Worried about Alcohol at University? For Mental Health sufferers or people who just don't drink!

Not Drinking at University:

Worried about Alcohol at University? For Mental Health sufferers or people who just don't drink!

It might be slightly hypocritical as I am now able to drink, but for a long time it was dangerous for me to drink, and I avoided situations where drink as involved. However, now, it's not dangerous physically for me to drink (because of medication) but can sometimes affect my anxiety and depression! For this reason, I avoid going out more days then I stay in, and if I do go out, I don't drink, or have a small drink, purely because I like the taste. 

However, not going out is purely because I need to catch up on sleep, or I feel unwell due to my anxiety or depression playing up. Not drinking at uni isn't a big deal, and most people respect it. Going out is just as fun sober! Some of my favourite nights out have been completely sober! 

Firstly, don't cower to peer pressure if you don't want to drink or physically can't. If people ask why you don't drink, tell them! It's not attention seeking, and that way people understand and will not push you! There are some people who will try and get you to drink, but unless you want to, and theres no risk, don't listen to them! Theres so many fabulous mocktails, and you can always just get a coke or a lemonade if you don't want to tell anyone you don't drink, I've done it multiple times, if i'm not in the mood or I feel unwell but I still want to go out and socialise. 

Secondly, you can still have a fabulous social life at uni without drinking. As I've said in previous posts, Freshers week can be mad, but you can do it without drinking! I have a friend who lasted freshers completely sober, and still had a fabulous social life. Theres so many activities that don't actually involve alcohol, or alcohol is easy to avoid! In my Uni, we had various activities set up by the SU, Open mic nights, Sport, and more!

However, if you do decide to drink, please do it responsibly. Plenty of water, and make sure you don't drink too much! Please don't drink if its insanely risky, and do let people close to you know incase something happens. There have been multiple times when I have been drunk and been unsafe, but thanks to friends who understand my condition they knew what to do when it happened. Now my medication and alcohol don't affect each other, I do drink, but not to get drunk. I enjoy the taste of the drinks I drink, and I enjoy spending more on nice things for myself rather than splurging on alcohol. 

You'll survive, but you will question not drinking as it is so normalised at Uni. But you can do it, I believe in u xo

Anyway, thats all from me today!

Hope you're all well!

Matilda x