Depressed the next morning - normal?

LegacyUser

This might seem like a strange question, but is it normal to feel depressed after a night out?
I generally do, and I'm trying to understand why.

eskimo

As far as I'm aware, this is extremely common. And I certainly experience it regularly, as do a few of my friends.

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it brings your mood down. This is your answer.

It's also poisonous to your body. It puts your body under a lot of unwanted pressure and stress and it contributes to anxiety. This leaves you feeling mentally and physically crap.

Unless the night has been a particularly happy one, it's gonna take a lot of happy to counteract these mental and physical effects.

All you can do is let it pass, and drink less or no alcohol the next time.

lolli

Yes op,

I very rarely drink these days because once I had a few too many i'd get really upset and depressed and sometimes end up crying. Alcohol is a depressant but it had a major impact on me.

Just drink in moderation and don't get drunk and you should be fine. I spent a lot of time wondering why I was so depressed all the time. I was drinking way too much, once I cut it down things looked a whole lot brighter.

LegacyUser

I'm on a 3 drink limit because of this! The worst is if you drink so much you can't remember, then you are depressed and anxious about what you did the night before! worst feeling in the world. I'm the happiest person in the world when drinking, but the morning after I generally want the ground to open up and swallow me

Its really not worth the stress.

lustyscorpio

Yep it can be very depressing after drinking. but you probably have to look at what is it your depressed about. i very rarely get down after drink but my partner does but he has suffered a family loss.

Have you come out of a relationship? are you happy in your current situation?

worth thinking about..

LegacyUser

I dunno really, there's alot going on, but there always has been. I'm used to it now.

I seem to be paranoid after a night out that someones annoyed over something I did even if I know I didn't!
Drink is a strange old thing!

eskimo

Lauren495 wrote: »

I dunno really, there's alot going on, but there always has been. I'm used to it now.

I seem to be paranoid after a night out that someones annoyed over something I did even if I know I didn't!
Drink is a strange old thing!

This paranoia is normal. Just learn to have more faith in yourself. Don't doubt yourself so much. If you haven't done anything wrong, you've absolutely nothing to feel bad about. Remember this and keep it in mind. You're entitled to enjoy yourself just like everyone else. Drop the guilt.

LegacyUser

I'll try...! I have another question.. this may also seem strange.

Is it possible for things to bother you, but you mightn't realise because you're so used to it?

cafecolour

Lauren495 wrote: »

This might seem like a strange question, but is it normal to feel depressed after a night out?
I generally do, and I'm trying to understand why.

Yeah, alcohol is a depressant. For ages, I'd wake up cringing over the embarrassing things I did the night before, only to review the night in my mind are realize I didn't actually do much embarassing. Well, except for the odd occasion

My mate calls it a 'shameover'.

cesarbart

hey, this is very common and alot of people get it. it's called an "Emotional Hangover".

MikeStrutington

The fact that alcohol is a "central nervous system depressant" dosent mean that it makes you feel depressed so to speak; it just means your reaction times and motor functions become slightly impaired. The feelings of depression that you say you get after a hangover are probably due to a combination of low blood sugar levels, a slightly depressed state of mind to begin with (perhaps the reason you decided to head out the previous night?), dehydration leaving you feling lethargic and the realisation that you spent lots of money that could have been better used!

eskimo

Lauren495 wrote: »

I'll try...! I have another question.. this may also seem strange.

Is it possible for things to bother you, but you mightn't realise because you're so used to it?

Yes, yes, yes.

Anything that happens constantly tends to become less noticeable. But the fact that it is becoming less noticeable doesn't mean it is doing you any less damage. On the contrary, in fact; because it is becoming less noticeable, you tend to see it as unimportant, when infact the longer you let it go on the bigger it will get.

If something is bothering you, you are anxious. If it is bothering you constantly, you are constantly anxious. A build-up of untreated anxiety is highly likely to lead to anxiety problems, panic attacks and potentially depression.

Identify everything you feel bothered by. Write them down if you want. And take action. Maybe visit your GP. You don't want anxiety to get out of control, it can become unbearable.

