Australian women and what will surprise you about their drinking habits
Category: Ministry Resources
by Ruth Limkin, CEO of The Banyans
Did you know that women experience higher rates of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress than men?
In fact, 1 in 5 women in Australia will experience depression and 1 in 3 women will experience anxiety during their lifetime.
Unfortunately, it is also evident that women look to alcohol as a means of self-medicating anxiety or mental and emotional distress. Often women’s use of alcohol starts as a social activity, it then moves to an occasional method of stress relief before becoming an unhealthy habit which can overwhelm them completely.
Statistics released this year reveal that 1 in 3 Australian women are considered to be high risk drinkers while women are the least likely the seek assistance with the issue. Sadly, alcohol itself has depressive effects and can make the problem worse.
So what does this mean for you?
It is a reminder that the women you work with, have lunch with or care about could be silently struggling with overuse or misuse or alcohol.
Author Jill Startook wrote High Sobriety, a book about her year off alcohol. Her research reveals the experience of many Australian women. According to Startook, women who began binge-drinking in their teens or 20s thought they would stop when they started to have children.
Instead it turned into a glass of wine to manage the stress, and over time it started earlier and earlier in the day. The social isolation sometimes experience by stay at home mothers can contribute to this. In addition to young mothers, it is also educated women in their 40s and 50s who are experiencing a rising misuse of alcohol, particularly those working in education, finance and law.
We need to create environments which allow women to have a shame-free discussion about their relationship with alcohol and whether there are danger signs that it is becoming unhealthy. Ruth Limkin, CEO of The Banyans, who works with women to recover healthy lives, provided 6 signs that indicate an unhealthy relationship with alcohol could be developing. They include:
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about drinking
- Hiding drinking or lying about how much alcohol is being consumed
- Friends or family expressing concern about how much is being drunk
- The feeling that it is impossible to relax without alcohol
- Memory lapses or black outs which make it difficult to work out what happened while drinking
- Drinking more than was intended
If after considering these signs, you think you or someone you love might be at risk of alcohol misuse, we encourage you to speak to trusted friend or health professional. Early prevention allows for significant health benefits.
A personally designed wellness program in a residential setting can assist those looking for a private, confidential residence with therapeutic support. The Banyans Wellness Residence has welcomed women of all ages and professional backgrounds, and provides excellent biopsychosocial support in a warm and caring environment.
Designed for integrated restoration, and with an expert team of therapists, health practitioners and wellness coaches, The Banyans Health and Wellness Residence is a place where body and soul prosper in an environment of rest, wellness, and inspired living.
What Other People are Saying About The Banyans
“I stayed at the Banyans, and in my time there I was offered the highest quality of individualised services, which included a program that was tailored to my specific needs and goals."
"I would like to thank the entire family of The Banyans. My journey has been life changing. The Banyans provided me with the perfect environment to rediscover my health, mental and emotional wellbeing and strength.“
"I have worked in the drug and alcohol treatment sector for a decade across various organisations, treatment centres, and boards. In my time working with The Banyans, they have stood out among all Australian centres in the AOD field that I have come across, most especially in terms of holistic care and valuing the dignity of each human person. I have witnessed the commitment and genuine concern they have given to all clients we have worked with together, whilst providing an outstanding service in a stunning facility and location."
"I cannot speak highly enough of the staff at the Banyans. Their level of knowledge, experience, professionalism and confidentiality, teamed with great people skills, humour and sense of positivity and fun made my stay both a therapeutic and extremely enjoyable experience."
“I could not recommend The Banyans highly enough, especially for those seeking a highly confidential wellness retreat following a life crisis, or a re-start after a relapse. This truly is a place for interior healing. In my professional opinion, The Banyans has been and continues to be a spectacular service for high functioning individuals, seeking to resolve any emotional or mental health issues."
"I leave with a sense of excitement for life ahead with the knowledge and skills I have gained. I am thankful that I came and the changes that I have progressed through and the guidance that I have been given to love a happy, healthy and productive life. I will hold the memories and values from my time here always. The Banyans is a life investment."
"The Banyans have succeeded to create an environment that provides the services, security and privacy to fulfil all your therapeutic needs. They also have created a setting that encompasses warmth, nourishment, compassion and feels like a 'home away from home'- and that is truly special!"
"The Banyans is a slice of heaven, offering respite and a place of healing, surrounded by beauty, elegance, and smiling faces. The food was absolutely incredible, I wanted to poach their chef. The entire team were warm, kind and professional."
"How do I explain The Banyans? At the start, I wasn't well. I was down, depressed, anxious and not in a good place. I was at home saying that I needed help. I googled the best rehab retreat place in Australia and the Banyans came up. I had never heard of The Banyans but my first point of call was directly with the Director, Ruth. I was not in a great state of health, mentally or physically, and said that I needed help. She replied reminding me that I am worthy, I am a good person and told me that The Banyans could help. I then made the hardest decision of my life - going to get help. I describe it as the hardest decision of my life because when you're in that state, it's hard to accept that you need help. From the moment I arrived at The Banyans, I was treated with the most comfort, respect and support I could ever ask for."
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