seeking your support: I'm giving up booze for 4 weeks

My drinking has increased with my most recent depression. It has been the worst depression of my life. Uncontrollable racing suicidal thoughts is currently the biggest issue I'm facing. I have been in this depression since last September. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 1 in 2006 at the age of 19.

I have tried to quit drinking before or cut back, but never had much success. This time I am forcing myself not to drink alcohol for 4 weeks and see if my depression lifts. I have to get rid of these suicidal thoughts, they are making me miserable. Quitting drinking for a while has to help at least a little, right? Alcohol IS a depressant.

My psychiatrist recommends I quit drinking all together. I know it is hard on my liver to be a heavy drinker and take bipolar medication. There is a possibility that I might quit for good. It feels like it is time. I want to live a healthier lifestyle.

I'm on day 3 and feeling good

Any advice or encouragement is welcome. I will try to update you on my progress.

You seem to have allot of issues to deal with, alcohol being one that you may get control yourself. not drinking is a something you can decide, and when you have that strength to do that, it can give you more drive and self esteem to over come other issues, or at least face them head on.
seeing a shrink is definitely a good start as well, the more we bottle up our problems the more apt we are to do more harm than good to our selves.