Drinking and depresion

If you or someone you know has questions about alcohol and mental health, please ask our experts here.

Moderator: talkhealth

Locked
3 posts
gregarioo
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2012 9:41 pm
Quote

by gregarioo on Sun Oct 21, 2012 9:51 pm

Drinking and depresion

Hi

For several years I have been tackling depression, originally I was taking medication for it but after discovering that drink made me feel much better I stopped the antidepressants and seeing the doctor and began on a path of alcohol misuse. Now it is 2 years later, my drinking is out of control, I drink everyday until I'm drunk which can be more than the equivalent of 20 units a day. The depression has crept up on me again and now I don't know what to do or how to control it. Through my drinking and depression I have lost my job, soon to loose my flat, the mother of my children doesn't want me to see them any more, I have no money coming in, I'm not in a relationship, I sleep more that 12 hours a day, I then fall asleep again early evening, I also feel tired all the time and smoke over 40 cigarettes a day. I've tried to stop my drinking but every time I fail. What can I do? Where do I go from here? I have this image of where I want to be but I don't know how to get there.

Greg

User avatar
Dr Gary Jackson
Posts: 26
Joined: Fri Oct 12, 2012 10:20 am
Quote

by Dr Gary Jackson on Mon Oct 22, 2012 9:19 am

Re: Drinking and depresion

Greg obviously see your GP for a medical check up (liver tests etc) and referral to the local addictions service. There may be a voluntary sector addictions service in your area too - try Googling and enquire when you see your GP. Certainly go to an AA meeting. You'll find info about such on the net. You sound ready to tackle the problem so do so before you lose the momentum.
Dr Jackson
Dr Gary Jackson - Consultant Psychiatrist
M.B.B.Ch., F.R.C.Psych

User avatar
saraht
Posts: 18
Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2012 7:34 pm
Quote

by saraht on Mon Oct 22, 2012 11:15 am

Re: Drinking and depresion

Morning Greg

As Dr Jackson says you need to see your GP and be as honest as possible. It sounds as if you have hit rock bottom. This illness is like a lift, that only goes downward, it's time to get off it. Drinking heavily will make your depression far worse, and the GP needs to know that you swapped AD's for Alcohol.

You say that you can see where you want to be, first step is to clear the house of alcohol, brush your teeth, toothpaste and booze is a horrible mixture, and get to the doctor, today if possible. This can only be tackled in small stages, the first stage of admitting to it a problem is done, second stage, is doing something proactive about it. Remember too that you are not alone, there will be help in your area. Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

Sarah.
Sarah Turner
Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Specialising in Alcohol Dependence
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... turner.php

Locked
3 posts