ElleDee

I am so stressed out today... work stuff and stuff in my home life actually not having to do with me personally but I'm the president of my condo board and we have issues that are stressing me out today.

What the heck do people do who don't drink or drug to cope?
I have no good coping mechanisms. What do I do when I'm so stressed out at work I feel like I'm going to hyperventilate. What do I do? Where do I go? I can't get up and go home? I'm on the verge of tears.

I'm just feeling so nuts and out of control today. I see my psychologist tomorrow... I wonder what she will say.

Then I'm going out to dinner tonight with my cousin who is a self-admitted alcoholic and keeps asking me why I don't drink anymore. Great day, really great day.

We got pounded with a freak storm yesterday and I thought I was going to get stranded in deep water in my car on my way home from work last night. Thank God I was okay.

Sorry for the rant. I'm a wreck. I really think a key to my remaining sober is finding healthy ways to cope with stress.

Darwinia

Can't help you. I also have no idea how to deal with severe stress other than drink. All I do now is white-knuckle it and work at the problems until solved. I simply will not drink no matter what and the determination seems to work even though I am miserable, at least I am sober.

Soberwolf

Breathe. deep deep breaths play the tape & know this feeling will not last forever Elladee

Know you always have us & have you considered meditation ?

MLD51

Do you HAVE to go out for dinner with the cousin tonight? Can't you beg off and go for a relaxing walk followed by a bubble bath instead?

ChloeRose63

Take a walk by the lake and you can get things into perspective. There is freedom in realizing that there is a big universe out there that really wants to give you peace of mind.
Look for it !

PennyLane76

Breathe into belly, not chest , through the nose for count of 7. Hold count of 4. Breathe out through mouth count of 7 or 8. Somewhere quiet. That specific technique helps me, everyone is different of course.

The other thing I have done is focus on an object and try to throw the anxiety there. It's not you, it's an inanimate object.

And yes, sometimes just white knuckling, or canceling plans that make you anxious for now.

Anxiety blows, big time. Let us know how you are doing

PennyLane76

Yes, this.

Anna

Don't go out with your cousin who pushes you to drink.

Belly breaths are a fantastic way to calm you.

Can you go out at work and go for a quick walk to help clear your mind?

ItWillBeWorthIt

For me, it is a hot bath with a candle or a walk and maybe a short rest, even if I don't fall asleep. Just laying my head on a comfy pillow helps.

Everyone is different when it comes to what works best for them.

The one thing I can tell you is... it will pass and get better... you just need to ride out the tough times and you will be happy you did.

You have this! Focus on the rewards of recovery, they are immense. :-)

Sending hugs and thought for a better day.

cwood3

Never be ashamed of not drinking. Be honest with close friends and family. Don't assume they know how you feel or what you are trying to accomplish. There is absolutely no shame in trying to better yourself. Cancel if you want to, or tell them "By the way, I'm not drinking anymore". If you want to remain sober, you're going to have to deal with that issue.

We are all here for ya!

ElleDee

Thanks everyone. I grabbed my phone and went outside for a breath of fresh air and called my daughter... talking to her helped take my mind off of things. I also canceled my plans for tonight...I need the break.

I know drinking might make me feel better for a moment but then things will be worse because I won't be able to stop once I start. Ugh.

Thanks again everyone. I really appreciate the support.

shauninspain

The only coping method I have found is 'acceptance'. Accept people as they are, situations as they are, I as I am, etc