Hi and welcome sneeker
Lots of good advice here
I know two things - using alcohol to try and mange my depression did not work.
I also had to tackle both my depression and my drinking - I may have started out self medicating with alcohol but I ended up with two very real problems.
Seeing your Dr is often a good first step, I think
I know it's scary but denying the problem and putting off doing anything just makes everything worse.
good to have you join us
D