Day 10 and Reason 10 for doing Dry July, reducing alcohol is good for our health in many ways. and a big one is mental well-being.
This one might be a combination of scary-negative and inspiring-positive!
While I try to write what I believe to be true, the information herein is my opinion. Always seek professional help if you are experiencing signs of mental distress.
Day | Monday 10th July |
|---|---|
Days without alcohol | 25 |
Funds raised | $2,701.30 |
Badges earned | 1 week Dry |
I'm feeling | Good |
Evidence
In March 2021, the Health Promotion Agency (now a part of the National Public Health Service in Te Whatu Ora) produced a really good paper summarising the link between alcohol and mental distress.
It references the common advice regarding moderate drinking (which I've already written about in this series) and highlights that low risk is not the same as no risk. It goes on to say that even low levels of alcohol consumption are connected to experiences of mental distress in ways that we don't fully understand.
An alarming 75% of people with low mental well-being reported that they drank to cope, but we don't understand the cause and effect here.
There is an emerging body of research indicating a troubling connection between alcohol and mental health, in particular that most common of conditions: depression.
I read this as follows: Booze messes with our heads, and we may not even realise when alcohol is making us unwell.
The Dark Side of the Bottle
While alcohol may initially offer temporary relief from stress and anxiety, its effects on the brain can be insidious. Alcohol is a depressant that affects neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a crucial role in mood regulation.
The connection between alcohol and depression can form a vicious cycle. Individuals experiencing depression may turn to alcohol as a means of self-medication. Paradoxically, alcohol's depressant properties exacerbate depressive symptoms, intensifying feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair.
Chronic alcohol use can hinder the brain's ability to produce and regulate neurotransmitters, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to find relief from their depressive symptoms without alcohol. This dependency can trap individuals in a dangerous loop, amplifying their struggle with both alcohol and depression.
Is it in our genes?
The relationship between alcohol and depression is influenced by a complex interplay of biological and psychological factors. Genetics, family history, and an individual's susceptibility to mental health disorders all contribute to their vulnerability to this connection.
I wonder though whether there is a causal link between the prevalence of alcohol consumption and the prevalence of depression.
While this isn't directly related to cancer, people who suffer from cancer also understandably often have problem with mental well-being.
Whatever emerges from the science in future, it does seem that public awareness through programmes such as Dry July are pretty important in helping to provoke some discussion around these issues.
Anyway, on my 10th day I'm feeling pretty good, even though it's a Monday!
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