Stuck in a depression rut. Went to a AA meeting. I cried everyone else talked about being “joyous and free.” I have never been…
Not sure if I will ever feel happy. I am starting to get old and realizing this will probably be my reality from here on out.
I guess I should get on happy pills again? They’ve never worked in the past…
Hi new friend Welcome :)Age is but a number and once we are resigned to nothing being ahead but misery, that is
what we get.
It takes more than "happy pills" in making you feel joyous and free.
It's a matter of cleaning house, sweeping out all those doubtful and negative thoughts.
Popping a pill or using other things are but a quick fix and then you are back to zero.
Using Affirmation Meditation can be the start in getting hooked on Positivity.
It takes time, it takes some work but well worth it.
You need a goal, a reason to be. As long as there is a breath in you, it is never too late.
Coming on this site was your first step forward. Talk with others who found ways to have reasons to wake up each day. Life has a lot of options, it is up to us in making those choices.
Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. It is far from over 
xx
That is about the sweetest, kindest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you so much! I will try my best to take to heart. All the best to you.
If this is the sweetest, kindest thing anyone has ever said to you, then you are goingto love this safe and understanding forum.
We may all be in different stages of life but being human, our needs and worries are
the same. You are in the right place at the right time. xx
I use the serenity prayer a lot to make me slow down and realize can I change it or is it above my control. I also recite the third step: God, I offer myself to Thee — to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always! Set your mind to it and you will do it!! My sponsor once told me we alcoholics have an addictive personality and we can use it to our advantage. Addiction isn't bad it's that we got addicted to something bad and to change that get addicted to something good. I am now using my addictive personality to work out I am holding myself to it everyday and when I get lazy I recite my step and my mind says do it, do it and off I am again getting towards my goals. I hope this helped but as a fellow alcoholic you are stronger than you think and braver than you know. You will get there gentle hugs 🫂🫂
Wow your a inspiration. I hope my program can become as strong as yours.
Congrats on getting yourself to the AA meeting and sharing.
It can take a lot, even if it’s a last ditch effort at our lowest, to show up.
Thank you for the kinds words. It means a lot. Thank you.
Hello….You’re doing the right thing for your alcoholism. Are you receiving therapy for your depression? Some people in recovery need both…AA and therapy. You speak of happy pills you used to take, but they didn’t help. If you are referring to antidepressants then those require finding the one that works. If it’s benzos…those in themselves can be depressants and addictive. I don’t know how much sober time you have, but when you take away the alcohol, you’re more than likely going to have a bumpy ride for a while. Stick with AA and get a sponsor if you don’t already have one. One that you’re comfortable with. But she isn’t a therapist. You need a professional for that. Btw, I’ve been exactly where you are now. I wish you hope and strength. Experience will come…
Thank you, I do need a sponsor. I’ve been sober longer than my outward effect would suggest. Yes I was referring to anti depressants. Thanks again for your support.
💕
I felt something like what you are feeling. Stuck, for much of my life. I still feel that way but I have learned in the past year or so that I don’t have to be stuck. There are actually things that can be done. Of course therapy with a good therapist is part of it but there is a more significant piece of it that I kept ignoring. It’s really up to me. I’m sure you have heard that before. I certainly did. I just didn’t or didn’t want to believe it. Some of “the work” is very mundane. Exercise, brushing your teeth, eating healthfully, etc. Some of it is harder than we would like to admit. We cannot be happy in isolation. We have to put ourselves in the uncomfortable place of reaching out to others for help and for friendship. This is how we learn to be part of the world. And so you have taken the first step! Here you are! Stick around for awhile! Glad you are here.
Thank you for the encouragement.
I think for those of us who have had anxiety/depression the easiest thing for us to do is forgive others but the hardest thing to do is forgive ourselves. Most of us were taught to put others needs first and were even punished or shamed if we didn't. The reality is that we need to take care of, love, accept and forgive ourself which helps us be a true and helpful friend. For most of us, this is a learned skill and requires practice but it is doable.
As one of my therapists said "it's never too late to have a happy childhood".
Finding Understanding in Pain 
Why can't I be happy with what do? 
Finding someone to talk to
Today is my Birthday... I wish I was never born...
Happy and successful people makes me depressed? 
