I think I have a depression, I also have a drinking problem.

[Pierogi]

I've been feeling down for months, I think it is because I drink way too much (or maybe I drink because I feel bad?). I was wondering if I take antidepressants could I still be drinking? I am not ready to stop drinking yet but I want to feel normal again so I was wondering if antidepressants could help me. I done the test and my score is 17.

[Hidden]

Whatever way you tackle it you've made a big step in admitting that you have a problem. Go and discuss your feelings with a doctor who should be able to help you.

Good luck!

[Suzie40]

It's a vicious cycle. Excessive alcohol consumption can make a person incredibly depressed, and then feeling depressed makes you drink even more. And so it goes on. I wouldn't read too much into the scores you get with online tools. I find they are more useful for people who have already been diagnosed with depression in helping to identify triggers and particular areas of difficulty. I think you're being incredibly honest admitting that you're drinking too much, but also accepting that you're not yet ready to stop. Why don't you contact a charity like Al Anon or Alcohol Concern and see how they can support you? X

[Hidden]

Hi

It sounds as though you are feeling in a bad way at the moment and I agree absolutely with Suzie's reply and you might also think of asking your GP if you can see a counsellor to talk about what makes you drink and feel depressed. I do hope you seek some help because drinking leads to so many other problems.

It sounds as though you are looking for help from somewhere but don't say whether you have anyone you can turn to for help and support. If you do not then that may explain both the drinking and the low feelings. Quite probably you are depressed, but it may be that taking meds would simply mask the symptoms if they are due to loneliness. Understanding what is making you feel low enough to drink, or drinking enough to feel low, will be the most helpful first step I think.

Sue

[Sherston]

booze and anti-d's are a bad mix.

try and sort your drink habit first if you can.

[Pierogi]

Thank you all for your advices. I am a bit embarassed to contact my GP about it, but I will do it eventually. Also, I feel selfish because people have much bigger problems than me, my life is pretty good actually. I think its just drinking makes everything go wrong and I hate that feeling when I wake up hangover and I'm thinking I wish I could stop it but in the evening I do it again. I feel so weak all the time, have absolutely no energy. I will try to stop drinking after the summer but I can't stop yet.