How I know this one.
I recently felt some extreme anxiety and decided a cople of beers would help. So I had two and the anxiety went away.
I then had one and a half beers the next weekend and also a few sips of martinis.
I am now feeling the after effects in the form of a cold and anxiety with some panic. Not a good combination.
I used the beer to deal with my anxiety, but made it worse.
I will remember next time that it does not work.
David
A lot of people here have noticed this. I've read that alcohol can do this. Personally, I've pretty much quit drinking during the periods of my life when I feel more fragile or agitated - the next day's anxiety just isn't worth it. Here is part of a post by Ruby under "understanding panic..." where she copy-pasted many interesting tips, this one is on alcohol:
Cut down on Stimulants
The last thing a panic attack needs is more fuel to 'feed' it. Certain stimulants are known to aggravate and even bring on Panic and Anxiety:
Alcohol
Some people see Alcohol as a relaxant and start drinking to try and deal with the devastating effects of an anxiety disorder. This of course is no solution. How do you know the difference between a hang-over and anxiety symptoms? The alcohol withdrawal or hangover tends to reinforce the physical symptoms which people interpret as increasing anxiety levels. This only keeps the cycle of anxiety and panic going. Alcohol will also not help you sleep - yes it may make you fall asleep but the sleep will be disturbed, intermittent and you still wake up feeling even worse!
The process of metabolizing alcohol can use up all the body's B vitamins (and B vitamins are play an important role in regulating anxiety).
hi everyone, i don't drink very often maybe once a week or so. But i notice when i do the next day i am anxious all day nearly to the point of panic. it starts a cycle where i start to catastrophize & feel like im going crazy. im not on any meds. does anyone else have the same problem with drinking????????
