HEALTH chiefs have warned of the dangers of alcohol on mental health.
The South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust wants local people to be aware of the effect alcohol can have.
It was part of Mental Health Action Week, an annual campaign organised by the Mental Health Foundation.
This year the theme of the week was the link between alcohol and mental health.
Angie Hand, a psychiatric nurse who works as an alcohol specialist senior practitioner, said: "People aren't aware of the damaging effect alcohol can have on your mental health.
"Often people use alcohol to self medicate. Individuals might feel anxious or lack self-esteem and they feel alcohol gives them a confidence boost.
"But long-term misuse of alcohol can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
"Up to 1,000 suicides per year can be linked to alcohol misuse."
