Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Maraya1969

(23,013 posts)
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 10:49 AM Jul 2024

Not drinking for 3 weeks now and I am so depressed. I realize that alcohol would lift me up somehow

I'm not sure what to do. There are all sorts of new treatments for depression, (I am already on Prozac). ECT worked really well before but since they found some "Bundle branch" (?) thing in my heart I have to be checked with a cardiologist and last time it took 3 months to get an appointment.

I have still been mostly isolating myself. And I have never felt so alone.

14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Not drinking for 3 weeks now and I am so depressed. I realize that alcohol would lift me up somehow (Original Post) Maraya1969 Jul 2024 OP
Maybe go to a meeting? lapucelle Jul 2024 #1
work helps rampartc Jul 2024 #2
If alcohol becomes a crutch or a religion you can't let go of... magicarpet Jul 2024 #3
Keep in mind that alcohol is actually a psychotropic depressant. Think. Again. Jul 2024 #4
It's really wonderful that you have been able to do this while feeling so depressed and isolated. enough Jul 2024 #5
Being depressed might actually be a sign of getting better. LuvLoogie Jul 2024 #6
get out and walk (if you're capable) stopdiggin Jul 2024 #7
Thom Hartman's book Walking Your Blues Away is good for this. Marcus IM Jul 2024 #8
Go to a AA mtg. Advice from a 40 yr. recovering drunk demosincebirth Jul 2024 #9
Substance abuse can be a form of self medication. multigraincracker Jul 2024 #10
Hang in XanaDUer2 Jul 2024 #11
Do a SMART Zoom meeting bif Jul 2024 #12
How are ya doing? bif Jul 2024 #13
I've been down lately. And I am avoiding all meetings - kind of radical isolation Maraya1969 Jul 2024 #14

Think. Again.

(18,259 posts)
4. Keep in mind that alcohol is actually a psychotropic depressant.
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 11:00 AM
Jul 2024

And that re-configuring and balancing brain chemistry is a natural process that takes time.

enough

(13,457 posts)
5. It's really wonderful that you have been able to do this while feeling so depressed and isolated.
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 11:10 AM
Jul 2024

Both those things add extra weight to what you’re doing.

Definitely go to a meeting and try different ones if the first one doesn’t appeal to you.

Make that cardiologist appointment even though you will have to wait. Taking care of that one chore takes one thing off the list.

You’re brave to be doing this!

LuvLoogie

(7,551 posts)
6. Being depressed might actually be a sign of getting better.
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 11:12 AM
Jul 2024

When people start working on their mental health, they begin to process that what they had been doing was self-destructive. They might begin to regret lost time, damage to the body, damage to relationships, missed opportunities.

That depression and regret is a normal, healthy, and realistic reaction. How you change that is to fill your life with positive activity, exercise being one of those things.

Try not to fight those blue feelings. Acknowledge them. Accept that they will be there, but have them sit down in the corner and pour themselves some water and cookies while you go about your day doing good things and getting better.

stopdiggin

(12,879 posts)
7. get out and walk (if you're capable)
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 11:16 AM
Jul 2024

People pooh-pooh this - it seems such a simple, almost childish and nonsensical, action to throw out there - particularly against the weight of issues and feelings being confronted. "Oh, sure - like that's going to really work .. "

But, you know what .. ? It does! And it does actually help.

 

Marcus IM

(3,001 posts)
8. Thom Hartman's book Walking Your Blues Away is good for this.
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 11:40 AM
Jul 2024

It's about bilateral exercise and how it helps brain function balance.

Exercise is a great stimulant of the good brain hormones and chemicals. It also improves sleep quality, with more REM and recuperative rest.

All the best on your journey to healing. And that is a very good thing.

multigraincracker

(34,126 posts)
10. Substance abuse can be a form of self medication.
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 11:45 AM
Jul 2024

Need to find the source of pain and deal with it in a positive way.
I did that 34 years ago.

Maraya1969

(23,013 posts)
14. I've been down lately. And I am avoiding all meetings - kind of radical isolation
Sat Jul 13, 2024, 04:19 PM
Jul 2024

Thank's for asking.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Addiction & Recovery»Not drinking for 3 weeks ...