Lonely :(

[PhoenixMert]

The last month or so I’ve felt so lonely, I never leave the house and my friends don’t speak much. My anxiety gets so much worse when I feel like this. How do I break this cycle and start feeling good? I take meds and honestly don’t notice much difference.

[Rick1on1]

Hi,

You are not alone!

There are a number of things you can do manage the strain of Depression and Anxiety.

How long have you been on meds?

[PhoenixMert in reply to Rick1on1]

Around 9 weeks but I’ve had anxiety since I was 14 I’m 32 now

[Rick1on1 in reply to PhoenixMert]

The meds should be kicking in by now. You might ask your Doctor for something different if this still has no good effects. Keep on using though as there may be other factors affecting it efficacy.

Are you under particular pressure right now?

[PhoenixMert in reply to Rick1on1]

I lost my job and 10 weeks ago stopped drinking completely, it’s been hard I had to have a medical detox.

[Rick1on1 in reply to PhoenixMert]

Please feel very proud that you were able to give up drinking and passed a detox!

Alcohol and Depression/Anxiety are disastrous bed-mates and you have taken admirable steps to rising from the ashes like the proverbial Phoenix...

Tackling work/financial issues can be daunting but you have already overcome so much. Getting onto a path of financial security and ultimately contentment requires a push that you have already proven you can take.

Are you doing anything to enhance your skills?

Have you considered volunteering as a way of improving your skill set and networking with people who are not selfish?

[jrcnpg in reply to PhoenixMert]

Did your detox take place in the hospital on the referral of your GP? There is a medication called Antabuse which is normally started whilst in a hospital setting because of the dangers of it. By 'dangers' I mean that to take one drink of alcohol and you begin to feel very uncomfortable and ill (alcoholics usually feel symptoms such as that without medication but rarely approach anyone for assistance) and should you persevere and take another drink you become very, very ill indeed. Then should you have the inner strength and capacity to continue you can die.A harsh word for a harsh illness (alcoholic, recovering alcoholic, alcohol dependency are all psychiatric illnesses). You are the very start of your treatment if you have not taken any alcohol for ten days, that illustrates the fact that you are aware of your circumstances and are doing something strident and positive not only for yourself but your family as well. It would be a good idea for you to see your GP and ask him for some medication called chlordiazepoxide (Librium) which they use to manage the shakes whilst you are waiting for admission. I have been in a detox setting hospital based three times. Eventually, with me anyhow because of my problems which led me to the alcohol in the first instance it took a little longer than is recommended, but it does work. I wish you all the best of British.

[PhoenixMert in reply to jrcnpg]

I went due to working with an alcohol recovery service, I’m 10 weeks clean almost 11. I will never touch a drink again. I’m also working with the same alcohol service still.

[jrcnpg in reply to PhoenixMert]

Well, I'm glad that you are getting help. When you say that you will never touch a drink again you know as much as I do that it is not like measles or chicken pox or myocardial infarction, it is is a life long testament that you say to yourself that you will never place temptation in your way. Life does get better you know. Good luck and well done.

[PhoenixMert in reply to jrcnpg]

After the withdrawal effects I had, I don’t think my body would allow me to touch it. It’s scared me straight if that makes sense? Just got to deal with this anxiety now

[jrcnpg in reply to PhoenixMert]

Those side effects (shaking, sweating whilst being warm at the same time, fitting) ought to have been managed medically but then every GP is different. If you had had some chlordiazepoxide (Librium) your side effects would not have been that bad. Good luck anyhow.

John

[PhoenixMert in reply to jrcnpg]

I had a weeks worth while I was at the hospital, and it’s been 10 weeks since then. I don’t need it now my gp said as I’m past the withdrawal stage.

[jrcnpg in reply to PhoenixMert]

That is good news. As long as you manage to resist any or all temptation you should be okay. Have you ever noticed that the people in adverts on television say, under the right circumstances 'I need a drink' Not easy to listen to a sentiment such as that. Good luck for the future.

John

[Littlemole43]

Hi pheonixMert I understand how you feel I hardly go out only for doctor and hospital appointments. Sometimes on a Saturday my sister in law comes to take me out . I don't have any friends, they all promised to come and See me and still no one comes . Im in so much pain aswell at the moment but on a lot of meds. I hope you are feeling better soon . X

[PhoenixMert in reply to Littlemole43]

Yeah I hope we both get better soon, it’s a rough ride.