I don't think self medicating on an occasional basis is problematic. In fact, the fact that you recognize what you are doing makes it even less a problem. Really what is drinking but self medicating for any of us, depressed or not.
Quote:In fact, the fact that you recognize what you are doing makes it even less a problem
Excuse me for jumping in here... Yes, he recognizes what he's doing may be a problem but why do you consider that realization a positive thing if he decides not to be proactive about it?
I think it would be a problem if the ONLY time you felt better was when you're schnockered. Or, if the alcohol itself acted as a depressant, afterward. Everyone needs to turn loose occasionally, don't worry about that- it sounds like you know how to self-comfort productively. But if you ever feel like you need a doctor, don't hesitate. Brains are complex, and sometimes need a kick in the lobe to work better. You are so smart!
Sometimes a drop in the amount of (vigorous, aerobic) exercise a person is getting can set off a drop in neurotransmitters resulting in depression. Chronic mild dehydration can do that as well. I think the longer you are depressed the harder it is to dispel it, so if it continues much longer, even it isn't crippling, you might consider getting some pills for a few months. It's too easy to settle for a diminished quality of life without even realizing that that's what you are doing.
Jeff, your mom is in a nursing home and is not the same person you knew as a child. That alone is enough to make anyone depressed. Chronic stress, even low-level chronic stress, is far worse for us than acute episodes such as emergencies, where what doesn't kill us truly makes us stronger. The chronic stuff just kills us, really really slowly.
Depression is often a discomfort that the mind and body settle for to avoid emotions that some part of us finds more threatening. I'm not saying that's what's going on with you, just that if there's someone professional you can talk to about how you feel, whether with or without medication, you might be able to understand better whatever it is.
If you hate yourself most of the time and the only thing that dispels it is alcohol (which seems to be what you're saying here), it's time to take a closer look at what's really going. As the above comment mentions, your Mom is in a nursing home and you have been watching her lose ground. That's got to be hard on you
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Quote:In fact, the fact that you recognize what you are doing makes it even less a problem
Excuse me for jumping in here...
Yes, he recognizes what he's doing may be a problem but why do you consider that realization a positive thing if he decides not to be proactive about it?
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Everyone needs to turn loose occasionally, don't worry about that- it sounds like you know how to self-comfort productively.
But if you ever feel like you need a doctor, don't hesitate. Brains are complex, and sometimes need a kick in the lobe to work better.
You are so smart!
Reply
Reply
Depression is often a discomfort that the mind and body settle for to avoid emotions that some part of us finds more threatening. I'm not saying that's what's going on with you, just that if there's someone professional you can talk to about how you feel, whether with or without medication, you might be able to understand better whatever it is.
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