One thing after another

[Tillz14]

Recently, I've been trying to get help to manage my depression but I feel like everything is going against my recovery.

My car needed fixing and I was close to getting it all sorted till I was hit with a bigger more expensive problem. I feel like I've wasted a load of time and money trying to sort something that is now impossible.

I used to self medicate with alcohol and I'm absolutely dying for a drink but I've been 3 weeks sober and don't want to slip up. But I'm so fed up of things and how they're going at the minute, I just need something to take my mind of it.

[Stilltrying_]

Oh dear that's difficult (car). Well done for staying off the drink for 3 weeks. Why not stay on here and chat with people if you're up to it. Gemma

[Tillz14 in reply to Stilltrying_]

Thank you and yes I may do, I'm just looking for anything that'll take my mind of the stress.

[Stilltrying_ in reply to Tillz14]

This is a very stressful time of year for many. So much pressure around; all the build up to Christmas and so forth and everyone seems to be all bunched up with their families. x

[Hidden]

Life sure can throw down the proverbial gauntlet at times. As I know from experience, if you’re feeling anxious/depressed/vulnerable then it just amplifies it further.

You should be really proud of yourself for abstaining from the alcohol self-medication for as long as you have. It is a trap I have fallen into and I know how easy it is to give oneself an excuse to reach for the bottle. Really, well done

[Tillz14 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much! and your absolutely right, it feels like any obstacle is an excuse... I just wish there weren't so many 😂

[Hidden]

Hiya, sorry to hear about your difficulties. If you do the maths it may actually work out cheaper not to have a car and use a combination of public transport/taxis/bicycle and walking instead - maybe it's not the best weather for walking/cycling but the fresh air and exercise can be beneficial for your mood. You have shown great strength of character in abstaining from alcohol (yes, really), especially at this time of year, but maybe you could keep a record of what you would have spent on alcohol and put this money aside (in a savings account maybe) and make a promise to yourself that you will spend it on something you really want that will bring a smile to your face. Take care,

[Tillz14 in reply to Hidden]

Sounds like a great idea, and yes you're right public transport probably is cheaper but I get bad anxiety from it unfortunately ☹️. I know I'd save a load of money if I saved what I'd spent on alcohol 😂 Thank you for your advice! 😊

[BesaDeBishop]

Tilz,

I was medicating w alcohol for years. It made me happy and gave me something to do. Drinking, drunk, passed out, hung over, repeat. That pretty much fills the day.

But t warps the mind and destroys the body in the long run.

Getting off the booze was the hardest thing I ever accomplished. Staying off the booze is a daily challenge, but it is worth it.

Now my feelings are real. I get angry at situations. I get depressed. I am learNing to cope drug free.

I am doing it w help from this site and another called soberrecovery.

Talking about how I feel seems to break down the blockage and get me in a better mind.

Thank God for the internet.

Thanks.