Has anyone used alcohol

Has anyone used alcohol to ease your pain? I have noticed if I have a few beers that my mood improves dramatically and my sister in law said the same thing. She has been on medication for depression and anxiety and with everything she has been on, she said she still feels her best when she has a few beers. I wonder why that is?

"Alcohol helps us to forget our problems for a while. It can help us to relax and overcome any shyness. It can make talking easier and more fun, whether in the pub, a club or at a party. It is a very effective way of feeling better for a few hours.

"If you are depressed and lacking in energy, it can be tempting to use alcohol to help you keep going and cope with life. The problem is that it is easy to slip into drinking regularly, using it like a medication.The benefits soon wear off, the drinking becomes part of a routine, and you have to keep drinking more to get the same effect."

From: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealt...epression.aspx

Yes, I've used alcohol to try to make myself feel better. The problem is, it either makes me feel very happy, or it makes me plunge into a very deep sadness where I feel very self-destructive. I don't know why it can make a person act differently. Some people become violent under alcohol, etc.

all my suicide attemts and self harming have been done while ive drunk.Sometimes it makes me feel good othertimes it makes me determined to die and the last time only last week i was saved by my mother and sister.I am still drinking because that is now part of the problem i have,so i would not recomend it to anyone as i have now two battles to contend with one is drink and the other is bipolar or depression (until a proper diagnosis is given,im going to hospital soon as i am brave enough for a little stay.)

Thanks for all your replies and information. I think I am going to use it just until I can get up my nerve to go and see my doctor about getting on some medication for my depression and anxiety. Thanks again

Wanting I wish you the best if you decide to go into the hospital.

Unfortunately, alcohol is a depressant. You will need more and more of it to get away from your sorrows...as the alcohol will make you more and more depressed. Do you have a T to share things with??? That would be best, imo. TC

Actually Sky I was wondering whether to make an appointment with a Therapist or just go to my family doctor? I know if I went to my family doctor they will write a script right then and there. I don't think Therapists can do that? You have to talk to them first then see a phychiatrist who can prescribe meds but that will take time right?

I think seeing a doctor is a good idea! Yes, begin with your family doctor, as sometimes these things are physically induced, and not emotionally caused at all!

If your MD is comfortable with basic psychotropic medications, then he/she will prescribe something for you to try... but will probably also refer you to a psychiatrist. I hope he/she would also refer you to a psychologist that would help with talk therapy. (Psychiatrists don't usually do the talk therapy anymore, but focus on the medications.)

In the meantime, try to do good self care... eating healthy foods (in addition to the junk stuff you like I guess?) and rest. Don't push yourself, don't try to do things you just can't do, that will only make you feel worse about yourself, imo.

DO try to get out around ppl. We being human do better around others...even if it's just sitting in the library. Or go to a lobby of a hotel or even hospital and sit and watch ppl..listen for squeaky shoes or look for clothes that do or don't fit! ANYTHING to distract yourself... computer games etc.

Take care!

Just wanted to say be careful using alcohol to make you feel better. It can lead to a dangerous spiral downwards and make it much harder to get control of your depression.
Good luck,
Linda

Hi Guys, I wanted to reply earilier but they have this rule for newbies that you are only allowed to post 5 posts a day then you have to wait 24 hours or something so it wouldn't let me reply.

Thanks so much for all your replies, you guys are really sweet and I am glad that I found this site.