. The only thing that drinking does is increase whatever emotional state I am in at the time. I really don't even drink anymore. Only time I do is when my friend forces me to go out. And by that point, i'm already in a somewhat depressed stated...I might be a little happy but with the things going on in my head....Once I start, I don't stop. I am very aware of my limits, but I don't care about those limits when I drink. ESPECIALLY if the drinks are free/someone offers to pay....

Once that feeling sits in, it's a wrap...Become highly sexual, friendly, talkative, and then at times angry....Sobbing....Crying...Just depends on my mood....This is the reason I stay away from alcohol for the most part. I can limit myself if I wanted...But when you combine being depressed and a friend who keeps saying, "Here, drink more....Now" it's hard...But, I'm very careful. My grandfather was an alcoholic and my uncle was a drug addict. But died from addictions. Because of that, this is why I stopped with the drinking....

Trippen I agree...I like to be in control and I hate hangovers...I can't comprehend how people purposefully get drunk and get wasted every single weekend only to feel like crap the next day and be in bed...I'm done with over doing it...Last time that happened, I was in bed until 6 or 7 the next evening. Mommies shouldn't get that drunk. I felt bad

On a side note....I love when I'm at the bar and a group of people go "WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"...LOL...I love it! The more they drink, the more they do it. Sometimes I join in and do it to right along with them . I don't know why I like that...

I'm not questioning drinking vs. not drinking. I will stop completely when depressed because I cannot stand the deeper depression the next day. I was just commenting on the fact that many of us with a bipolar dx have intensified depression when we are in a depressed mood. This fact has changed my lifestyle choices. I used to drink a little every day; however, this has changed, but I do enjoy a glass of wine or two a couple of times a week, and unfortunately my body chemistry does not allow me to enjoy this without paying a price.
I guess I'm just feeling sorry for myself in my depressed state. Give me a few days and I will be happy with life, hopefully!
Bluemountains

I really hope that you feel better soon! It really sucks when a depression lasts longer than anticipated.

As for the drinking, I cannot comment because I am underage and innocent. I've never had a drink before, so I don't know how it would affect my mood. I'm turning 21 soon though, so I guess that I will find out!