But you can stop this from ever happening. Acknowledge anything that's bothering you and tackle it.

peekyboo

YES! Of course, absolutely everyone gets it!!! It's called the fear and it's because of all the alcohol. You'll feel so much better the day after, don't worry x

Kimia

O good lord yes it is completely normal to have the paranoia, horrors and shame the night after drinking.

it's a wonder anyone drinks at all! The depression is a killer but you have to realise that it's actually the drink doing that and the next day you'll feel TONS better.

Is it worth it at all.

Smellyirishman

Just to say that alcohol as a depressant doesn't mean it makes you emotionally depressed, although it does happen.

http://www.google.ie/search?rlz=1C1GGLS_en-USIE292IE303&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=define:depressant

Queen-Mise

Lauren495 wrote: »

I'll try...! I have another question.. this may also seem strange.

Is it possible for things to bother you, but you mightn't realise because you're so used to it?

Of course, its a bit like the elephant in the room, everyone knows its there but doesn't say anything about him.

On a slightly different note - people stay in unhealthly relationships (abusive marriage for example) because they are familiar. The familiar is a lot safer/easier to live with that doing something new.

There is obviously something behind that question - go and chat to your GP or someone else about it.

mikemac

Not strange at all OP

And worst of all when you can't remember what happened that night when you wake up.
You could have behaved perfectly but sometimes you convince yourself you've offended someone or done something stupid. Even if you didn't but you can't remember.

It's a long time since I got myself in such a situation

neuro-praxis

This has never happened to me, and I do not think I am unusual. After a great night out with good friends I feel really happy and contented and love nothing more than to curl up with some movies. I never feel shame or paranoia, because I stay in control of my behaviour. I know my limits and I stop drinking if I'm going to get silly.

Perhaps you drink too much?

Perhaps you do things on a night out that you are unhappy about?

Perhaps you have a great time, and the next day is a bump back to an unhappy reality?

LegacyUser

I went of a 5 day drink bender in the US for Paddy's day and had a case of The Fear (The Bads/ The shakes or whatever you want to call it).

I have been pissed most weekends and tend to have a few during ther week but I drank since on account of this and still have horrible anxiety and boarderline panic attacks. When will it end? I've been to the doc with it and all and he pretty much told me to 'lighten up'.

Bottom line: YES booze causes depression and YES it causes anxiety and this wears off after a day or two unless you're an unlucky sod like me

Playboy

Unregistered wrote: »

I went of a 5 day drink bender in the US for Paddy's day and had a case of The Fear (The Bads/ The shakes or whatever you want to call it).

I have been pissed most weekends and tend to have a few during ther week but I drank since on account of this and still have horrible anxiety and boarderline panic attacks. When will it end? I've been to the doc with it and all and he pretty much told me to 'lighten up'.

Bottom line: YES booze causes depression and YES it causes anxiety and this wears off after a day or two unless you're an unlucky sod like me

You are getting into an anixety loop. You are becoming anxious about being anxious .. that is your anxiety is the focus and cause of your anxiety!

Dont worry though ... it happens quite commonly. You need to treat it though as if you let it continue it can start to lead to panic attacks etc. Best thing to do is to educate yourself. Ignorance is partly the root of the problem. Understand exactly what anxiety is, why we get it, and how it manifests itself physiologically (adrenaline, fight or flight response). Pick up a couple of books on panic and anxiety .. there are books that show you how to use Cogntive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to overcome the issue. If you are still having problems go see a Clinical Psychologist who will be able to help you.

Personally my first port of call would be to see a clinical psychologist over a GP or a psychiatrist. A Clinical Psychologist will refer you to your GP or a psychiatrist if they feel you need some sort of medication. Psychiatrists and GP's tend to prescribe medication first without exploring other avenues of treatment. This can be a bad thing .. unless you are really struggling to get through the day then there is a good chance medication will not help the situation. It might help in the short term by alleviating your symptoms but it is very likely that you could develop a dependency on medication .. you will be afraid to stop in case the symptoms come back. Also the drugs they use to treat anxiety can be addictive, have side effects, and cause problems when trying to stop taking them. You body and mind need to learn how to deal with your anxiety again .. if you take a drug you will still have to go through this process when you stop taking it .. Better to try and deal with it now instead of later. It might take a few months, a few weeks, or even a few days for you to start feeling better but you have to remember that you will start feeling better eventually.

