Bh28

Counselor told me not to stay in surrounded by same the four walls, day in day out because I could relapse, but what else am I supposed to do? I only have one friend who's married. The rest are probably in prison or junkies.

I'm joining a gym after I've been sober a month and I do go for walks but there's nothing else to do.

ScottFromWI

Here's some good reading on that subject.

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ething-do.html

Berrybean

Lots of volunteering opportunities...
http://www.sheffieldvolunteercentre....n_May_2015.pdf

Soberwolf

Have you thought about mtns good way to make sober friends ?

Weaver

Do you like to read?

JaneLane

I consider myself to be a pretty solitary person and I like to go walking and explore. I put my headphones on and see what is out there!

I'm also reading and I recommend reading about addiction too as I've found a lot that I can relate to.

greens

Meet.up.com it is not a dating site (I thought it sounded like one)
you can even start any group you want if there's nothing that interests you there

greens

Meet.up.com it is not a dating site (I thought it sounded like one)
you can even start any group you want if there's nothing that interests you there

Bh28

When you have an androgen problem it's really hard to do. Read up the symptoms.

Dee74

I was one hot mess when I started volunteering. It was really good for me.

I'm not saying you have to do it too...but there's no need to stay in your room all day either, man.

D

Berrybean

I had a look at the possible symptoms. I don't know which of them affect you personally, but for stopping you going out and to do some volunteer work I'm presuming that you mean the mood changes; poor concentration and low energy will stop you doing.... what? ANYthing? Did you look at the link and the variety of things on there? How would it stop you befriending people for example??

You know, I really do think you're writing yourself off a bit. I'm absolutely certain that there are things you could do to help others out. And in helping others you will be helping yourself in many ways. For example...
1) Breaking the monotony
2) Meeting people in new non-drinking environments
3) Reminding yourself that you are more than your hormones
4) Reinforcing the fact that you are a great person who others can like and respect, and who can make a difference

This is the list I saw by the way. Obviously, the internet is amazing and also rubbish (as inaccurate stuff does find it's way there) so I apologize if these aren't the things you mean....
Mood changes (low mood and irritability)
• Poor concentration
• Low energy
• Reduced muscle strength
• Increased body fat
• Longer time to recover from exercise
• Decreased libido (low interest in sex)
• Difficulty getting and keeping erections
• Low semen volume
• Reduced beard or body hair growth
• Breast development (gynaecomastia)
• Hot flushes, sweats
• Osteoporosis (thinning of bones)

It might help if you tell us which things (not the personal stuff - libido, body fat, hair, semen type ones - I mean the ones that might affect which activities you are likely to participate in to get you out of the house) as it could help others give good ideas that may be more pertinent to you.

Bh28

I wasn't having a go at you Beccy, sorry if it came across that way. But the above symptoms are the main ones. I refuse to take SSRI's.

Bh28

I can't even concentrate on simple tasks. I have really bad OCD.

thisisme

Save yourself then the world.

ScottFromWI

You are going to need to take the first step BH. Consistently making lists of things you can't do will keep you in those same "four walls" all day. Start simple with things like taking a walk or reading some books. I honestly thing you would really benefit from some kind of group type meeting where you could be around others who have the same kind of issues - ask your therapist if there are any available in your area.

Bh28

I need a psychiatrist mate. Only they can remove my negative thoughts.

ScottFromWI

Don't you already have a counselor?

Bh28

Yes but she can't remove them. She told me to ask my gp for a referral to see a psychiatrist.

Bh28

Brilliant post. That made my day. Thanks.

Berrybean

Phew - what a day (one word: TEENAGERS!).

Hey BH - no, I didn't think you were having a go. I just thought clarification of what the symptoms that concern you most are would be helpful if people are going to make pertinent suggestions.

Will a psychiatrist really be able to 'remove' negative thoughts??? Blimey.

Well, I just thought I'd better just say 'hi' and confirm that I didn't think you were having a go (as that's the kind of misunderstanding that can get me in a worry zone). I don't know what else to suggest as far as your predicament is concerned. Just that I agree with Scott in that unless you make the first steps. If nothing changes, nothing changes. It's not going to be easy, but neither is isolating yourself and staring at the same four walls.
I also agree with him about the group support idea.

I really hope that you decide to give some things a proper go at some point. Even if it's just the gym idea. You might even be able to get a Doctors referral on the grounds of it being good for your mental health. (I take it you've made an appointment so you can ask about seeing a psychiatrist - maybe you could ask them then.)

Anyway - sorry to not be much help. I need to get school; teenagers; multiple jumpers and heat-strops (just why??!!); and social services e-mail out of my own head before it self-detonates, so am off for a coffee and some reflection and then a restorative supper of sausages and onion rings.

Take care BH.