Mental Health Blog
A space dedicated to sharing information about anxiety and depression, including proven strategies & expert advice to help you improve your overall mental health.
Subscribe to our newsletter
You’re doing Dry January, and something unexpected is happening: you feel ashamed. Not because you did anything wrong. Not because anyone is judging you. But because examining your drinking—even casually—has surfaced uncomfortable feelings. Like maybe you should have thought about this sooner. Like maybe the fact that it’s hard says something about you. If this […]
For some people, alcohol becomes part of how they respond to or cope with certain ADHD-related challenges. It may be used to quiet a racing mind at the end of the day. To ease restlessness or tension. To feel calmer, more focused, or less overwhelmed. If you’ve noticed yourself using alcohol to cope with ADHD-related […]
What does it mean when Dry January is harder than expected? Here's how to recognize when the challenge reveals something worth taking seriously—and what to do about it.
Alcohol is a depressant. You’ve probably heard that before. But what does it actually mean for your brain—and your mental health? Understanding the neuroscience of alcohol isn’t just interesting. It explains why you feel calmer after one drink and anxious the next morning. Why sleep feels worse even though you passed out faster. And why […]
Willpower won't get you through Dry January. Learn why triggers persist—and how to build new responses that actually work.
Counting days sober isn't enough. Here's how to track the changes that actually matter during Dry January—sleep, mood, energy, and mental clarity.
For many people, socializing and alcohol have become inseparable. The party, the bar, the dinner party, the date night, the game-day gathering—alcohol is woven into the fabric of connection. So what happens when you stop drinking? Some people discover that social situations are just as enjoyable without alcohol—sometimes more so. Others find them awkward, boring, […]
You're a few days into Dry January. The initial excitement has worn off, and now you really want a drink. The urge can show up uninvited, takes up residence in your brain, and won't leave. If this is happening to you, here's the first thing to know: it's completely normal. Cravings don't mean you're weak, […]
If you’ve ever had a drink to “wind down” before bed, you’re not alone. Alcohol is often seen as a shortcut to relaxation and sleep. But while it might help you fall asleep faster, it can quietly disrupt the quality of your sleep—and leave you feeling more tired, anxious, or foggy the next day. Understanding […]
Take a free assessment to see how Brightside can help you on your mental health journey.
Start Free AssessmentIf you're in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately.
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 emotional support.
If you're having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.
