It's understandable that you might feel stressed or overwhelmed in the situation we've found ourselves in.
However Alcohol Action Ireland and Mental Health Ireland are urging us to get into healthy coping habits.
They recommend staying within the weekly low-risk alcohol guidelines.
That's less than:
- 11 standard drinks for women.
- 17 standard drinks for men.
One 'standard drink' is a half-pint or beer or a small glass of wine.
There is little comfort in alcohol; foster healthy coping tools that will last long beyond COVID-19
Today we published a set of advice guidelines to help people understand the risk of turning to alcohol in these difficult times @MentalHealthIrl https://t.co/ZQyoSKmT3u pic.twitter.com/9z438sL4t0— AlcoholActionIreland (@AlcoholIreland) March 27, 2020
Alcohol Action Ireland Recommends:
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Look after your health and wellbeing
Physical distancing is not total isolation, it can be tough spending time at home but make sure to find time for walking, running, cycling or gardening.
Spending time in green and natural space can improve your mood, reduce stress or anger and just help you relax a bit.
With all the new information coming at us on a daily basis, we may feel distracted, uneasy and generally out of touch with ourselves. Maybe try today to slow down, check in with yourself and how you're feeling, and #takenotice of all the wonder around too. #fivewaysfortoughtimes pic.twitter.com/CJ5FqqRrl0
— Mental Health IRL (@MentalHealthIrl) March 26, 2020
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Stick to a routine
It’s not the Easter holidays (just yet) so try to stick to routines including eating well, staying active, going to bed on time and getting up at the usual time.
Sticking with routine will help to ensure a sense of normality.
So even though life as usual has been interrupted, we should try to maintain structure to our day.
Be aware of sleep patterns and the things that might help to get a good night’s sleep, for example having a bath, winding down screen-time, and avoid drinking alcohol.
If the uncertainty of the current situation is causing you to lose sleep, talk about your worries with friends and family rather than trying to cope alone.
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Help Is There
There are lots of great options for receiving support online or over the phone:
• The HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline and email support service is open Monday to Friday 9.30am -5.30pm and is available at 1800 459 459 and at helpline@hse.ie.
• Some AA meetings are still going ahead, check Alcoholics Anonymous website www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie/
• There are also online meetings through www.smartrecovery.org
• Al Anon helpline – For people troubled by someone else’s drinking is open every day 10am – 10pm, Call (01) 8732699 and online at www.alanon.ie
For mental health support, the HSE’s new phone service gives information about different supports and services available and how to access them.
The number is 1800 742 444.
The Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 either by phone on free to call 116 123.
You can test your alcohol consumption with this quiz from the World Health Organisation.
