Lauren30

I have been sober for just a little over 3 months now and I am almost completely debilitated with depression and anxiety. I am attending as many meetings as I can but every morning I wake with a feeling of dread like I can't go on with my day. I am scared that I will feel this way forever. I know that a drink will just make it worse, but I can barely stand feeling this way and have thoughts that having life was easier when I was drinking...even though I know it wasn't. Did anyone else feel this way? How did you overcome it?

Sazzle

Hi Lauren

I have no advice as I felt better when I gave up - drinking was actually causing my depression. Three months is quite a stint, so perhaps you should visit your Dr for some help.

Other people here may have better advice and I'm sure they'll pop along as I can only go on my experience. Are you having enough sugar to replace the hole that alcohol left? Are you taking vitamins & b vits especially? Just a thought

Well done on three months, that's awesome.

S x

Sasha4

I have felt like that too.
Depression leaves me exhausted. Like I have no energy to do 'life'.

Is there any reason you feel like this?
Has something happened that has triggered this? An event, a loss or do you just think it is to do with getting sober?

If it was me, I think I would have a chat with my GP and maybe some blood tests too.
I would also try and get some natural light too, so maybe take some walks outside

I really hope you feel a bit brighter soon xx

Lauren30

Thanks for the responses. I have had all my blood work done and all is fine! I am seeing a therapist for the first time in my life and my GP just started me on Lexapro 10 days ago. I haven't had anything tragic happen in my life..but it has been a rough decade of moving, home foreclosure, bankruptcy and trying to raise 2 kids on my own cause my hubby travels for work all the time. I truly think I was self medicating with alcohol to deal with these life stresses and was always the "optimistic, strong one" in the family. Drinking was my best friend and perhaps I'm grieving. I feel awkward and anxious almost all the time.....but I used to love being around people. Now I feel "raw" and self conscious. When I'm at home I just want to sit in front of the tv and play games on my computer. I have no appetite and keep thinking....I was happier when I was drinking
I didn't hit "rock bottom" in my drinking as far as health or legal issues...but saw that I was powerless over alcohol and my life had become unmanageable. I'm just not happy...but I keep going...one day at a time!

tomsteve

i am guessin yer talkin bout AA meetings? do you have a sponsor and are ya workin the steps?

Sasha4

To me as an onlooker, you have had stacks happen to you that could cause you to feel this way. Gosh, I don't blame you for feeling down.

Some of those things are in the top ten life stresses, google them and see....

It sounds to me like you are isolating too. Avoiding other peoples company
I know when I have a dip, the last thing I want to do is socialise and to be fair, that is not going out drinking, it is usually shopping with friends, coffee dates, play dates etc. In fact the going out drinking bit was easier as I knew I could hide behind drink, where as playdates I had to make conversations sober.

I must be hard with your hubby working away.
I did the single mum bit for a while and I found it without exception, the hardest and most tiring job I have ever done. And yes I will fully admit, there were times when my baby was in bed and I ONLY looked forward to a drink on my own. And you have 2 kids too!

Do you manage to do much for yourself?
Xx

Northwest

I dont know if this is of any help but it sounds to me like your going through some bouts of PAWS or post acute withdraw syndrome. I cant post links yet but if you Google it there is a lot of good information about it.

just a thought.

Tundock

Praying for you my friend

Herder

Lauren, I will very humbly offer some thoughts. I am careful because when I feel depressed I hate getting given advice. I tend to be territorial about my depression and protective of it. I hate that someone would think that they have an idea how I feel. In more rational moments I realize that depression is verging on the universal.

I believe exercise is very productive. If I could suggest just one thing it would be to go for a brisk walk. Don't think about it to much just get out and go for a brisk walk. Go for two walks tomorrow. Make them fast.

You are unique in this world. And you deserve happiness as much as anyone. But it will not just come to you, you must take the first steps towards it.

dktrfaustus

Inspired by previous posts (Sasha and Herder) I think they have pretty good points. Isolation had been one of the wors problems in my life. I needed people without knowing it, a psychotherapy had been necessary to realize this. Now AA meetings give me support and love and I feel a lot less lonely.
Exercise too, what a good releif for anxiey. Just giving attention to the way we breathe, a time when "chores" can be done in de brain... A good walk, when it's cold outside... It's medication by itself.

Take care