Alcohol and Mental Health: What You Need to Know This May

# Alcohol and Mental Health: What You Need to Know This May **May 3, 2025** **By Lauri McGivern, MPH, ALPC — Certified Alcohol-Free Coach | Free Spirits AF** May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to pause, reflect, and shine a light on the emotional well-being of ourselves and those around us. At Free Spirits AF, we believe this is the perfect moment to talk about something that often gets overlooked in the conversation about mental health: alcohol. ## Alcohol and Mental Health—A Complicated Relationship Alcohol is often portrayed as a way to relax, unwind, and feel good. But beneath that short-term relief lies a deeper, more complex truth. Alcohol is a depressant that interferes with the brain's chemistry, impacting mood, anxiety levels, and overall mental stability. For many, alcohol initially feels like it "takes the edge off," but over time it can intensify feelings of sadness, irritability, and hopelessness. Studies show that people who struggle with alcohol use are significantly more likely to experience anxiety and depression. And the more we drink, the harder it becomes for our brains to regulate emotions naturally. ## The Cycle of Drinking and Mood The alcohol-mental health connection can become a vicious cycle. You might feel stressed or low, so you reach for a drink. The drink temporarily numbs the emotion—but later that night or the next day, the feelings return, often stronger. This can lead to more drinking, more emotional swings, and more disconnection from yourself and others. This is especially important during Mental Health Awareness Month. Many people silently struggle with anxiety, depression, and stress—and alcohol often masks or worsens those issues instead of helping. ## Clarity, Calm, and Confidence—on the Other Side of Alcohol The good news? Removing alcohol—even for a short time—can dramatically improve mental health. People report: * Reduced anxiety and more stable moods * Better sleep and energy * Stronger self-worth and emotional resilience * A renewed sense of calm and clarity At Free Spirits AF, we help you uncover what life feels like without alcohol getting in the way. You don't have to hit rock bottom to make a change. You just have to be curious—and open to something better. ## A Compassionate Invitation This May, I invite you to ask yourself: What role is alcohol playing in my mental health? How might I feel if I gave my brain and body the chance to reset—without alcohol in the mix? You deserve to feel emotionally strong, steady, and free. If you're ready to explore that journey in a supportive and nonjudgmental space, we're here for you. **Free Spirits AF** Alcohol-Free Coaching for a Clearer, Happier Life Website: **FreeSpiritsAF.com** Email: **[email protected]** Follow us on Facebook: Free Spirits AF