by Yvette Peverell
What began as social drinking had quietly become a coping mechanism for Danielle, masking anxiety and depression that only grew heavier with time. She knew something had to change. What she didn’t know was just how much her life would transform in the months to come. She shares her story with us:
“At the start of 2025 my mental health was at an all-time low, I was super depressed and full of anxiety. I felt unhealthy in my mind and body, constantly lonely and unsatisfied with life but had no drive to pull myself out of it.
I’ve always been the life and soul of the party and loved a drink but since Covid I found I used drink as a healing or coping mechanism especially when I was stressed. I was full of excuses as to why I couldn't do exercise but always had money to have a drink.
Over time the lows of drinking were greater than the highs – I decided to go back to therapy and, to be honest, wasn't following the advice, until I finally made a breakthrough and decided that to commit to fixing my mental health and changing my life, the drink had to go!
That was 189 days ago and I haven't touched a drink since.
It's changed my life - my mental health is so much stronger and I have stepped out of my comfort zone and done so many things I was scared to do. I joined a gym (never been to one in my life!) aged 39, tried Muay Thai and went to a pub without drinking (who knew that was possible?).
The final challenge I set myself is the 35km Coastrek Margaret River hiking event to raise money for Beyond Blue - obviously my whole story is about mental health so this challenge is a personal one for me.”
Danielle has kept up with regular training following the Coastrek Training Program which has become an important part of her routine.
Advice and Support from Beyond Blue
Danielle’s experience is not uncommon. Many of us have heard phrases like, “alcohol helps me relax” or “it’s a good way to unwind.” While these beliefs are widely embraced, they only tell part of the story and often skip over how our wellbeing can be impacted.
Alcohol’s effects on anxiety are complex and often counterproductive. Alcohol impairs the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, which can lead to increased irritability, nervousness, or panic the day after or during drinking. Prolonged alcohol use can disrupt our brain’s chemistry, making it harder to maintain emotional stability.
Further information about managing alcohol, anxiety and depression is available here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/alcohol-and-mental-health
Or contact the Beyond Blue 24/7 Support Service on 1300 22 46 36.