Blangis

On an episode of House, there was someone with massive feelings of guilt. House diagnosed it as a vitamin B12 deficiency. Ever since seeing this, I have taken a few Berocca boosts before bed and a few more again in the morning, if I've been on the lash. I've never had the fear since, and I used to be nearly crippled with it.

It doesn't do anything for the other hangover symptoms, though.

LegacyUser

@ Playboy, me again (from 2 posts up), that's a really useful and helpful post. Thanks for taking the time to write it.

Playboy

Unregistered wrote: »

@ Playboy, me again (from 2 posts up), that's a really useful and helpful post. Thanks for taking the time to write it.

No worries m8 .. I speak from personal experience and have a background in psychology so if you have any questions or need any advice just pm me.

Dagon

I gave up drink a few years ago and have found that depression has much less of a grip on me, and has pretty much gone away by and large! Use meditation instead of drink - you'll have some of the benefits of alcohol (increased self-confidence, lack of fear, dutch courage, etc.) without the depression

LoveIt

http://www.whatisthefear.com/

As someone else mentioned a lot of people suffer from The Fear. This is a slang term often used to describe the irrational feeling of paranoia, anxiety and depression after a night out.

The best ways to get over it I find, are going to the gym or for a swim or a wlak or something.. get the endorphins flowing! It also helps when it comes to going asleep that night. If you've spent the day on the couch worrying etc you prob won't be able to relax and get a good nights sleep before work/college on a Monday morning.

Another tip is to do something with friends. The company and reassurance can help put your mind at ease and reassure you that your fears/depression are exaggerated from the alcohol and are irrational.
xXx

fabbydabby

True that. Especially about the gym. I find surfing/ Bodyboarding great.

What if all your friends have the fear too?!:pac:

LegacyUser

Easy solution - just drink less, your body will thank you.

sam34

Psychiatrists and GP's tend to prescribe medication first without exploring other avenues of treatment. This can be a bad thing .. unless you are really struggling to get through the day then there is a good chance medication will not help the situation. It might help in the short term by alleviating your symptoms but it is very likely that you could develop a dependency on medication .. you will be afraid to stop in case the symptoms come back. Also the drugs they use to treat anxiety can be addictive, have side effects, and cause problems when trying to stop taking them.

somewhat OT, but i feel it's important to distinguish between different types of meds here.

the benzos are indeed addictive, and alleviate symptoms only, without treating teh underlying disorder. however, if managed properly, coming off them does not have to be very difficult.

however, there are other meds available for depression and anxiety that treat the actual depression/anxiety and do not simply mask symptoms.

some people are happier taking meds than going for any kind of psychotherapy.

i'm not at all sure why you say that there's a good chance meds wont help unless teh person is "really struggling" ?? what are you basing that on?

finally, with regard to doctors prescribing rather than doing anythinng else- really, what do you expect them to do? firstly, there is agross shortage of psychology services in teh country, so referral here is often simply not an option. secondly, they are doctors. DOctors. Not psychologists/counsellors/life-coaches/OTs/social workers/anything else. The skills and knowledge and rights that doctors uniquely have are in teh area of pharmacology. thats what they know and thats what they do that noone else can do.

eskimo

Blangis wrote: »

On an episode of House, there was someone with massive feelings of guilt. House diagnosed it as a vitamin B12 deficiency. Ever since seeing this, I have taken a few Berocca boosts before bed and a few more again in the morning, if I've been on the lash. I've never had the fear since, and I used to be nearly crippled with it.

It doesn't do anything for the other hangover symptoms, though.

Yeah totally! Vitamin B deficiency is a big part of the after-alcohol feelings. I never go on a night out without taking Berocca before drinking, after drinking, and the next morning! It's a lot of effort when you've been drinking, but completely worth it. It halts many of the symptoms for me (contrary to what you said.)

OP please remember that your mental and/or physical crappy feeling may also be down to something else which is being enhanced by the alcohol. Maybe you are not eating well enough, not getting enough vitamins and minerals. It's quite possible you aren't getting enough exercise.

