Introduction

[LMTFAP]

Hello,

My name is Chris, and I am a recovering alcoholic, with 8 and a half years, I am really struggling with anxiety, PTSD, depression, and lately just “confusion”.

[gajh]

Hello and Welcome. You will find a lot of support here for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Feel free to share as much as you are comfortable with. I am glad you have joined us.

[LMTFAP in reply to gajh]

Thank you, Gajh

[Dolphin14]

Hi Chris

Welcome to the community.

We are all here to support you

🐬

[LMTFAP in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you Dolphin

[Dolphin14]

Thanks you for pointing the other sites out

❤️🐬

[Celtic27]

Hi chris you are facing a lot if demons the thing us getting the right help at the right time im unsure how it works in the states but have you been getting any help at all ? Have you tried on line councilling start there and see were it takes you a lot of your problems are liked to each other is a multi agency aproach and take it from there i wish you the best of luck !

[LMTFAP in reply to Celtic27]

Thank you, Celtic. I owned a business for 27 years, and lost it due to my alcoholism. In the first couple years of sobriety I had major surgery, daughter had two suicide attempts, and my brother committed suicide. My daughter was out in a facility for 6 months, and is doing OK now. Recently I went out on FMLA due to anxiety. Our company was bought by a larger company that knew nothing of our business, and drive it into the ground. They closed January 8, while I was still on leave. The way they ran the company is what has caused me to take that leave. Crazy situation. And I have a son who is autistic and lives with us.

I am in therapy twice weekly, and psych every two weeks. I also do AA, Dharma Recovery, and am in a NAMI support group. I am really trying to “attack” my issues head on, but so far the results just aren’t there. I started all that before Christmas, so I know it’s early.

Thanks again, Celtic

[Cb1963 in reply to LMTFAP]

I can relate to some of your problems, I was a chronic alcoholic, and used alcohol as my turn to " friend" but in reality it made my problems worse, I'm a 'survivor ' of witnessing a suicide, and having the difficult task of trying to rescue a drowned child, my ptsd ate my life apart, my story is one of hope and one of trying to live a normal life, we are damaged goods, and obviously my eyes can't unsee what I witnessed, sometimes we have to feel the emotions of other people. It's trying to possibly get to know you, this process is time consuming, but like with anything I try and make time for anyone struggling, I'm nearly 12 years sober in February, and I think if I was still drinking I'd be long gone off this planet, you've mentioned you do various things, how is this helping you?

This conversation I'm having has many different aspects, and yours may have many similar issues, we all approach life in different ways, if you feel you want to chat, don't hesitate to contact me, I'm quite a deep thinker sometimes and I choose my words carefully when trying to help someone, and my replies my be long winded, as you can't just deal with ptsd overnight, I could probably write a book with my problems, obviously some subjects are very emotional, and not everyone is qualified to pass expertise advice, neither am I, but knowing how this delicate situation can be, people will hopefully guide you along the way, myself included, I wish you well 😇 .

[Dolly38 in reply to LMTFAP]

Welcome and all I can say is hang on in there. It sounds as if you are very very determined to beat your alcohol issues! It sounds as if you have lived a big life! By this I mean known success and failure. Hang on to the love of your family. Autism comes in many shapes and forms and I know from first hand experience those who do not live with their Autistic children don't understand how difficulty it is to see those we love struggle in a neuro typical world. Blessings and strength daily to you........Dolly

[MaggieSylvie in reply to LMTFAP]

You have an awful lot of issues. I don't know how I'd cope with all of that. You are brave and you will get lots of help on here.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

Hi Chris. I’m recovering as well, and was diagnosed with a Major Depression and Anxiety Disorder a number of years ago. Although I need to treat my alcoholism daily, I also treat my mental illness. I have a psychiatrist and therapist who I see regularly. The tools I use in recovery can help my mental state, but not fully. I need outside help. Hopefully you’ll look into it.

I’m also a member of the Drink Free Forum. Come on by and join us.

[LMTFAP in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

Thank you Lily -

Thank you so much for the kind response. I am in therapy twice a week, and psych once every 2 or 3 weeks just to check in. I also use AA and Recovery Dharma for my alcoholism. I will definitely go to the Drink Free Forum.

Many thanks,

Chris

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to LMTFAP]

Someone I sponsor uses Recovery Dharma with her AA program. It’s a good mix for her.

I find it challenging to have a dual diagnosis. The tendency I have is to expect the Steps to take care of more than they’re designed to do. AA is a booze cure, it’s not going to heal a broken leg. Nor is it all I need for my depression and anxiety (and ADHD).

If I’m feeling sad or anxious (fear), I need to cut myself some slack and accept the chemical imbalance. Practicing standing still and hurting is not my best trick. I can handle anything except pain and discomfort. lol.

You’ve joined a good community to share with. There’s a lot of support here. Keep sharing.

[LMTFAP in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

Thank you Lily - I really get that. I dove into recovery, because my life literally depended on it. Still does. I’ve been on the H&I committee, bringing the message into our local jail, secretaried more meetings than I can count, and sponsored men. It was hard to reach out for outside help, but just like alcohol, when it got bad enough I was willing to do anything. I really love Dharma Recovery - it fills in a lot that I don’t get from the other fellowship.

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to LMTFAP]

It certainly sounds like you have a plate full of life on life’s terms. Confusion sounds appropriate. At least it is for me. I’ve got an overflowing plate too. Any day I don’t have a drink in my hand is a blessing and a success. But that response is more fitting for Drink Free

I deal with my mental stuff a day at a time and use my support system to the full extent

Looking forward to talking to you more.

[LMTFAP]

Thank you so much for those other forums🙏

[LMTFAP]

It’s random, but yet it’s not. … please don’t be offended - I am embarrassed to say, but it stands for Leave Me The F#$& Alone Please…. That pretty much sums up my previous state of mind. I hope to grow and be able to change it.

[Dolphin14 in reply to LMTFAP]

Don't be embarrassed Chris

It's all good

[LMTFAP in reply to Dolphin14]

Thanks Dolphin! Really happy to have found you guys

[Dolphin14 in reply to LMTFAP]

It's a great place. Don't forget to check out the other sites too.

[MaggieSylvie in reply to LMTFAP]

You see what you get when you come through these doors!😆

[Dolphin14]

Who???? Me???

[LMTFAP]

Right on… it’s pretty uncharacteristic for me to cuss, but when it said I couldn’t use my name, that just popped into my head. Thus, obviously, I need help,😃! Thank you for your kindness!

[lauralidia]

Hey Chris,good to see you found this group.It sounds like you have a lot of helpful tools to guide you on your path.Maybe consider Coda or Aca 12steps as they deal with the root of all the addictions and childhood trauma.Meditation helps too to quiet the racing mind.But most of all just have faith that you are exactly where you are supposed to be,like rowing a boat in the fog.One day you will come to the other side and see that everything makes sense and you were never lost.Keep up the good work

[Teaching]

Welcome. I believe you will get some support here.