Coping With The 5 Stages Of Hangover

Hangovers aren't just hard on your body -- they're hard on your mind, too. Just remember: it's not your fault (except when it totally is).

Stage One: DENIAL

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What you’re thinking: “It’s not that bad. I’ll be fine.”

What you should do: Stop. Get back in bed. Take a sick day and cancel your plans. You’re not going to get anything done at work anyway, and you don’t want to be the guy who throws up during the gallery opening. Seriously, everyone hates that guy.

Stage Two: ANGER

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What you’re thinking: “How could I be so careless? Why am I so stupid?!”

What you should do: Relax. From age to the shape of your glass, there are many reasons why a normally responsible adult might drink more than his or her share. As long as binge drinking isn’t regular thing -- and if it is, please get help -- just write it off as the price of having fun.

You did have fun, right? Because if not, you’re doing it wrong.

Stage Three: BARGAINING

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What you’re thinking: “Just get rid of this hangover and I promise I’ll never drink again.”

What you should do: Suck it up. It’s done. God can’t make that headache go away, but some Advil might.

Besides, let's face it. The next time the bar down the street has two-for-one Jäger shots, you’ll be right back at it. Yeah, we know you a little.

Stage Four: DEPRESSION

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What you’re thinking: “I’ve wasted my day. I’m a screw-up. I’m worthless.”

What you should do: Remember: that could be the alcohol talking. Not only does heavy drinking actually alter your brain chemistry, but some of the other effects of drunkenness -- missing memories and poor decisions -- also increase anxiety. If you’re already on medication for depression, it’s also possible that you forgot to take your pill or threw it up the night before.

Some people recommend distractions or exercise, but time is the only for-sure remedy. If your depressive tendencies continue once the hangover passes (or if you find yourself drinking to make them go away), you could have a larger problem and should see your doctor.

Stage Five: ACCEPTANCE

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What you’re thinking: “Screw it, I'm just gonna put on sweats and binge-watch The West Wing again.”

What you should do: Actually, that’s a pretty good idea.