this is my 1st post and I’m happy to be here. I was wondering if anyone was diagnosed with other mental health issues beside the alcohole abuse.
I am a 26 yrs old college student from Germany and diagnosed with emotional unstable personality disorder (Borderline). My life was an upside down, and I’ve hurt many people in my life, mostly myself. It took me many years to come to this point where I am now: self reflected and willing to do much therapy to break my old patterns. Alcohole used to be a big problem in my life, since it brought the worst out of me. I cheated, got physical violent, broke doors and windows and as soon as i was sober I was extremely down and depressed. Alcohole made me forget all the things I achieved in my life through therapy.
P.S.: I know some people got in contact with Borderline Personalities and it might have been negative experiences, but pls try to be neutral towards me. I often have to deal with prejudices regarding my diagnosis, but I am an individual person, fighting to get better and change myself.
I’ve been sober for 78 days now. Since then I haven’t experienced any self destructive behavior now and I am very proud of it.
Well done on 78 days!! That’s an amazing accomplishment! I haven’t been here long either, but have found everyone to be amazingly supportive, regardless of circumstances etc.
I personally have struggled with mental health issues my whole life. Very bad social anxiety, general anxiety and panic disorder… Bouts of depression and I was diagnosed with PTSD 17 years ago, and suspect that I still have it.
When I was 19, I suffered from a psychotic episode (schizophreniform psychosis) which coincidently happened within a year of me starting to experiment with drugs. (They say there are 3 factors behind psychosis onset… drugs, family predisposition and major stress… well I ticked the boxes for the trifecta. My paternal grandfather was a catatonic schizophrenic.)
I luckily made a full recovery from psychosis, but still stuggle immensely with anxiety and PTSD symptoms.
I think lots of people who have addiction also have mental health conditions. Substance abuse becomes an unhealthy coping mechanism and a vicious cycle begins!
I’ve recetly just started, 2 days on haha…
I’ve been trying before but anxiety and a little devil in my head has always made myself drink even though I really dont want to.
I’m diagnosed with depression, adhd and asbergers.
I do believe the latter two has made things more difficult because I easily get into a weird impulsive behaviour with overwhelming feelings, and then I use alcohol to numb it because I dont want to take medication.
Plus when around people I often get uneasy because there’s so many impressions and things to focus on so my brain turns into a puddle and I can’t keep track or relax with my friends.
Really have no idea what to use instead of alcohol because this is how my brain works and perhaps I’m scared of facing myself everyday when this can happen whenever.
But good luck to us all!
The effects of depression are felt on a physical level in the form of sleeplessness, weight changes, inactivity and substance abuse. Problem drinking and drug abuse are more common in depressed individuals than in the general population. According to QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, men diagnosed with major depression are nearly three times more likely to develop a dependence on alcohol, while women with depression are over four times more likely to become alcohol-dependent.
I battle with a depression and anxiety disorder combo. I take meds, watch my diet, and get exercise among other things like art therapy, study of my disease and addictions, and healthy down time. When I drank/used, my depression and anxiety was crippling. There is definately a connection.
I haven’t been here long either, but have found everyone to be amazingly supportive, regardless of circumstances etc.