There is a strong correlation between alcohol, depression, and mental anguish. If you are battling any form of mental anguish, alcohol will not make you feel better.
While alcohol creates feelings of euphoria and excitement, happier and confident, these feelings are fleeting. Alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system and brain functionality. The more alcohol consumed, the more severe the symptoms become.
Alcohol abuse changes behavior and can induce major mood disorders. In this article, we help explain how alcohol can exacerbate mental anguish and what you can do to help.
Alcohol and Mental Health
Regular heavy drinking is linked to depression, and this can lead to suicidal ideation. Many people also drink to manage anxiety. Alcohol provides a short-lived feeling of relaxation, but it quickly disappears. Using alcohol to manage anxiety leads to alcohol dependence.
Heavy drinkers can often experience psychosis while also causing a person to become more impulsive, which can lead to suicide. Research has shown that alcohol use disorders are the most common co-occurring disorder in people with severe mental illnesses.
Breaking the Habit
If you are struggling with an alcohol addiction and thinking about suicide, get immediate help. There are excellent treatment resources available.
If you are searching for ways to cut back on your alcohol consumption and manage underlying mental health issues, consider some of the following tips:
- Remain within the low-risk alcohol consumption guidelines and avoid using alcohol on an empty stomach.
- Have a big meal and drink water.
- Avoid drinking multiple times throughout the week, and record your drinking days by taking notes.
Additionally, consider some healthier ways to relax. For example, exercise, yoga, hiking, walking, or running. Listen to some calming music, cook, spend time with friends, or try meditation.
Avoiding alcohol use remains the best choice to prevent exacerbating mental anguish. This is especially important if someone is misusing illegal drugs or prescription drugs or is struggling with suicidal ideation.
