Stewy84

I'm finding sobriety has revealed a life that requires work. I need help, I don't feel like I'm managing very well at the moment. I'm glad that I've come to terms with the fact that alcohol can only at best numb things for a few hours. I feel that provides a strong and powerful base to ensuring I'm able to successfully fend off temptation and craving.

It's what my life is when sober that worries me.

I'm struggling with intrusive thoughts and depression again, work is never getting easier and I'm heavier than ever weight wise. I just seem to lack the will and motivation to make a healthy plan stick at the moment. I'm really feeling it when I do exercise, my clothes are tight too which is niggling away at me.

My relationship is not good, I'm not sure where to go with it, I'm hoping / wishing it to be better. Sadly right now it is what it is.

I had previously accessed support from my parents and manager at work, that proved helpful and meant I was able to make progress however these resources are not as readily available to me at the minute. For the first time in a while I feel on my own.

I need to lose this weight to start feeling better, I have a GP app on Friday to discuss my anti depressant medication. I do feel I'm addicted to junk food now, this is what I've just consumed:-

6 cans Pepsi
1 whole Pizza
10 packets of crisps
2 share bags of chocolate
3 chocolate bars
2 apple and cream tarts
A tub of Ben and jerrys

This I know is a problem and I feel it is escalating. So I'm here, in the best place for help

Anna

Hi Stewy,

I'm glad you are seeing your dr soon to talk about your antidepressant. It's possible that shifting a dosage or trying a different medication will help.

And, you're right that you need to make some changes in your diet. Why not start slowly and switch the diet coke for sparkling water? Every positive change you make will encourage you to make more.

ccam1973

Stewy, I agree with Anna. Glad you are going to talk to your GP. I found I had to start any change to my diet or exercise very slowly. If you can, cut out something from your diet today. Gradually increase the cuts until you are at a manageable level.

Any way you could incorporate some exercise into your routine? I'm not talking about anything excessive, just walking at first. If you can cut back from your daily fat / calorie intake and add a little exercise to the mix then you will be better off tomorrow than you are today.

ScottFromWI

Exercise could definitely help, make sure you share your diet issues with your GP. You do ( or have ) seen a therapist in the past too, correct? Have you followed up with them at all?

I deal with anxiety myself and it goes in waves...you could be at a "low point" right now too.

Soberwolf

Hi Stewy

I agree with the exercise I had a bad bout of depression yesterday & a bit blue this morning

But exercise really helps esp walking I put on a pair of headphones & get busy walking lol today I done 4 miles/6.4km

I also done lots of sit ups and a few sets of press ups which has made me feel sore lol

I also spent a wonderful day with my neice she's spending 2 days with me

Stewy can I ask you what do you truly love doing dream job etc hobbies

What would make you happy if you could have it

I'm saying this as a close friend as I think your a good dude who is missing joy ?

Maybe post more ?

Rooting for ya 110% Stewy

Dee74

I can't add to the advice here but wanted to wish you well Stewy

D

entropy1964

Hi Stewy

I'm sorry you are so down. It is really common for addicts to switch or shift addictions. In your case from alcohol to food. In a way, maybe you're still medicating the same causes and conditions you were medicating with alcohol? I'm new here so I don't know your story, but have you tried to understand why your feel the need to medicate? For me its anxiety and depression (caused from trauma and abuse) as well as a deep lack of sense of self(my biggest issue). My objective in sobriety is to really begin to understand me, good and bad. Learn to accept and love myself for who I am. Yeah, real simple But I know I have to fill the void within me with something other than people or substances.

emme99

Hi Stewy, I have used both alcohol & food to cope with life for many years. I recently started seeing a dietician to help me get back on a healthy eating plan. I have been on so many "diets" that, at least for me, were not maintainable as they were too restrictive and eventually I just give up. My dietician put me on a plan that I can maintain and it is real food, there is really nothing that I can't have, in moderation.

I like to walk and have walked a lot in the past but have gotten away from it. The original exercise goal that my dietician set for me was 5 minutes, 3 times a week. That is such a small goal that even I could do it, but that is what I needed so I didn't get overwhelmed.

I agree with the others, make a small change and keep going with it for a few days or a week until it becomes easier and more of a habit and then make another small change and do the same thing. Don't try to change too much at once, because at least for me, I get overwhelmed and fail. Even just a few small changes might make a big difference in how you feel. Wishing you the best.

Stewy84

Thanks Anna, I'm going to the doctors tomorrow, I get the feeling that the lady I see is unsure of these medications. Maybe I need to ask for a specialist appointment.

I'm having water today and I've not had anything fizzy so far nor tea or coffee

Stewy84

Thanks, I play football 3x a week and I'm going to try some walks too

Stewy84

Cheers Scott

Food for thought about the low point. I'm finding certain people can trigger anxieties too. I was having CBT but to my surprise, did not find the last lot helpful. I think it's to do with not being on the right medication or dose though

Stewy84

Thanks Wolf

I would like to feel happier in myself. I do enjoy football and playing guitar and time with my daughter is the best. I work too hard though and I get stressed easily. I'll keep close by to the forum, I've just been trying to muddle along myself but not working too well

Stewy84

[QUOTE="Dee74;5548561"]I can't add to the advice here but wanted to wish you well Stewy D[/QUOTE
Thanks Dee

Stewy84

I'm trying to accept things as they are, I just feel terrified sometimes like I'm not me and I'm going to die and stupid stuff like that

Mountainmanbob

Yes, we need to be truthful here
that is not a healthy list.

I also like all of those things
but
a while back I made a decision to stay away from all
(except) I still do sugar occasionally in my coffee and ice tea,
it's paying off well for me weight wise.

You can also do it.
After a while of being without those things
they will not sound that good to you.

(we) need to be very honest with ourselves here
too much sugar is a slow killer of the human body and possibly soul ??

MM

entropy1964

Nothing you're feeling is stupid. Hang in there.

Soberwolf

Your a good dude Stewy walking really helps me