Depression And Daily Life

[mary1979]

Recently, and even MORE so since I've quit drinking I've been finding it harder and harder to achieve anything.

I can sit literally in one spot for an entire day staring blankly at walls, or recently immersing myself here or on facebook, anything to avoid my everyday existence.

Its all I can do to get up, take my youngest to school and get myself to work, after which, back to the blank stare state almost immediately.

As a consequence nothing has been tended to for several weeks and today I'm feeling the overwhelming pressure of 'where do I start?'

So, does anyone have tips for getting yourself moving when you feel this flat?
And how do you approach life when its all on top of you?

I've started with a list of things I have to get sorted in order of priority, but now I'm just sitting here staring at that aha.

Fml.

 

[Recovery4Me]

Firstly congrats on stopping the drink. Now the hard parts begins. ((((hugs))) Honestly, the flat feeling is common among those in recovery as the alcohol masked the underlying pain as well as offering that warm glow for some.

The agitation or restlessness sets in rather quickly as the body drys out from the booze. Have you considered going to AA meetings and getting support and/or donuts? ;) There are various workbooks (example of where to find- Amazon) that can assist with moving forward that accompanies the Blue Book. The Blue Book is not necessary in order to rediscover within the workbooks.

Just a thought, perhaps not a good one but it helped me to regain the meaning in life. (((hugs)))

 

[mary1979]

Thanks @Recovery4Me your input and encouragement is very much appreciated.

No physical withdrawals yet after almost 2 weeks, I'm confused about that?

But definitely flat, sad and unmotivated.
No agitation yet, only the desire for a drink with each new stressor associated with my current situation.

Taking sleeping pills because my body is unaccustomed to not passing out drunk every night.

Strangely enough, I used to attend an AA support group when I was with my kids dad, he was a drunk but I was sober then, so I've had some experience and did find it helpful.

I think I'm ashamed to admit that now its me with the problem though so haven't taken steps to go back yet.
I know I should.

I will search amazon for some reading material tonight, thank you xxxx

 

[Recovery4Me]

I think I'm ashamed to admit that now its me with the problem though so haven't taken steps to go back yet.

Some people have 'knuckled' it here on the board (no 12 step). I just built so many bad coping habits that I got familiar with 12 Steps as a whole.:clown: I think if you find the right fit with a group, it will kill some looking at the wall time, network live support and possibly have a live sponsor. Recovery takes a lot of time, patience, self-forgiveness and dedication. The good news- you are worth it! (((hugs)))

Listen, I understand as I am an adult child of alcoholics or codependent, Al Anon, AA member and a few more.:O_o: There is NO shame in getting healthy. Come as you are...kind of deal. So, please consider live bodied support, like a therapist + a vast army.:) This is a critical part and withdrawals are no small deal. (((hugs)))

One day at a time, yes?

 

[mary1979]

I have my first psych appointment in decades tomorrow, I really hope they have some kind of meds to hold me up for this first bit, not looking forward to going through this all again totally straight.

As for support groups, I need to find my feet again first, my motivation is so shot in barely managing to grocery shop or pay bills.

 

[Ronin]

@mary1979 and what about online support groups, specifically for alcohol recovery?

There's plenty of these around. May help with needing physical energy, a bit, catering to that need.

 

[Recovery4Me]

Understand and glad that you are seeing a T !:tup:

Wrapping up in positivist attitudes was/is my strong hold of resilience. Depression is serious, yes ....I do not minimize in any way as I work with it. However, you were thoroughly entrenched in both sides of the coins of alcohol. So you did believe in 'change' and love and winning.

After you get your meds...please consider the following:

Explore:

* http://www.hazelden.org/OA_HTML/hazAuthor.jsp?author_id=4

Melody Beattie books have helped most of the codependents/Al Anons that I know immensely

*Get daily e-mails for inspiration from hazelden or any other positive source

*Maybe lurk at an AA on-line meeting until you find a time frame of a group that you can relate to (as @Cashew suggested)

*read up on the withdrawals in research so you know it is serious for some people (I am of Native American or Indian descent...I understand)

*Fight for you and consider asking the T how to allow the anger out in a healthy manner... which can move the depression

At any rate...know we care and thank you for listening or reading....:notworthy:

signing off the thread for now in respect of your choices, and what you may feel you need for you. ((((hugs)))

 

[BrianX]

Recently, and even MORE so since I've quit drinking I've been finding it harder and harder to achieve a...

sometimes it seems like to much, just to much to even know where to start. I often use hard labor to keep my mind off of other things but lately I just give up and don't start. all my power tools are broke or are about to be broke and I don't want to fix them