england

I was wondering if it was possible to be “a bit depressed”?

I have been clean from cocaine for almost 8 months and I am re-building my new life, however I feel flat and am slowly alienating myself from my non using friends as I would rather sit at home watching films.

This flat feeling is making me paranoid that I am depressed, so I just don’t know what to think anymore. The flat feeling does not rule my life but comes and goes.

On the positive side I work, exercise, socialise on occasions but have lost my zest for life.

I wanted to see counsellor but due to budget cuts in the UK there is a 4 month waiting list – looks like I may need to pay for a shrink.

Any feedback would be appreciated

TheOnlyDryPaddy

There is a form of mild depression called dysthymia, but usually the activities you listed help mitigate the symptoms of disthymia. It is possible that you may have mild major depressive, since general self-care doesn't seem to decrease your symptoms.

Even if you do have dysthymia and not major depressive disorder, you should discuss you flatness and lack of zest for life with a healthcare professonal, dysthymia can be the prodromal phase of major depressive disorder

soberlicious

Yes, it's possible to be "a little depressed" and I agree with Paddy. If the things you've mentioned aren't jump-starting that zest, seeking professional help would be prudent. This kind of thing can snowball, yes, but in my own personal experience, being paranoid or fearful about it only served to paralyze me into inaction. I did best when I recognized and addressed. You already recognize this is not where you want to be. Sucks to have to pay for the shrink, but getting your groove back is more important.

england

Hi guys – thanks for the feedback, I guess you have just reinforced the fact that I need some professional help as I have some issues to resolve.

I’m going to chase up my aftercare worker to recommend me a councillor as some help could improve my life.

A councillor costs around £40 ($65) so it won’t break the bank.

england

I have booked myself a session with a shrink next Thursday and instantly I feel better - I just hope the session helps

babystrangeloop

It is possible to underestimate how depressed one really is. I got used to feeling a certain way and didn't think of myself as depressed until I started getting an antidepressant.

sugarbear1

It can take many years, yes, years, to recover from the effects of cocaine use. Cocaine interrupts natural dopamine levels. The neurons need to find new pathways. What goes up (getting high) must come down, then it will even out. Give yourself much more time to heal.

england

Thanks for the advice - I have now seen my shrink twice and its been good to talk about my issues and look at ways of dealing with my feelings. Some positive steps are being made and its onwards and updards

@sugarbear1 - I am starting to appreciate that the results of cocaine abuse can take a considerable time to heal.

Isaiah

I think just about everyone goes through some sort of depression when they've quit any drug. And depression comes in a wide range of severity. Drugs tend to create a problem and posit themselves as the solution--like a thief that steals your car then offers to sell it back to you.

That's great that you're trying therapy. For some people it's not such an easy step to make. I think addictions and depression are similar in that it's best just to look at them as just facts of a situation. Doesn't reflect on one's character or integrity; just is what it is.