Does the anxiety go away?

Recovery
#1

I always drank to alleviate my anxiety and now I just feel like Im sitting in it constantly. Over thinking every social interatction constantly feeling that pit in my stomach or like I could crawl out of my skin. I'm six months in, does this ever go away?

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#2

Your not alone! I take medication for anxiety and drank to make me feel better but it just made my anxiety worse. I'm new to sobriety and I'm learning to keep myself busy with chores , hobbies, movies etc. I hope this makes sense and helps !

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#3

I 100% was there at six months too. But I hadn’t started meetings. Once I did things slowly improved to know 2.5 years in its a lot better. BUT, I will always have anxiety issues, it doesn’t go away. I’ve just learned what works and what doesn’t. Exercise, meditation, whatever

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#4

Are you in a program? It helps

#5

I haven't gone to a meeting yet and I really want to but social situations like that trigger anxiety for me. I'm worried they'll make me introduce myself or say something

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#6

Go to a zoom meeting and leave your camera off at first.

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#7

I get it, and yes you might be asked to introduce yourself. But that could be as simple as Hi I’m Skot. People can tell if you don’t want to share and won’t make you. Is there anyone you know you could go with you? Almost all of us have anxiety problems , people get it and want to help. You’d be amazed… more grace than any church I’ve been in. Or try zoom, there’s tons of options. My point is, the support helps so much and will eventually help (not cure) your anxiety too. Good luck

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#8

Thanks skot! I think I might try one out tomorrow

#9

Good deal. Give things a try, if they don’t work, ask again. Someone will give more ideas. Just know you can do this if you want to.

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#10

On e I began to feel proud of myself in the progress I was making, the shame and guilt shrunk. Once that happened, I became less anxious being out in public and in groups of people. I’m definitely more comfortable at home, but public situations I can handle better😊 6 months is no small feat, you are doing great!!

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#11

Thanks Jeff! Good to know it gets easier

#12

Hi Jamie, anxiety is hard and there is a lot to make it easier and more manageable. For me - yoga, meditation, walks, tea, breath work, just sitting and reading, talking to a friend - lots of love

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#13

A small hack that helped me was chewing gum. It sounds goofy, but I don’t leave the house without it. Not 100% cure but it helps me a bit.

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#14

Thanks so much Maegen!

#15

Thanks drew! I'll have to give that a try!