Tuesday 10-11-2020 - 13:06

 

The relationship between alcohol and mental health is complex. Alcohol is sometimes used by people to try and help manage symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, but excessive drinking is likely to make those symptoms worse. Managing your drinking and getting the right support are crucial to good mental health.

 

How does drinking alcohol effect my mental health?

• Overuse of alcohol can contribute to the worsening of symptoms of many mental health problems. In particular, it can lead to low mood and anxiety.
• As the immediate feeling of calm after drinking fades over time, you may feel worse than before.
• Post-drinking hangovers can be particularly difficult, with the usual headache and nausea being accompanied by feelings of depression and/or anxiety.
• Using alcohol in this way can mean that the underlying mental health problems aren’t addressed.
• Alcohol does not heal, it simply dulls brain function, acting as a depressant to a brain that may already be in a state of depression.
• A particularly worrying connection between alcohol and mental illness is seen in its relationship to suicide. Research has shown that as many as 65% of suicides have been linked to excessive drinking, and 70% of men who kill themselves have drunk alcohol before doing so.

Alcohol as a coping mechanism

 

Alcohol has been described as ‘the UK’s favourite coping mechanism’, and many of us do drink to try and help manage stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems. This is sometimes called ‘self-medicating’ with alcohol. Unfortunately, although alcohol can help us feel relaxed initially and give us a brief feeling of euphoria, the effects are short-lived and the long-term negative consequences of drinking a lot over a long period of time can be quite harmful.

 

If you come to rely on alcohol to manage your mental health problems, that reliance can itself become a problem. You may well find that your drinking starts to get in the way of other activities and puts a strain on your relationships – both things that can undermine your mental wellbeing.

 

Alcohol-free coping/de-stressing mechanisms

 

• Baking
• Cross Stitch
• Adult colouring books
• Sudoku
• Yoga
• Listen to music
• Meditation
• Painting
• Swimming
• Spend time with a pet
• Gardening
• Bath
• Cup of tea
• Stargazing
• Go for a walk

 

 

Can I drink alcohol if I have mental health problems?

 

If you struggle with depression and anxiety, or other mental health problems, but would like to drink, the best advice is to stick within the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines by not having more than 14 units of alcohol per week. That means about six pints of lager, or six standard glasses of wine, spread out over three or more days and with a few days off. Some people find that it’s best for them to stop drinking in order to improve their symptoms. Only you will know what works best for you, but you may wish to discuss it with your doctor or with someone at your local alcohol service. Use the NHS services directories to find an alcohol support service near you, or speak to your GP.

 

What to do if you’re struggling

 

If you are feeling anxious, low or experiencing any other symptoms of mental health problems, you deserve support. You can speak to your GP, and get advice and help at www.mind.org.uk. Please also see our support page, with information on local and campus bases support.