Today I am still sober but I am struggling with the feeling of being hollow. I know sobriety is about sitting with your feelings and working through them. I guess I am just struggling today.
Hi, Melissa.
Yes. Have been there.
I know earlier, I was feeling out of sorts.
I have to remind myself that realities truly are temporary…I was viewing an interview where Jim Carrey said ( about life )…
“ It’s all weather “…I love that he said that. I found so to be comforting,
No terrible moment lasts for absolutely ever…moments change…and realities do improve.
Thank you so much for saying that. It is 100% true.
I never thought I'd be one to say this...but therapy is probably the best option to address that "hollow" feeling if it continues. I've been on a battery of psych meds to help with similar hollow feelings and depression, but none have worked as well as therapy. I've only went to about a half dozen sessions and it doesn't feel like it works while there but you eventually realize it works at sporadic times in life ....in my experience 🤷. Regardless, combination therapy with pharmacotherapy and cognitive or behavioral therapy is what would be suggested if you have a chronic depression situation. Oh yeah! Cardio....even easy , steady state cardio is great for your mental health in my experience. Not for much else in my experience , but just a 30 min stint on stair stepper, elliptical,bike, treadmill, or just walking outside or on a track does wonders for the human psyche. Hope all is well in Wy. Good luck.
Find something - anything but alcohol - to fill that hole. Meetings, exercise, the steps or other literature.
I have been in therapy and am also in a ton of pshyc mds 😵💫. I start with a personal trainer next week. Thank you
Hi again and love reading that you are starting out with a personal trainer soon, Melissa-awesome!
I was reading the comment, comments regarding medication.
Right.
I have nothing against medication…while I feel as we head into 2024, more than ever-insights are increasing that medication is-let’s face it - a source of profit for those who are prescribing so ( never in every case of course )-while too many cases!
I would like to throw in Nature as a salve for the tougher moments-while y’all seem like a self-aware crew…thus.
Am sure that I am stating the obvious, y’all!
Melissa
Thank you for sharing. I haven't been on here for a while, but I got on here and saw your post. I take that you mean that you feel like your head is in the clouds when you say hollow. Or maybe you mean empty. That is normal.
Drinking and drugs kill brain cells. It takes a while for us to heal. I always tell people that you are exactly where you are supposed to be at this stage of your sobriety.
Like someone else above has mentioned already, I'm not a big fan of drugs whether they be antidepressants or whatever. One thing I have noticed this day and age is that these kidney dialysis places have become very popular. More and more people are requiring dialysis.
This is due to what they have been putting in their bodies all of their lives and someone who has been taking pills whether they are prescription or otherwise have a greater chance of having to need dialysis one day. Once you start kidney dialysis, you have to go in two or three times a week for the rest of your life, or you die.
They tried to tell me all the way back in 2003 that I was clinically depressed. Long story short, I chose a different path and I have been fine without any medication.
It's 10 miles into the woods and 10 Mi back out.
Think about it. The physiology of your body was dependent on alcohol. You are having withdrawals - it’s part of becoming sober. And yes, your emotions might get in the way.
I understand how recovery can make you feel down at times and reaching out to others and talking about it can definitely help us to express ourselves and make better sense of what we are feeling. Similar to what others mentioned, professional help such as therapy is a great support as it can guide us during recovery and help us find out more about ourselves, which can help in recovery
I have started seeing a homeopathic dr. I am hopeful to get off medication. I should have included that I am diagnosed as bipolar so it adds a layer to it. I think with therapy and moving my body and staying sober will help.
One day at a time and easy does it - plus let go and let God (grant me the Serenity). Are my go-to slogans. I love sobriety. Even on the hard days, my life is more manageable. I wish you well with your recovery journey.
Thank you! I am learning one day at a time for sure.
I am not bipolar ( my sibling may be, no proper diagnosis was ever relayed ) - while yes, an additional layer-Melissa.
You seem self-aware and as if you are taking steps in a proactive manner, Melissa.
Thank you for sharing with us…because I have no doubt that you are helping others by being honest and real about how tough this can be.
Rooting for you and hugs.
…not sure how long since you began seeing the homeopathic doctor, Melissa…while would love to know if so is, feels helpful.
I am interested in this area, thank you…and will check in later. Take care!
Just take it slow. All of us have days like that. The whole point is to stay strong and reach out before jumping back into he!! You can do this.
The good news! You got your feelings back. The bad news is that you got your feelings back. It's one day at a time, and a lot of times in early sobriety, it's an hour at a time.
You will surely get through that sober moments, no terrible moments lasts forever and you are going to be just fine. I will say a prayers for you
Hey Melissa. I’m seeing a therapist weekly and a psychiatrist weekly. Medication is not doing well for me. But they just put me back on them yesterday. Depressed and have anxiety.
So much truth in this. Taking it a minute at a time.