Alcohol and mental health

Alcohol Awareness Week 2020 is following the theme of alcohol and mental health - especially important due to increased mental burden endured this year. It’s estimated over 25% of people have increased their drinking during lockdown. How does it affect people?
Alcohol affects the part of the brain that deals with inhibition, meaning that you’re more likely to feel confident, less anxious, and more relaxed. However, this also increases rash decision making - so in the short term it’s a mixed bag! Fundamentally though, alcohol is a depressant. The more you drink the increased likelihood that your thoughts will turn negative, resulting in depression, anxiety, and aggression.
ℹ️ Alcohol Abuse Help: Visit your GP, Drinkline, Alcoholics Anonymous. ℹ️
🔵 Alcohol and Depression:
Alcohol and depression is a vicious cycle - the more you drink, the more you feel depressed; the more you feel depressed, the more you drink! This makes it easy to spiral out of control. While you initially can’t do much about your depression, cutting down on alcohol intake may stop the cycle and improve your wellbeing.
ℹ️ Help: Visit your GP, Mind.Org, GiveUsAShout.org. ℹ️
🔴 Alcohol and Anxiety:
In the short term, the inhibiting effects of alcohol may give you temporary relief from feelings of anxiety. However, the dangers of this are that as you drink more, a tolerance to alcohol may be built up and more alcohol will need to be consumed to feel the same relief. This can lead to a reliance on alcohol .
ℹ️ Help: Visit your GP, AnxietyUK, and NoPanic.org. ℹ️
⚫Alcohol and Suicide:
Unfortunately, people are more likely to self harm, have suicidal thoughts, and commit suicide when under the influence of alcohol. 29% of suicide victims were found with alcohol in their system.
This is due to many factors including reduced inhibitions, lack of clear thinking, and excerbation of mental disorders. Alcohol abuse can also cause financial and relationship problems. When having suicidal thoughts or contemplating hurting yourself, its important to seek help as soon as possible.

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