Six weeks sober but have been struggling
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 1,327
Six weeks sober but have been struggling
So this is my second-longest ever streak! Some of you might remember I got over a year in 2019/20. The thing is depression put paid to that streak and it's been sneaking up on me again this time. I've had a flare-up of tinnitus too and they just feed off each other. Some days I get pretty low, especially upon waking up. I'm on a fairly new regimen of meds so with time these may help.
But I've tried to be strong and have kept to my writing and fitness goals. I've lost 9lbs and run 10-12km every other day. I've also found video games for my down time, something I'd neglected for decades and they're surprisingly great for helping with depression and urges, because I guess you have to be actively focused.
There is however a lack of socialising and I remain in the strange setup of supported accommodation where you're not allowed to work many hours (benefits-related), so thinking about moving forward - beyond my writing and fitness - is difficult.
And the low days really kick my arse so sometimes I feel stuck. But I can't deny it's nice to have my self-respect back, my sleep and anxiety issues under control, and knowing I'm a part of the world again, albeit not really feeling part of it, currently.
But I've tried to be strong and have kept to my writing and fitness goals. I've lost 9lbs and run 10-12km every other day. I've also found video games for my down time, something I'd neglected for decades and they're surprisingly great for helping with depression and urges, because I guess you have to be actively focused.
There is however a lack of socialising and I remain in the strange setup of supported accommodation where you're not allowed to work many hours (benefits-related), so thinking about moving forward - beyond my writing and fitness - is difficult.
And the low days really kick my arse so sometimes I feel stuck. But I can't deny it's nice to have my self-respect back, my sleep and anxiety issues under control, and knowing I'm a part of the world again, albeit not really feeling part of it, currently.
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,454
Keep pushing through Tet - the meds will settle in and you will move on from where you are.
Those days when it’s tougher, just focus on getting through the day…each day is a step towards something good
D
Those days when it’s tougher, just focus on getting through the day…each day is a step towards something good
D
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Join Date: May 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 3,948
Hi Tetrax, your last paragraph oozes positives. Your efforts are paying off.
As for this running, that’s quite some mileage you’re covering there. I hope your body’s ok with that as mine wouldn’t be But I do run, and part of my recovery has been to join a triathlon club. I now have running (and swimming) buddies as well as coaches and a good supportive bunch of friends, some have lost weight to get there and one other was a former alcoholic too! Bear in mind I’m not sociable in the slightest, but sobriety just somehow changes things. Triathlon mightn’t be your thing, but running is. Where I live there are a couple of great running groups who meet up and split into groups according to speed and run. They run past my house, and I can hear them chatting and joking. They’re also a nice supportive bunch and travel to local events, 10K, half marathon, etc. That would be right up your street. It doesn’t cost much, a pair of trainers perhaps. Put that running skill of yours to good use.
You’re doing great.
As for this running, that’s quite some mileage you’re covering there. I hope your body’s ok with that as mine wouldn’t be
But I do run, and part of my recovery has been to join a triathlon club. I now have running (and swimming) buddies as well as coaches and a good supportive bunch of friends, some have lost weight to get there and one other was a former alcoholic too! Bear in mind I’m not sociable in the slightest, but sobriety just somehow changes things. Triathlon mightn’t be your thing, but running is. Where I live there are a couple of great running groups who meet up and split into groups according to speed and run. They run past my house, and I can hear them chatting and joking. They’re also a nice supportive bunch and travel to local events, 10K, half marathon, etc. That would be right up your street. It doesn’t cost much, a pair of trainers perhaps. Put that running skill of yours to good use.You’re doing great.
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Join Date: May 2021
Location: England
Posts: 1,850
Tetrax - that's a really great achievement - having self respect back is truly something of value and worth hanging on to.
I hope the medication helps with tinnitus.
Your post is really a success story, so many good things!
I hope the medication helps with tinnitus.
Your post is really a success story, so many good things!
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 5,937
First off congrats on six weeks, @Tetrax! That's awesome! Keep up the things that are helping. Honestly I think the video game thing makes sense. I'm still off work on work comp so I too sometimes have a ton of time on my hands, I should dust off the Xbox! You can do this, just stick close to SR and keep up the healthy habits.
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,025
Hi Tetrax - well done on 6 weeks. This is how the process goes, being sober makes your mind clearer, which allows you to see problems drinking maybe would hide.
What it also allows you to do, however, is to actively work on these problems and fix them (just like you have been fixing the fitness problem!).
Is there somebody you can talk to about dealing with these depressive thoughts?
My best wishes to you.
What it also allows you to do, however, is to actively work on these problems and fix them (just like you have been fixing the fitness problem!).
Is there somebody you can talk to about dealing with these depressive thoughts?
My best wishes to you.
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 1,327
Originally Posted by Hodd 
How are you doing today, Tetrax?
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