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The question was submitted 13/05/2008

Subject: Depression and Alcohol

I am 31 years old and have felt this immense feeling of hopelessnes for the past few months. I am also aware that I drink a lot of alcohol which I know makes this feeling worse. It is not that I drink everyday, but when I have a drink I can't stop and then wake up with a greater feeling of depression than before.

I have changed my job in order to put less stress upon myself but find that I am bored and unchallenged and just so tired all the time. I have stopped drinking now for at least 2 weeks, but everyday have the urge (which I have somehow managed to fight) in the last 2 weeks to get a bottle and forget the emptiness I feel. Can you make any suggestions as to where I can go for help?

Thanks

Answer from DepNet

Hello and thank you for taking the time to write to us. From what you have written, it seems there are two separate, but related issues: self-medicating with alcohol, and underlying feelings of hopelessness and a lack of energy. Take a moment to affirm yourself for writing to us: recovering and feeling better can only occur when we admit we have issues to address.

Answering your final question first, the most important first step to feeling better, is to deal with the issue of possible alcohol dependence. It is very difficult for anyone to deal with underlying emotional issues appropriately or healthily, when their thinking is impaired by the effects of alcohol (or drugs, or other addictive behaviours). You have done well to abstein from alcohol for two weeks. Maintaining this sobriety can be difficult without support, so I would recommend in the first instance that you consult your general practitioner, who can assess your physical wellbeing and determine that there are no underlying medical issues contributing to your feelings of tiredness and lassitude. They may want to do blood tests in addition to physical examination. A doctor would also be able to assess your emotional health and identify the triggers for your alcohol consumption. She or she may refer you to a service that deals primarily with alcohol and related issues for ongoing support.

Other very valuable resources include Alcoholics Anonymous who operate a proven support system for people who are struggling with issues related to alcohol. This is a free service. Some state and local governments also offer Alcohol Services, that can be accessed quite easily - check your local phone book. Please be mindful that the effects of excessive alcohol consumption can be dangerous and cumulative over time, and that alcohol is a depressant of itself, and best avoided in your current circumstance.

The second area which you allude to is your feelings of hopelessness and tiredness. If your GP excludes any underlying physical causal factors, it may be that you are experiencing some of the symptoms of depression. Other common symptoms can include a lack of motivation, crying easily, feeling worthless or unreasonably guilty or having trouble concentrating. We all have different levels of susceptibility to depression, and it is possible that excessive alcohol consumption is a major contributing factor in the way you are feeling at present. It is also possible that you have been attempting to deal with some underlying problem issues, and have inadvertently used alcohol to "medicate" your distressing emotional symptoms. More empowering and proven, effective treatments for the management of depression include lifestyle changes, talking treatments and medication.

The behaviour changes you are able to implement immediately might include improving your diet, developing a healthy sleeping pattern, doing some gentle daytime exercise, and connecting with supportive people - family or friends or maybe a support group mentioned earlier. Your GP may also be able to connect you with a counsellor or psychologist trained in dealing with depression (often these services are subsidised by Medicare). Your doctor may also recommend a course of medication, if clinically indicated, to help improve your mood and energy levels.

Stay focussed on your goal of being well and feeling better. Do stay away from alcohol for the time being. And do contact your GP. (You may like to take along your questions and this written response as a way of opening that dialogue.) I wish you all the best.

The answer was published on DepNet 15/05/2008