Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

LeChuckSenior Contributor09 Feb 2023, 11:55 am AEDT

It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

Hey guys.

I've been having a pretty severe depressive episode for about 6 weeks. 5 weeks ago I threw away 6 months of sobriety (I don't drink when I'm well) and started drinking from 9am everyday. This is bad for me. I know it's making my medication less effective and my mental health worse. This week I have been trying to get back on the wagon but every second feels like an hour and all I can think about is when I can have a drink to numb things and make myself feel better. The depression, shame and self loathing is overwhelming without something to take the edge off it. I know this touches on addiction as well as mental health so I'm not sure if I can put it in the forums, I'm happy for it to be removed if it's not appropriate here. But I could use any support or advice you have, be it on managing cravings or managing the depression that's the root cause. I know working out or cleaning or showering or basically ANYTHING I do will make me feel better, but I can't make myself move. Feel pretty nervous and guilt ridden about posting this to be honest, but I feel guilty about everything these days. Shame is a huge theme this episode. Shame, apathy and self loathing all tangled into a toxic knot. Posting in the forums makes me feel like I'm even weaker for making my weakness someone else's problem, but I know I have to try something new, and maybe the forums are that new thing that will make a difference.

Thanks for listening.

8 replies

1 - 8 of 8

In response to: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

LeChuckSenior Contributor09 Feb 2023, 11:57 am AEDT

Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

I immediately regret this. I'm sorry.

In response to: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

tymeModerator09 Feb 2023, 12:09 pm AEDT

Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

Hey @LeChuck ,

Thank you for sharing this with the forums community.

I'd first like to acknowledge that there has been a time of sobriety - this tells me it can happen again.

I'm not sure if you are into reading, but I picked up an incredible book about a person's journey to sobriety. It was an incredible eye opener because it was gave a personal account of alcoholism, as well as balancing it with scientific research. What's even more incredible? It breaks down a lot of myths about alcohol e.g. that drinking a little alcohol is okay - NOT!

You can read it for yourself. It is called 'Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice NOT to drink in a culture obsessed with alcohol' by Holly Whitaker.

Having a scientific understanding of alcohol really supported me to make informed decisions about drinking or NOT drinking.

All the best.

Hope to further connect with you on the forums!

In response to: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

tymeModerator09 Feb 2023, 12:10 pm AEDT

Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

Hey hey hey @LeChuck , why the regrets? I think it is very brave of you to reach out and share you vulnerabilities!

Hopefully, the community can also share their insights/experiences with you.

In response to: Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

LeChuckSenior Contributor09 Feb 2023, 12:15 pm AEDT

Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

I think I just got a fright when I realised I'd reached out. Asking for help is scary. Thankyou for the book recommendation, it sounds really good, I might check it out today 🙂

In response to: Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

tymeModerator09 Feb 2023, 12:20 pm AEDT

Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

Yes, reaching out IS scary @LeChuck , hence I acknowledge your strength and courage in doing so! Well done!

Just like it always takes one first sip to become an 'alcoholic', it also takes one first step to 'sobriety'.

You are not alone.

In response to: Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

LeChuckSenior Contributor09 Feb 2023, 1:38 pm AEDT

Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

@tyme would you mind talking with me a little? I'm home alone today and it feels extra lonely without my bottle to talk to. Nobody knows I've relapsed or quite how bad the depression is so I can't reach out to fam and friends yet. Telling them is the next step, I just keep thinking I'll get it under control on my own and won't have to...

In response to: Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

tymeModerator09 Feb 2023, 1:46 pm AEDT

Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

Hey @LeChuck . It sounds like you are proactive about making this work! This is great to see! I'm thinking, would you be interested in our drop-in line? You may be able to get more immediate connection that way over the phone or webchat.

The number is 1800 187 263 (M-F 10am-10pm AEDT).

You can find out more here: https://www.sane.org/get-support/drop-in-service

There will be a change in moderators soon. I'll tag you to the next moderator. @amber22

But yes, please keep on connecting with people. You are NOT alone in this. We are walking with you.

In response to: Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

LeChuckSenior Contributor09 Feb 2023, 1:49 pm AEDT

Re: It might be 5 o'clock somewhere but it's 11am here.

Thanks @tyme, I just didn't want to be wasting a counsellors time by chatting about the weather 🙂 I will give it a go!

1 - 8 of 8