Ive been drinking for the past yea due to anxiety issues and feel like thats the only way i feel better. Now if i dont have a drink i cant go on with the day and feel afraid of being by myself thinking i might get an attack
Afraid of being alone: Ive been drinking... - Living with Anxiety
Afraid of being alone
What you experiencing is fear that no one will be there to help if u do have an attack, which is probably causing you to either have a panic attack or at least severe anxiety... just remember if you ever need to u can always daily 911... but the chances of something happening to you are slim and wont increase because you are by yourself.... just try to ignore the fact you're alone instead of obsessing over it. yes easier said than done... the drinking will only help for so long. See a psychiatrist who can help! Xo feel better
Sammie
Drinking helps me relax too but I only do it on occasions . Don't worry you'll be okay stop worrying about things like this they will drive you crazy . I hate being alone too and know how u feel . I have depression anxiety and sometimes it's really hard to handle but you'll be OK always think positive about life and everything you do . Try to stay focused on you and do things that make u happy. I sometimes fear everything and I have to snap myself back into reality . You have too don't let yourself in the dark hole . Prayer has helped me , when I'm feeling lonely and anxious I pray to have a peace of mind that I'll be okay . Hope you look at life's beauty and enjoy what has been given too you . Don't forget your not alone there are others that have it worse in life just learn to appreciate your like and live it to the fullest . Have yourself a Merry Christmas
Hello
Your post touched a nerve with me , I have been anxious most of my life for one reason or another but when I was younger I found a drink relaxed me until I got to the stage I could not get through a day without it and that became another problem that I had to deal with eventually , but well done recognizing you are using drink as a crutch as I was oblivious that I was until it was nearly to late
Now you now what you are doing & you have admitted to yourself you know what is happening you really need to get the support you need
Go & see your Doctor if you have not already and if you have go back again , tell them everything and ask for help , get to the bottom of why you feel this way , what are your fears etc when we do we can start to work on them
Try and resist the drink you may have to go through a few withdrawals but will be worth it & believe it or not drink can make you more anxious when you are using it for the wrong reasons
Find distractions , if it is in the evenings that is the worse time you feel this fear plan your evenings out that you have something to do , even indoors , if you plan your meal , then maybe a hot bath , music on in the background can help you to feel not so alone , have you friends you can phone for a chat and so on whatever keeps you occupied
Nothing bad has happened or will while you have been on your own so far , keep telling yourself that and that it is the anxiety maybe mixed with the drink giving you these thoughts until the positive thoughts start to outweigh the negative one's
Take Care x
I really liked you response a d thank you for understanding.
Hi Roger. I think many, many people have done or do the same (drink) to excess regardless of whether or not a mental health issue was/is involved.
By continuing on this track, based on how much you've been drinking, you risk becoming an alcoholic.
If you have anxiety issues, then you need to write down everything in your life that is/has been giving you grief. Anxiety is usually the end result of chronic stress. Then, you need to start problem solving each and every little thing that is bothering you, because there HAS to be something. A trusted and discrete friend or family member can help you do this. Alternatively, a GP is a good start. Anonymous health care phone lines as well.
I would also source a counsellor or psychologist who can help you get through any concerns. My point being that you actually need to talk to someone who is compassionate, understanding and non-judgemental.
Are you depressed as well? Do you feel you need meds such as anti-depressants? If so, then see a psychiatrist for that and not a GP. Psychiatrists KNOW anti-depressants better than any GP. There are certain one's that assist with anxiety. Think carefully about going the medical way. Personally, I'm a believer in being treated holistically: mind, body, spirit. Commit to getting for the better and stick to it. Change everything in your life from negative thought patterns through to what you eat, drink, and how you sleep. Most importantly, believe in yourself. Oh yeah, get active: walk, volunteer time to help others. If you're a man of faith, then consider joining a church group.
Read everything you can about anxiety. Knowledge is power after all. If you have a smart phone then download some relaxation and meditation apps. Also look to YouTube.
So then, commit to getting better. Source mental health care professionals to help you. Problem solve. It's vital! I can't stress that enough. Talk your concerns out. Learn more about various relaxation techniques and do them diligently. Join groups. Avoid toxic things including people. Do what makes you happy and smile.
I know I have left the fear aspect out of my response. Fear feeds on fear. Anxiety also feeds on itself. To get yourself through it in the short-term, make a list of trusted people you can call. If you suffer from panic attacks, then know they're time-limited and do pass. You have nothing to fear but fear itself. Also, when you're anxious under no circumstances dwell on how you're feeling. That'll make things worse. Focus on the here and now only. Art therapy colouring in books are great because not only do they help with focus, they're helping to lower cortisol and adrenaline in your body. This is why I urge you to read about all you can about how anxiety lies to us. Little by little your brain will start to re-program itself so please don't give up and never doubt your ability to be free of anxiety. One day you will be but it all starts with you and how much personal effort you put in. We here will support you in any way we can. It's also important to have a supportive network around you. That's why I suggested trusted friends or family.
Before I forget, look up books by Dr Claire Weekes. Snippets of her work might even be on YouTube. Many folks right around the globe believe Dr Weekes wrote THE book on over-coming anxiety many. many ears ago and that's because she also suffered from anxiety and panic attacks.
It's wonderful that you've reached out for help because that was your first step to recovery. Please keep us posted re your journey.
Wishing you everything you wish for yourself.
God Bless.