A word to the wise.
 

I recently got back from my bucket list trip to the Philippines. Overall it was an experience I would not trade for anything. It is right up there with my fly in fishing trip to Canada. 5 out of 5 stars.

That being said, where I went was probably not the best place for someone in sobriety. It was a sleepy town where the nightlife simply revolved around socializing and drinking. I think the only thing that saved me is that there were more employees and patrons in the bar/restaurants and the employees don't drink. Most were enamored with an american and I love to story tell, so I did.

A member warned me ahead of time that as an american I'm rich, and that's just a fact. I assure you I'm not rich, but I did have enough respect for myself and the culture that I was clean shaven, fresh haircut, clean clothes and shoes with no holes in them. That is not the norm. Anyway, yes, I was treated like royalty. That was kind of interesting. In summary, as a small town guy in Midwest USA, it was well worth it to see other cultures etc...very interesting.

Glad you had a good experience, seeing cultures completely unike our own is a very eye-opening thing.

Maybe you could share some pics?!

Much more to the story. My phone was pick pocketed.

So sorry to hear that:(

Ugh, sorry your phone was stolen.

It's great to know you are pushing your boundaries and checking out the world.

I don't want sympathy or hotline phone numbers, but I am a whisker away from blowing myself away every god damn day.

Jeff when you post like that here you're gonna get hotline numbers man.

Please think about calling them - or at least talking to someone - If n ot a hotline or a doctor or counsellor, maybe a friend?

https://www.soberrecovery.com/forums...ease-read.html

I know that you've been taught, like me, that men don't ask for, or need, help, but that's just BS man.

No one has all the answers all the time. Its not weak to ask for help - it's a strength,

D

I'm spent Dee, I've done everything I want to do. Everything at this point is torture. Sad right?

post misfire :)

D

I've battled similar depression Jeff - I was convinced my life was done, I was thoroughly spent and I was sure to my bones nothing would ever change, much less get better.

But it did.

See a Dr, man.

You have a lot to offer and a lot of years left to live :)

I still have bad periods - chronic pain can get you down - but I know when to ask for help, mentally speaking.

John Lennon once said everything will be ok in the end - if its not ok - it's not the end...

The older I get the more true I find that quote,

D

This article helped me.

https://themighty.com/2015/07/mascul...king-for-help/

Agree with Dee, Jeff.
Please see a physician. There are some good meds for depression available now.
I always enjoy your posts and look forward to seeing them.

You just undertook a pretty incredible and exhausting feat with your trip. Traveling anywhere is tiring and shocking to the system. Traveling halfway across the world is physically, mentally and emotionally draining, even when it’s an amazing trip. It just takes it out of you. And to also be in recovery and facing that challenge away from familiar places? It’s a lot!

So please remember, if you’ve suffered with depression or anything at all before, now is definitely a time that stuff could come up. People often get sick after a big trip, because they just zap all our stores and our immune system gets a little depleted. Our mental health is no different. Be kind to yourself while you continue to get back into the groove of things.

You have a lot of people in your corner Jeff.
I hope you'll thinking about getting some help tomorrow, man - you're worth the effort :)

D

Hey Jeff

What's up my friend?

I typed out this big ole post to you then...poof, its gone.

So, just wanted to say how important you are. Life is hard as hell sometimes for sure.

Please let us, your wife, your family, and professionals be there for you!

Thanks for this. This post really helped bring things back into perspective. Perspective is everything, and when we lose it, we are lost.

Wow Dee, I felt I could have authored that article myself. I have had the exact same feelings and attitude towards "help" my entire life. Glad to know I'm not the only one.

Go see a doctor - preferably a psychiatrist or someone who specializes in mental health issues. It's the best thing I ever did.