Page 30 - Zone Magazine Issue 018

Maintainingyourmentalhealth
Here at Zone we are very aware of Mental health and how, as an artist, DJ or performer, weather its a small or large gig, your state of mind is key. I have invited a Pychotherapist to write a regular section on Mental health and well-being, to move you along if you feel you need help. I myself have suffered in the past, and it has stopped me from DJ gigs, and meeting friends, dont wait till its on top of you, get some friendly help! Paul.
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T here is a lot of discussion about the
misuse of alcohol, and
campaigns that promote avoidance. However very
little information on how developing good relationships with alcohol can help to reduce the negative effects it can have on your mental and emotional health.
Excessive drinking does have a direct link to effecting mental health. According to Alcohol Ireland (2016), alcohol consumption in Ireland almost trebled over four decades between 1960 (4.9 litres) and 2001 (14.3 litres), but is now almost 20% less than this peak in 2001. Although alcohol is consumed, we don’t really pay attention to the effects that alcohol has on both our mental and emotional health. The effects of alcohol on the brain are complicated. Research shows that light alcohol consumption provides a temporary positive impact on our mood. While heavy alcohol use can increases the risk of severe mental illnesses such as depression, suicidality and anxiety among others.
Looking at how and why you drink will limit negative effects and keep your emotional and mental health maintained.
Alcohol can be seen as an easy way to escape social anxiety, stress or mental health distress. In fact alcohol can have the opposite of the desired effect leaving you feeling worse after use. If you are already feeling emotionally drained or low, alcohol will lower your mood and increase anxiety. Alcohol is not medicine.
Become aware
Take note of how you feel before alcohol. Are you feeling anxious, is your mood low? Drinking alcohol will only exaggerate how bad you feel. You wouldn’t run on a broken leg.
Don’t restrict
We all want what we can’t have. If you create a restriction you will crave it more and feel deprived. Change your language about how and why you are limiting your alcohol intake.
Be Honest
With yourself and others. If you feel you need to drink or you feel you are developing a problem with excessive drinking be open about it. Admit it to yourself and tell someone you can confide in. It is not something you can hide It will catch up on you.
Respect
Yourself and others. Don’t pressure or question why a friend or family
member isn’t drinking and have respect for the boundaries you have set yourself.
Change your perspective
On making the change. Don’t focus on what you are not doing anymore instead, focus on what you are gaining. You are maintaining your mental health.
Substitute
Ok so you have decided to reduce your alcohol consumption. Finding new ways to fill your time will greatly increase your likelihood to succeed in creating a healthy relationship with alcohol.
If you have drank alcohol and are feeling the negative effects to your mental health. Don’t beat yourself up about it. You feel bad enough already. Instead, give your mental health a boost.
1. Get some fresh air
2. Exercise
3. Practice mindfulness and
meditation
4. Be kind to yourself
5. Open up to a friend.
Words By Karren Holland
Alcohol won’t solve any problems
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“Sometimes people around you won’t understand your journey. They don’t need to its not for them.”