Depression , anxiety and alcohol

[anon1357]

Hey! So I'm really hoping that I get no judgement here .. after losing my mum at a young age and a string of failed relationships where every time I was left picking up the pieces, paying the debt .. i've found myself in a really bad situation financially where even though I have a good job and should be in a good place financially I'm struggling big style and getting in a cycle of borrowing just to get us through the month.. the worst thing is since lockdown I have been working from home and I find myself going over the shop around 2pm - 3pm every day and buying alcohol .. i'm a single mum.. I get no support financially towards bringing my children up .. I have a good career but lately I've lost interest in my job, my house, and I'm drinking every single day .. I know I need to stop the cycle .. i'm in debt and all I want to do is give my kids the best life I can so I have no idea why I'm doing this ! I would love some advice .. one on how to deal with my debt situation and maybe lowering my outgoings but more importantly how to stop the drinking .. as I'm going to continue working from home until at least after Xmas I need tips how to break the habit !

I was diagnosed with depression two and a half years ago and have been on medication for depression and anxiety since then so this isn't an option I need to understand some other ways i can help myself to overcome this !

Please no judgement .. I feel like a shitty enough parent as it is !

First of all; congratulations. First step of solving a problem is admitting that it exists.
Do you get any time for yourself at all? Is that something that you have support with?
Habit wise- I'm a cold turkey kind of person. Not everyone can do it that way and it is bloody miserable in the process, but once you're in the mindset for fixing things it is easier to get the job done.

Consider something that you would do to reward yourself if you achieve your goal. Is there somewhere you want to visit, something you wouldn't normally buy yourself? With the money you save on wine, you could put this towards something to really hammer home that you're making good decisions that are benefitting you.

Consider telling a good friend what you're going through. Make sure you're holding yourself accountable. And be proud that you're doing what you need to do.

Come and join us on the Ocsober thread if you would like some support and ideas. It won’t help with the root of your problems but might give you some ideas on what to do instead of drinking and some tasty non alcoholic drinks.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/4040849-Anyone-else-doing-OcSober

With regards to your debts, contact Citizen Advice or Step Change, they can help you asses your finances and explain what options you have to get rid of your debts. Good luck, you can do this!

Plan something else for that time of the day. If you can meet up with a friend that would be great, but you could go for a walk, cook dinner, phone your mum, or whatever. Anything that gets you past that moment and breaks the pattern.