Good nutrition and good fitness are absolutely VITAL to feeling good. It's not just a case of having consumed alcohol.

It's imperative you have get regular exercise and get enough of the right vitamins and minerals in your diet. Don't be the fool who under-estimates these things and ends up using medication to make up for them. Exercise and the right foods are absolutely vital for your mental wellbeing.

Playboy

sam34 wrote: »

somewhat OT, but i feel it's important to distinguish between different types of meds here.

the benzos are indeed addictive, and alleviate symptoms only, without treating teh underlying disorder. however, if managed properly, coming off them does not have to be very difficult.

You ever tried coming off valium or something similar? I have and i know people who have. Not a pleasant experience and the longer the use the worse it is. Combine this with the underlying anxiety issues and you have doubled a problem.

sam34 wrote: »

however, there are other meds available for depression and anxiety that treat the actual depression/anxiety and do not simply mask symptoms.

Such as? I was prescribed an anti-depressant with epinephrine! Cant really remember the name but it was a horrible experience. Constantly agitated, restless, insomnia, dry mouth, impotence were just some of the side effects. Coming off them after only 1 month left me with sleep paralysis and brain shocks.

If there was one avenue i would try it would St. Johns Wort .. I'm not sure if you can get it over the counter in Ireland anymore but you can here in the UK. I found it really helpful without any of the side effects. It has been proven in clinical trials to be effective against mild - moderate depression. I found it helpful for anxiety and the depression that goes hand in hand with long term anxiety.

sam34 wrote: »

some people are happier taking meds than going for any kind of psychotherapy.

And?? That doesnt mean its the 'right' or most effective treatment. Dependency on a drug isnt desirable for the patient unless its absolute neccesary.

sam34 wrote: »

i'm not at all sure why you say that there's a good chance meds wont help unless teh person is "really struggling" ?? what are you basing that on?

I think you are misunderstanding me here. I said they wont help the situation .. not that they wont help with the symptoms. With anxiety issues the person both psychologically and physiologically must learn to cope with their anxiety in order to heal. If you are taking medication you are only delaying this process. The physiological effect of the medication is replacing your own internal coping mechanism .. and when you stop taking the drug the symptoms will return and you will have to deal with the underlying issue plus the withdrawl from the medication. Imo this is exacerbating a problem which could be dealt with much more effectively by going down the CBT/Psychotherapy route first. Unless your anxiety or panic is so severe that you feel you cant make it through the day then I would say avoid medication until you have exhausted other avenues of treatment.

sam34 wrote: »

finally, with regard to doctors prescribing rather than doing anythinng else- really, what do you expect them to do? firstly, there is agross shortage of psychology services in teh country, so referral here is often simply not an option. secondly, they are doctors. DOctors. Not psychologists/counsellors/life-coaches/OTs/social workers/anything else. The skills and knowledge and rights that doctors uniquely have are in teh area of pharmacology. thats what they know and thats what they do that noone else can do.

Well first of all I would expect a doctor to take a patient complaining of anxiety issues seriously and not dismiss the poster I was replying to by telling them they need to lighten up. A doctor should be able to discuss the situation and encourage a patient to seek out some CBT self books at the very least. There are plenty of private psychologists in Ireland where it is relatively easy to get an appointment at short notice .. it is expenisve but worth the money. I think that GP's should be aware that prescribing medication is not a solution in all cases especially when it comes to psychological disorders. It's not too much to ask is it?

leerdun46

Blangis wrote: »

On an episode of House, there was someone with massive feelings of guilt. House diagnosed it as a vitamin B12 deficiency. Ever since seeing this, I have taken a few Berocca boosts before bed and a few more again in the morning, if I've been on the lash. I've never had the fear since, and I used to be nearly crippled with it.

It doesn't do anything for the other hangover symptoms, though.

thanks for this,i get this quite regular and i will give it a try over next weekend...

sam34

You ever tried coming off valium or something similar? I have and i know people who have. Not a pleasant experience and the longer the use the worse it is. Combine this with the underlying anxiety issues and you have doubled a problem.

I have overseen many many patients coming off valium and other benzos. while not a "pleasant" experience, if managed properly it tends not to be too troublesome.

