Some thoughts about empathy...

[whodunnit_author]

When I dip in here, I'm struck by the kindness and empathy on display. I know that physically (touch wood and all other superstitious actions, too) I am luckier than many on this forum, and the good news is most of my blood results are continuing to improve. The bad news is that I've been experiencing severe and almost constant anxiety for the last few days. The worse news is that it was my anxiety disorder that got me into this mess in the first place: despite therapy and medication, alcohol was the only sure-fire thing that stopped the pain. Anyway, for no apparent reason, the fear has lifted at least for now, so let me wish any of you who need it some similar respite...

[Pizamkazdw]

I am glad you are feeling better. It's so hard to escape from what is in our head yet it is so difficult to find adequate help to fight it. Keep fingers crossed for you I am also very grateful for being in the place where I am now. Not everyone gets this chance.

[davianne]

Thank you for your thoughtful words. I think a lot of people here experience anxiety at some time, I certainly do.I can control my anxiety somewhat by mental exercises ( problem solving, thoughts of loved ones, happy memories and my hobbies all work for me) Like you my anxiety comes and goes without warning, but I now know I can deal with it.

David

[mncold]

Hi whodunnit,

Thank you for the good wishes!

Sending you good wishes that you continue to feel well.

Mary

[Hidden]

Hi who

Poor you - I think anxiety is awful - I too think stress and then the associated anxiety caused me to drink to excess for too many years. It’s difficult to get out of the vicious cycle! So I’m glad for you that for now the anxiety has lifted 😁👍. That’s great. From my own experience alcohol was short term gain long term pain. ☹️. It would be hypocritical of me to say don’t drink since I set myself such a bad example but at least I can tell you know it’s not good for you. I don’t know why it took me nearly 40 years to understand that!

Good luck!! 👍

Miles

[Hidden]

Hi whodunnit_author

I only dip in here occasionally these days but your post really struck a chord with me.

I also used to suffer with severe anxiety and, like you, medication and therapy just didn’t seem to make a difference, whereas my friend King Alcohol was guaranteed to help ... or at least I thought so ...

At first it worked really well...I thought I’d found my solution..until it became the cause of even more severe anxiety than ever before. Alcohol, cunning, baffling and powerful, makes you believe it’s your solution, even your best friend, but it’s neither. So I quit and, surprise, surprise, the anxiety became less and less of an issue. It’s now been over 12 years since I drank and anxiety can creep up on me occasionally but thankfully nowhere near as bad as before.

Just wanted to share that with you because your post was a great reminder of why I no longer drink. So thank you 😊

[Albeawright in reply to Hidden]

Hi stranger,you still on here?Hope all is well