1 of 1 There is a connection between excessive alcohol consumption and depression
There is a connection between excessive alcohol consumption and depression
After a night of drinking, it's natural to wake up the next day with some symptoms of the famous hangover. Headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and even feeling a little discouraged, like I didn't have the energy to get out of bed. Which begs the question: Was it worth drinking so much the night before? According to doctor Hana Patel in an interview with the Chron, there is a strong connection between excessive alcohol consumption (more than 14 units per week) and depression. Which might explain that feeling of discouragement the next day.
Alcohol affects the gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway in the brain. When you drink alcohol, it stimulates this receptor and activates the “inhibitory system,” making you feel uninhibited and relaxed. However, the next morning, when you metabolize alcohol, your brain continues to produce GABA and the neutrotransmitter glutamate making you even more anxious.
To reduce the risk of anxiety the day after drinking alcohol, experts recommend not drinking on an empty stomach, eating while drinking alcoholic beverages, and staying hydrated at all times. The next morning, it's a good idea to eat well, with plenty of protein and fiber, and do some light exercise, such as going for a walk or doing yoga.
“A hangover often leaves you feeling anxious and depressed for hours and even days. If you're already feeling anxious or sad, drinking can make the situation worse, so reducing your drinking can lead to an overall better mood. The reason alcohol can affect us this way is because it is a depressant. “This means that it causes chemical changes in the brain that can initially make you feel calmer and more relaxed,” he explains.
Experts say that while this does not mean the person is an alcoholic, if they often feel anxious, it may be a sign to reduce or stop drinking alcohol.
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