Such as? I was prescribed an anti-depressant with epinephrine! Cant really remember the name but it was a horrible experience. Constantly agitated, restless, insomnia, dry mouth, impotence were just some of the side effects. Coming off them after only 1 month left me with sleep paralysis and brain shocks.

SSRIs and SNRIs. BOth have proven efficacy in treating both depressiona nd anxiety. they can cure the underlying illness and not just mask the symptoms, in some cases. of course, not all patients will respond to them and some wil have side effects, just like you will see with any medication.

If there was one avenue i would try it would St. Johns Wort .. I'm not sure if you can get it over the counter in Ireland anymore but you can here in the UK. I found it really helpful without any of the side effects. It has been proven in clinical trials to be effective against mild - moderate depression. I found it helpful for anxiety and the depression that goes hand in hand with long term anxiety.

SJW has its place, but it has side effects and interacts with a lot of other medications and can render them ineffective. unfortunately, some people think that because it is herbal it is completely safe, and that is not the case.

And?? That doesnt mean its the 'right' or most effective treatment. Dependency on a drug isnt desirable for the patient unless its absolute neccesary.

the SSRIs and SNRIs are not addictive. and withdrawal symptoms do not indicate dependence or addiction.

patient preference regarding a treatment course has been shown to influence their likely compliance.

and when you stop taking the drug the symptoms will return and you will have to deal with the underlying issue plus the withdrawl from the medication.

not necessarily. some people can stop meds and not have a recurrence of symptoms.

Well first of all I would expect a doctor to take a patient complaining of anxiety issues seriously and not dismiss the poster I was replying to by telling them they need to lighten up. A doctor should be able to discuss the situation and encourage a patient to seek out some CBT self books at the very least. There are plenty of private psychologists in Ireland where it is relatively easy to get an appointment at short notice .. it is expenisve but worth the money. I think that GP's should be aware that prescribing medication is not a solution in all cases especially when it comes to psychological disorders. It's not too much to ask is it?

an awful lot of people simply do not have the resources to access private psychologists.

there is no reason why someone cant be encouraged to look at CBT books as well as taking meds.

prescribing is a very effective solution for a lot of problems, particularly anxiety and depression.

i have no doubt that many lives have been saved because of appropriate medical treatment of depression.

Playboy

sam34 wrote: »

I have overseen many many patients coming off valium and other benzos. while not a "pleasant" experience, if managed properly it tends not to be too troublesome.

I'll have to take your word for it as I dont have the same clinical experience as yourself but I have deep reservations as to what your understanding of "not too troublesome" is.

sam34 wrote: »

SSRIs and SNRIs. BOth have proven efficacy in treating both depressiona nd anxiety. they can cure the underlying illness and not just mask the symptoms, in some cases. of course, not all patients will respond to them and some wil have side effects, just like you will see with any medication.

Could you point me in the direction of some studies where SSRI's have cured depression or anxiety disorders. I have real trouble believing that one .. sorry. They treat symptoms .. like many other drugs. I have never come across a study where it was shown that they actually cure depression. If I remember correctly there were studies done on the opposite of what you say .. how SSRI's actually contribute to intensifying depressive disorders when the medication is stopped.

sam34 wrote: »

the SSRIs and SNRIs are not addictive. and withdrawal symptoms do not indicate dependence or addiction.

I think that is a highly debatable point .. Physically addictive, maybe not .. but like anything you can easily develop a dependency .. especially when it comes to psychiatric medicine

sam34 wrote: »

patient preference regarding a treatment course has been shown to influence their likely compliance.

I'm not sure of your point here. I do understand that there is a stigma attached to therapy but that is no reason to rule it out as a possible treatment.

sam34 wrote: »

not necessarily. some people can stop meds and not have a recurrence of symptoms.

Yes you are probably right but I think that would depend on the underlying causes. I think in the majority of depressives though that that isnt the case.

sam34 wrote: »

i have no doubt that many lives have been saved because of appropriate medical treatment of depression.

I'm not disagreeing but imo its not the best solution which is what I'm trying to offer here. I understand that peoples only option in a lot of cases is medication but unfortunately once you get medicated its very difficult to stop and a lot of people spend their entire lives on medication.