I’m 20 days sober and experiencing the depression, anxiety and surrealism I had before my drinking got out of hand. I’d almost forgotten how crippling it can be. I know I need to feel the feels and try to improve my mental health… Any suggestions on how to cope?
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I personally had to eventually get prescribed effexor. The first thing my psychiatrist tried with me was zoloft, which was completely ineffective. I was also prescribed vit D3, vit B12, vit C and folic acid which naturally helps with depression. That was to help get me started and on my way. I then did some group and one-on-one therapy. The rooms of AA/NA are basically group therapy. I was prescribed vistaril for anxiety but now I take propranolol. For me the propranolol works great and doesn't cause as much drowsiness as vistaril.
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I find that reading self help books helps. A few I liked that brought me out of my slump were, the unexpected job of being sober and, quit like a woman. Maybe make a list of things you can do to make you happy. Google the dang internet if you have to ;). I went on a walk and saw a movie alone yesterday
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We are there for you though. 
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*joy
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Just keep working on yourself! You did awesome by simply reaching out about it on here, your support network is your lifeline! If you don’t have a sponsor yet, I would suggest to try and seek one out, even just a temporary sponsor will work. Diving into the steps will really help you uncover yourself and your feelings and help you figure out the right actions to take when you get to feeling these ways. I know it has sure taught me! Going to meetings when you’re feeling these ways and sharing also helps me greatly. If you find down the road you’re still having difficulty coping, I know one thing that helped me was also seeking out therapy and psychiatry. I was on medication for about a year as I weened myself off the drinks and drugs and back into normal society!
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One of the hardest parts of sobriety is dealing with all of the thoughts and emotions we used to mask with a drink or a drug. In so many ways, our drinking doesn't make us an alcoholic, our thinking does.
I have battled clinical depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety all my life. At times, medication has been a useful tool in that battle. But for me, I have had to make a conscious decision to change my thinking and be very mindful of people, places, and things.
I am really good at placing myself in toxic situations which can lead to bouts of depression and anxiety. It always starts with the best of intentions but I tend to put other people's needs ahead of my own and that is not good.
Be mindful of your surroundings. If you are feeling uncomfortable or uncertain, remove yourself from the situation and reach out to someone you can trust.
I would also make it a point to get into a routine of going to meetings and talking to people in the program. It helps to know that you will have at least one hour of your day when you will be surrounded by people who get it.
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Do something helpful. See if you can volunteer at a womans shelter maybe? Go to a drive in movie and turn the sound up and disconnect. Get a book about something you're interested in and post up outside and read.
You can do this. Fill in the voids with positive stuff.
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Hi Shannon,
Go for walks, make a list of what you are grateful for, exercise, go swimming, start reading books that absorb your mind, join a volunteer group! Stay connected here..to people that understand what you are experiencing.
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Agreed. Try and get out of yourself. Get into the 12 steps, try to help others, read the big book. As addicts and alcoholics are minds are generally our worst enemy. Getting involved with a group of others who are experiencing or have experienced the issues that I had was what got me through. Good luck
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There’s an expression in 12 step recovery. You walked 10 miles into the woods. Now you’ve gotta walk the 10 miles out. It gets better. It gets easier. Be patient. It is a process. We are so happy that you’ve decided to start the journey to happy destiny.
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Hold on. It gets better. Your brain has to heal.
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I’ve been trying to pick up hobbies to keep me busy.
Taking care of a one year old is enough already but gotta have time for your self.
Yoga and mindfulness meditation keeps me centered
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I make sure to regularly see my therapist and discuss my anxiety issues with my primary care physician. One of the most effective strategies for the anxiety is to make sure you are breathing deeply when you feel anxious - versus taking short breaths. This tells your brain and your body that you’re ok and will help calm you down. I know it seems so simple but wow does it make a difference when you pay attention! Here for you
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Meetings so you are not alone.
At your local meetings Find a sponsor and get some accountability partners .
You are not alone.
Congratulations on 20 days, keeping stacking them up....
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Drinking won’t improve anything you’re going through
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I can’t thank you all enough for taking the time to respond, it means so much to me, really 🥹 I truly value such great advice and I’m incredibly grateful for this platform. Reaching out is new after so many years of hiding in isolation.
I’m learning through the program, I am going daily to AA meetings and it honestly is monumental in my recovery. Again, thank you and hats off to all of you also!
You are 100000% right
Thank you Jon, Yes, the meetings keep me going for sure.
Love this, thank you Craig