Depression and alcohol

Hi all.

Is there a relation between depression and alcohol? Does alcohol influence depression in any way?

Thanks in advance,
melannie

Hi melanie...

Yes.

Alcohol is a chemical depressant.

If depressed,,the ingestion of alcohol can support the depression.

IMHO.

Lenny

Thanks a lot, Lenny!

I've never really liked alcohol but I loved caffeine and nicotine! After I quit both cold turkey my depression symptoms have become very strong...

Hugs,

melannie

I liked alcohol alot...had a love affair with Jack....

But it makes sense that when a person with depressive tendencies removes stimulants like caffine and nicotine from their system(especially cold turkey) some depressive symptoms may return.

Exersize is the answer here...that will replace many of the lost chemicals. Good diet too...

Witn Care,

Lenny

YAY! Lenny is wise!

I never had an issue with alcohol since by the time I was 24-25 I had pancrantitis 5 times so could no longer drink at all. (It wasn't caused by drinking, but rather a genetic condition that caused my tyglercides to spike). I get to be sober cab a lot!

My husband's (now ex) best friend is severly alcoholic. She has had issues with depression for years (she is also in denial about that). It got so bad she believed her own delusions and threatened to kill me. (Hence the EX part). So it can really effect depression to the point of delusion.

It is also the reason that doctors and medications state to not drink on Anti-depressants.

Hope that helpsed!

Absolutely "Yes" (((melannie))). It's all about chemistry - and alcohol has a very toxic effect on the brain - even damages the brain. When fighting depression and other mental illnesses, it is important to provide the brain with everything it needs to maximize proper brain function - this includes adequate exercise and proper nutrition. As for mixing alcohol with anti-depressants and other medications - in many instances, not only does the alcohol magnify certain aspects of the medication's effects (especially the less desirable effects), it can change the chemistry to a toxic substance. Also, alcohol burns up your natural blood sugar inhibiting proper bonding of the oxygen molecule to the red blood cells resulting in less oxygen reaching the brain - drinking alcohol robs your brain of oxygen which can result in irreparable damage to brain cells. Hope this info helps.

yes there is. Not only is it an antidepressants but it flushes B vitamins out of your body - there are correlations between low B levels and depression

THANKS A LOT, EVERYONE!

I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR TIME!
YOUR ADVICE HELPS A LOT! I'VE STARTED WITH A GOOD DIET AND DAILY EXERCISE AND IT WORKS -- I FEEL MUCH BETTER!

BESIDES, IT WAS QUITE SUNNY YESTERDAY, IT SEEMS I BADLY NEED SUNSHINE TOO...

HAVE A GREAT TIME,
WISH YOU ALL THE BEST!

HUGS,
melannie

YAY, (((melannie)))! Yes, sunlight helps provide Vitamine D - very important for good health. You might want to check out WebMD - they have tons of articles about food and depressoin - what foods can actually help alliviate some of the symptoms, as well as foods that can contribute to your symptoms.

What I've done to help my anxiety and depression during the winter (I live in MN so our days get short, not as short as Alaska, but short none the less) is I have "Full Spectrum" light bulbs in my bedroom and in a desk lamp I brought to work. They are kinda like florescent bulbs, but throw off the full spectrum of light more like sunlight. They are a little more expensive then regular or florescent bulbs, but much cheaper than a "SAD" light. I've never used a SAD light, but these bulbs seem to help me. Keep that in mind when you are craving sunlight.

Thanks Lynn and Theotterone, for your useful posts!

Lynn, the webMD site is great -- I've found a lot of useful advice!

Theotterone, the SAD light therapy sounds great! I often crave sunshine!!!

Wish you happiness!

Hugs,
melannie

I use to get better when im drinking :S

Alcohol increases depression on the rebound, seeming to relieve it for a short time, but then leaving you lower than ever, and, often, wanting more alcohol. Another relationship is that depressives tend to drink, trying to self medicate. But it doesn't work!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you have a proclivity for addiction, which is not uncommon in the depressive, don't touch alcohol. Alcoholism is a terrible, progressive illness, which increases depression progressively as well. Recovery is a great struggle. Have you tried antidepressant medications?. Please feel me to contact me, as I have been through both, still battling with depression but 19 years free of alcohol. Caring about you ~ billieJ

Congrats on 19 years sobriety!
What you said is absolutely right. Depressants & depression DO NOT mix well.

Thank you billieJ and Calista!!!

Billie, CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING ALCOHOL FREE FOR SUCH A LONG TIME!!!

I'm SOOO PROUD OF YOU!
JUST KEEP IT UP!

I've been trying to fight nicotine addiction for a long time (presently nicotine free for 4 months) and know so well how awful withdrawal could be!!!

Sending you lots of hugs and wishing you blessings!!!!!!!!!

melannie