Depression and Alcohol Is a Dangerous Combination

Depression and alcohol can be a dangerous combination. Drinking alcohol when you're depressed can worsen your depression. Similarly, drinking alcohol when you're in depression remission can seriously jeopardize that remission.

Last week I wrote about making the most of depression remission. I listed several things that I like to do when I'm in remission, things that help keep my depression at bay. One of those things is to enjoy a glass of wine.

Upon reading my blog, someone commented on how alcohol is contraindicated when taking medication for depression and/or any form of depression treatment. Indeed, alcohol is a depressant so why in the world would someone with depression choose to drink when in remission?

I can only comment on my own behaviour and perhaps, I should have said that I enjoy eating chocolate rather than drinking a glass of wine. I do enjoy chocolate, but drinking a robust red or a chilled, fruity white makes me feel - - normal.

When Depressed, Do Something That Makes You Feel Normal

[caption id="attachment_2560" align="alignright" width="213"] By digitalart, courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net[/caption]

I know it sounds crazy, but when I'm depressed I feel so not normal, so not in control of myself that when I'm in remission, I like to do what other normal grown-ups do. For me, one of those things is to drink wine. Heck, I even mix a couple of my feel-better, go-to list items. Today, I did some gardening and had a beer while listening to music outside. It was a good day. A solid seven!

To that end, I would caution anybody with depression to be very careful when drinking alcohol. It's a precarious choice, at best. You need to know yourself and know your limits. Alcohol is a depressant and depressed people don't need any help being depressed. They/we need help overcoming depression.

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