Drinking and mental health

[PowerManDL]

As most of you know, I've recently decided to quit drinking, and have been successful so far.

However, its bringing up an old problem that I'd mostly forgotten about, and assumed had passed.

Basically, it has to do with testosterone levels and something that has all the characteristics of bipolar disorder.

When I was 17-19, I dealt with it on a daily basis, and it made life miserable. When I started drinking, it wasn't that big an issue. I don't know if the booze made me see things differently, or if it was a result of depressed T levels, or a combination of both, but it went away for the longest time.

I thought I'd just grown out of it-- but with this week off, I see it hasn't. My mood is starting to fluctuate again-- I'll go from elated one moment to depressed the next.

My question is, has anyone else dealt with this? I mean, I haven't been diagnosed as bipolar- but all the symptoms are there. Could it have something to do with hormone levels? I'm worried because last time this thing set in bad, I got depressed to the point where I tried to throw myself off a balcony. I'd rather not end up dead because a moment of despair kicks in.

[Beefy Boy]

That is really sad to hear powerman.Have you seen any professionals about it.Maybe they can ease your concerns and put you on the right path.

[Tryska]

yeah dl....i'm not sure how it all ties in, although brain chemistry and hormonal chemistry are very inter-related.....i would talk to a prescribing professional too......it maybe that alchol basically numbed the feelings that you go through, and you were using alcohol to self-medicate......but you might do well with some medication.....or you could give yourself a go on some herbs and see if they help....but if it were me, i would go to a professional first to figure out what caused the problem, and if it's possible to treat on my own, i would....

[The_Chicken_Daddy]

Originally posted by PowerManDL
As most of you know, I've recently decided to quit drinking, and have been successful so far.

However, its bringing up an old problem that I'd mostly forgotten about, and assumed had passed.

Basically, it has to do with the fact that I am a boring person.

[Paul Stagg]

Go talk to a doctor.

[chris mason]

I agree with Paul, go to a doctor, I am sure there is some medication out there that can help to mediate your moods.

[big]

You dont grown out of your problems, you have to deal with them one way or another. Im an expert on not dealing with my problems.

Whats bipolar exactly?

[breeze]

there are medications to treat bipolar disorders. See a doctor pronto.

[SweatHawg]

Check with an MD Power, in person-Good Luck Bro.

[IceRgrrl]

I agree with the others, DL...see a doc and talk it over. A good friend of mine just went through a similar thing and just needed a few weeks of medicated to get regulated. He's now off the meds and feels 100% better.

[Monkeybrains]

I've been getting depression and panic attacks for about 5 years now, I started self medicating with alcohol and I ended up almost an alcoholic, so recently I stopped drinking completely.
But I went and saw the doc and now I'm on anti-depressants and they are working quite well :)

[Shocker]

of course, excersise is an excellent mood lifter, particularly 30 mins + cardio.

I had some problems with this when I was younger, but found that a good morning run nipped depression in the bud - an endorhpin hit at 8 mins and another one at 23-24 mins leaves you fresh and more positive.

Is it true endorphins in the equivalent dose is apparently 1000 times more powerful than morphine? - without side effects - nice one!

i dont think that prescription drugs are the answer in every case, and most doctors will sweep this sort of problem under the carpet with but I wouldn't say that for sure of course - you may still need it.