New to forum and desperate

[leaningonjesus]

Hello, i happened upon this site and it looked like something helpful and that I could contribute to. I quit alcohal cold turkey mid march after many many years of it. It got old. Long story short; I was doing "ok" mid march to late april when i began some meds for other health issues. those meds gave me severe horrifying panic and anxiety attacks for days. they have subsided but since that time , my mind my heart hasnt been right. I am now seeing a counselor, on anxiety and panic meds, and am dealing with intrusive thoughts and struggling to get thru each day. On a side note, I have tons and tons of stressors and issues from my past and in my life. I understand its all connected. I guess just wondering if anyone else is expereincing similar things, how u cope, etc. I am a very spiritual person and am leaning on my faith to get me through. Unfortunately, its not a perfect quick fix and my days are still so difficult. Welcoming any thoughts or ideas.

[Pugglesworth]

Welcome to the site!

SSRI's and SNRI's take weeks to start working and typically don't reach therapeutic level until about a month. Until then, things can get worse before they get better as your body adjusts to the new meds. It also may take a few tries before you find the med that is right for you and your body. The only psychotropic meds that work quickly are benzos. Those are meant for short term use. Unfortunately, many people (myself included) find themselves using them for years as they are addictive.

Heart, mind and body are all connected. That was a big lesson for me to learn. But I had to experience it to actually have it mean something. To see my thoughts creating the feelings I was trying to escape. To feel my heart ache as I placed too much burden on it. To learn actual acceptance of my current condition. These things are tough. Acceptance, for me, is really hard because I want to fix things. But the real mind-bender is I'm not broken: my body, mind and heart are simply reacting to the inputs I've been giving them.

Get and read Claire Weekes book 'Hope and Help for Your Nerves.' She was an Australian Psychologist and her book (written in the 1960's) is as straight forward as it gets on what you're going through.

[leaningonjesus in reply to Pugglesworth]

Thankyou for replying and your book suggestion and encouragement. It helps tremendously. You have given me some great things to think about and pray upon.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer]

Hi and welcome! You happened on a great site. Lots of great support here. Happy to have you. I just want to zero in on something that you have that is one of the best antidotes to despair...your faith. From your post it has helped you through some very hard times already and will do so again now. ...please hang in!

[Isinatra]

Has your therapist addressed the issue of your past history of drinking? You were drinking for a reason, now since you stopped, those reasons probably are still there.❤️🏄‍♀️

[leaningonjesus in reply to Isinatra]

yes-- these issues are starting to be addressed as i have only attended one session but its in the plans which im looking forward to. Thankyou though for the reminder because yes--- all the reasons are there. and its been 37 years of the issues being buried😞its time for change👌❤️

[Isinatra in reply to leaningonjesus]

Sounds like you have a good understanding of the connection between alcohol and mental health issues and you have a solid plan laid out. I’m a recovering alcoholic with many days of sobriety under my belt. Don’t give up. Sobriety is so worth it, even on my worst days. Good luck to you. ❤️🏄‍♀️

[lillyofthevalley37]

Hi have you heard of progesterone cream it is very calming and may help you it's well worth trying , your body must be missing the estrogen that the alcohol gave you have you had your hormones checked ? Evening primrose oil is good for anxiety as is flaxseed oil and fish oil capsules

[leaningonjesus]

ive not tried that cream but i will definately check it out. same with the supplements. ive tried cbd and other supplements but nothing is really helping much. its such a confusing, frustrating, bizarre, frightening and uncertain time. as it is for so many others. thankyou for the suggestions💝

[BrainIsFull]

Hi. Welcome to this group! Congratulations on taking steps to change your life. I would just say that it takes time so give yourself the time to heal and feel. 💚

[leaningonjesus in reply to BrainIsFull]

thankyou for the encouragement--- one of the things that ive been trying to get used to is retraining my brain to "heal and feel." i have never had that mindset before and ive heard that from others too, and its such a weird concept for me but ive been trying to embrace it! Rather than panicking at my feeling/ thoughts/ emotions, i have been trying to accept and embrace them in some strange way, allow them to be there and then use my tools i have to push them out.