Iam starting this thread because so many people post on how they feel depressed whether they are currently drinking or if they have quit, not all of you, but seems to me enough to spark my curiosity. Here is what I know about it, this is only because as a RN we had to take quite a few psych courses..."Depression is a whole body illness that affects a person's physical health as well as how he or she feels, thinks, and behaves toward others. In addition, a person who suffers from this disorder may have problems eating, sleeping, working, and getting along with his/her friends". (Washington University)
"Specifically, clinical depression is a persistent, depressed mood that is often characterized by feelings of sadness or emptiness. People who have depression, experience at least five of the following symptoms, nearly every day, for a period of at least two weeks: Sad, low, empty, depressed mood, loss of interest of pleasure in nearly all activities, feelings of worthlessness, or guilt, difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions, decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down", changes in appetite and/or weight, oversleeping, early-morning awakening, or insomnia, and thoughts of death, suicide, plans or attempts." (Washington University)
Sounds like a bad hangover! Women experience depression about twice as often as men,
OK, with the facts out let me address alcohol consumption and depression. Depression and alcohol problems often go together, but the evidence suggests that in men alcohol use preceded the depression, whereas in women the depression precedes the alcohol use.
Interesting....I find reading thru the threads here I come across varying degrees of a depression of some sort. I am not a doctor in anyway shape or form, no thanks, but I start to wonder what came first, the drink or the depression. As I read on peoples success stories and they have accomplished an extensive period of AF days ,I notice that the subject of depression arises for some of those individuals. I also wonder on the loss factor here. It is said depression can come about over loss. For some of us drinking was a way of life for quite an extended period, this leads to a loss of our identity, our hobby, our night time companion, our friends who we drank with... etc. This can have it's toll on us. We have also cleared our brains, no fog, just reality. This is a good thing but one that comes with consequences. It seems to me this is a whole new way of living, for me it has been quite positive thus far. I have bad days and good ones but on the whole I feel good. What is your take on it, How do feel about it? When we say we are depressed are we still going thru the whole withdrawal process, or were we depressed to begin with and found a way out with alcohol...which only made it worse? I feel that if it is affecting our activities of daily living, then it is in need of professional opinion. Other wise for me I will ride it out, but with that said, they say 2/3rds of people suffering with clinical depression do not seek treatment. So thought this would be quite a thought provoking topic, let me know what you think.
"Specifically, clinical depression is a persistent, depressed mood that is often characterized by feelings of sadness or emptiness. People who have depression, experience at least five of the following symptoms, nearly every day, for a period of at least two weeks: Sad, low, empty, depressed mood, loss of interest of pleasure in nearly all activities, feelings of worthlessness, or guilt, difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions, decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down", changes in appetite and/or weight, oversleeping, early-morning awakening, or insomnia, and thoughts of death, suicide, plans or attempts." (Washington University)
Sounds like a bad hangover! Women experience depression about twice as often as men,
OK, with the facts out let me address alcohol consumption and depression. Depression and alcohol problems often go together, but the evidence suggests that in men alcohol use preceded the depression, whereas in women the depression precedes the alcohol use.
Interesting....I find reading thru the threads here I come across varying degrees of a depression of some sort. I am not a doctor in anyway shape or form, no thanks, but I start to wonder what came first, the drink or the depression. As I read on peoples success stories and they have accomplished an extensive period of AF days ,I notice that the subject of depression arises for some of those individuals. I also wonder on the loss factor here. It is said depression can come about over loss. For some of us drinking was a way of life for quite an extended period, this leads to a loss of our identity, our hobby, our night time companion, our friends who we drank with... etc. This can have it's toll on us. We have also cleared our brains, no fog, just reality. This is a good thing but one that comes with consequences. It seems to me this is a whole new way of living, for me it has been quite positive thus far. I have bad days and good ones but on the whole I feel good. What is your take on it, How do feel about it? When we say we are depressed are we still going thru the whole withdrawal process, or were we depressed to begin with and found a way out with alcohol...which only made it worse? I feel that if it is affecting our activities of daily living, then it is in need of professional opinion. Other wise for me I will ride it out, but with that said, they say 2/3rds of people suffering with clinical depression do not seek treatment. So thought this would be quite a thought provoking topic, let me know what you think.
Or maybe of course I am trying to substitute one problem with another - "hey, I'm not an alcoholic, I'm depressed"? Anyway, just my tuppence worth, but thanks again for startng this interesting discussion.
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