In the first part of this article, I discussed using alcohol to boost self-confidence. But that is not the only time alcohol can enter your life. If you are offered a drink, how should you handle it? Especially if the person offering you the drink does not know that you suffer from depression.

Firstly, do not feel that you need to tell that person that you are depressed, or that you are on anti-depressants. That is not their concern, and you dont need to tell them anything that you dont want to. You also dont need to drink anything you dont want to, and can refuse a drink politely. If you are so inclined, you can tell the person that you cant drink, because you are on medication, that you appreciate the thought. If you are interested, invite them to dance, as you now have a perfect in with the person who offered you the drink. It might not even be a stranger. It could be a friend who is offering to share a bottle of wine. Or a friend who is running to the bar at the club, and do you want anything?

Since alcohol is becoming more prevalent, finding ways to decline a drink can be more and more difficult. Especially if you already have one and dont want to get into embarrassing questions regarding your medications. The trick is to just decline. Decide beforehand how much you will drink, stick with that number, and dont waver. Tell your friends that you dont need another drink, and they should accept that. But most importantly, dont let yourself be pressured into drinking. You will only end up suffering later.