Depression, drink, middle age and round we go

[George]

Hey all

I've suffered from depression since my mid-teens, thirty-odd years ago and most of the time, maybe all of the time, I've used alcohol to mask it, to make my life bearable. I still have depression, probably always will, but accept that I misuse drink. This weekend has been no exception. I was off the drink for just over a year 2009 - 2010 and it did me no harm and at that point had no intention of drinking again but, well, back to the old habits that mask the depression but cause all the other problems.

The greatest part of my depression though is how it expresses itself. When I go down I cry - on the street, in the shop or on the bus, anywhere - and it is really embarrassing, not only for me but for those around me. I then rush off home or take cover, whatever and that is the day screwed.

No drink today though, just tears !£%

[Munchroom]

Hi George

First of all - well done for staying off the drink for a year, when you have something like drink that you use as a crutch, it is the hardest thing to accept that in reality its not doing you any favours and stay clear of it. A year is a long time, I think thats definetly something to be proud of!  :)

I know its embarrassing but please realise that crying IS a great relief - even if it doesn't feel like it! Some days I cry so much I worry about becoming dehydrated! If you didn't cry and consciously tried to stop yourself you'll just be building up more trouble for yourself in the long run.

Remember everybody does cry, depression or not - and if they are embarrassed then there are two ways to look at it - one is the obvious and that is that it is their problem and the other... perhaps they are embarrassed because they want to help, they just don't know what to do.

Take care x

[lightenup]

Great advice from Munchroom, and well done you.  Drink is only a temporary aid that actually has more of a depressive effect on us, we all know that  when I first seen Muchroom avatar I looked at quickly and seen a glass of red wine

To be honest I know crying is draining but is so helpful letting the body destress itself, for years I never cried but now I seem to wear my bladder on my sleeve.  So don't beat yourself up about and look at it as being helpful.  take care

[Munchroom]

when I first seen Muchroom avatar I looked at quickly and seen a glass of red wine

Hahaha! 

[George]

Hi Munchroom, Lightenup

Thanks very much for your kind words. Today is a lovely day, the sun is shining so a little time out in the garden before I go to the doc's will do me no harm. Never know, it might do the plants some good too!!!

[Munchroom]

No worries George - hope all went well with the doctor?  :)