We’ve all had crazy nights out with friends, had one too many drinks, only to wake up the next day with a pounding headache. You complain and groan all day, wrap yourself up in bed like a burrito, and feel sorry for yourself (even though it was completely your fault for overindulging).

Come the next day, you’re as good as new again!

However, alcohol affects everyone differently. Over the past couple of years, I have realised that drinking is just not for me. As well as the ordinary hangover, I wake up shaky and panicky. I endure at least two days of crying, feelings of depression, and anxiety, with also bad pains in my arms and legs.

Definitely enough to put you off alcohol right?

So, in light of the new year (and all the ‘new year new me’ mumbo jumbo) I thought it would be good to raise awareness, especially if any of you out there feel similar; you now know you’re not alone.  

The science behind Hangxiety

Alcohol makes you feel more relaxed and confident, it’s basically a sedative. When you’re drinking there’s an influx of GABA (this is what makes you feel relaxed). After about 3 drinks the brain starts to block glutamate, which is a chemical responsible for anxiety. As your body is working to remove the toxins, you start to feel withdrawal symptoms because you’ve been used to feeling so calm… and cue the shakes, crying and general anxiety.

Make the connection

So, first things first is to make the connection between alcohol and your mental health. Have you noticed you feel more than the average hangover? Such as always feeling upset, or fear what you may have said or done when drunk?

To be honest, it’s usually just us girls making best friends in the toilets; giving emotional speeches, words of empowerment, and overcomplimenting each other. Or devouring a share box of 20 nuggets all to yourself (no regrets, best part of a night out).

But there’s always this panic that you may have said something else, but you can’t remember the night clearly enough. Did I have a stumble? Did I thoroughly embarrass myself? Some people can wake up and not give a damn, but for others it plays on their mind.

The reassuring news is that you’re not alone, and many people actually experience this.

Anxiety comes out in different ways for everyone, it’s just noticing that you feel more than the average hangover. Once you’ve made the connection, it becomes easier to control.

For me, this began when I started university. I guess it was the anxiety of moving away, losing people in your life, and struggling to make new friends. It all had a big negative affect on me.

Let someone know

You’d be surprised with just how understanding people will be if you let them know how you feel.

Talking to a friend or a family member allows you to have that person there if you need to get something off your chest. Just a small conversation concerning your emotions and wellbeing can have a great positive impact on you.

For me, talking to my family and closest friends about the problem has been extremely helpful. Although you may be feeling rather crappy after having a drink, there will always be someone that knows how you feel if you need to have a chat about it.

You can still have a good time!

Don’t think that just because alcohol makes you feel like this, you can’t have a good time.

Currently there is no alternative drink or medication specifically targeting Hangxiety (although I believe you shouldn’t turn to medication straight away, always seek other methods first). Still go out, and still have fun.

Here are the ways I can still enjoy a night out:

• Know your limits. Think about just how bad you feel the next day, is it really worth it? Hangxiety does put me off drinking and I certainly don’t go out as much as I would like to anymore, but sometimes it’s good to let your hair down. Just remember how alcohol makes you feel.

• Have a friend with you. After a night out I have my best friend Katy stay with me, she is my rock and always puts a smile on my face. Having someone with you takes the edge off the anxiety. Loneliness after a night out always hits me hard and makes me feel worse, so having someone there really helps put your mind elsewhere.

• Always know the feeling is temporary. If you do happen to have a bit of fun but feel crappy the next day, remember It’ll pass after a day or so. You can’t help the way you feel, so don’t give yourself a hard time about it. Always let the tears out, eat lots of comfort food, and enjoy having the perfect excuse to stay in bed.

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