I am just over 7 months sober .. the longest stretch of sobriety I have ever had . I’m working my program and meeting with my sponsor regularly . I am grateful for this second chance at life that I have been given . With that being said I find lately I have regularly become more restless , irritable and discontent . I’m not sure what the problem is . I have very little Patience for anyone and I am over the top irritable . Is this just my chemical balance trying to stabilize after years of poisoning my self with alcohol ? Any advice would be appreciated
You can do it Katie! Stay strong and keep pressing on! ODAAT!
Well I'm in the same boat. But I knew I needed medical help because I could cry at everything! I have vitamin deficiencies. I always used melatonin from Walmart to sleep. I started a anti depressant and found sugar to be my new found love lol. I'm at a year and everyday feels like groundhogs day. I'm still feeling it out, just know you arnt alone in feeling that way. One day at a time💗
Thank you so much ! For the response. I always panic when I have these crazy mood swings … fearing that I really messed up my ability to have emotional stability or if I am feeling off to know exactly why . I think I need to take it easier on myself .. at the end of the day I am still human and I can’t just have off days . And after relaying on alcohol to numb the pain and emotion for so long it’s gonna take time to navigate life o. Life’s terms
What are you doing in your free time? Are you keeping busy so you don't have restless brain syndrome?
I work Monday to Friday 9-5 . I am with my sponsor once a week I attend AA meetings 3 times a week , I have appointments with my psychotherapist once a week . And I usually spend weekends with my family in the country . Maybe I do to much and that’s part of the problem
Maybe you need an outlet that is truly your own. A hobbie that is just for you to indulge in.
Oh yeah I went through the rollercoaster and realized after 14 years of solid sobriety that it’s just cycles and that they pass. Daily meditation, especially in the morning really helps. Sometimes I must meditate 3 or more times daily when I’m in a real ruff patch.
I hope this helps.
Thank you so much . Knowing I am not alone in this really does help
This can happen to us. I’ve been right where you’re at.
I suggest you read page 133 of the Big Book. Make note of the first full paragraph starting with “Now about health”
Sounds to me like you’re doing all you can to work on your sobriety.
“This too shall pass”
You got this Katie keep pushing forward
A few things have helped me. 1.) Daily gratitude list. I have a gratitude book and down 2 or 3 in the morning and 2 or 3 at night. 2.). Starting my day with some recovery. Reading a couple of pages of the big book, daily reflection. 3.). I keep a small black notebook in my pocket that says "Pause and Reflect" on the cover. When I find myself getting worked up about something I write it down then forget about it. I will then read it later in the day to see what had me so tweaked.
You got this. As others have said we all have ups and downs.
"If you never had a bad day you wouldn't know what a GOOD day was!"
Thank you so much for these idea . It really helps I appreciate all the advice
What are you doing for daily exercise? A change in physical space changes ones mental space. Works for many. Doesn't have to be the gym daily. Can be a walk. Anything movement related. But do something every day. We are programmed to move. Dr's say 10k steps a day. Our ancestor hunter gatherers did 20k.
It will pass. Congrats on 7 months
PAWS OR SUGAR. Have you tried reducing your sugar intake? Do you drink OJ everyday? Removing sugar from my diet finally leveled out my emotions.
So many great suggestions. I know for myself the first year was really tough. I had numbed my emotions so much that when I started living life without that buffer, my emotions could be intense and difficult to navigate.
Be gentle with yourself. You will get it, just remember to find whatever healthy coping skills to replace the old sh*t that turns out to be poison to us.
Thank you so much for this . That’s exactly how I feel … every emotion is super intense. It’s helpful to know that it gets better
It’s in the literature by nature we are restless, irritable, and discontent. Every day when I wake up, I ask my higher power to remove that from me, and help me be a blessing to all that I come across. a very effective tool, in the beginning of sobriety is to say the serenity prayer every time you feel disturbed. One day at a time this will get better. Your just learning how to deal with your feelings sober, but it will get better I promise.
Meditation is a great way to get centered and gain emotional balance too along with exercising