Reaching Out

Hey @Redjaded3 Thanks for reaching out and sharing a bit of your story, you've found a great place to vent 🙂

Sorry we've been a bit slow with a response, I believe we might be on holiday mode still, I've just come back from big pause 😃

It sounds like you're holding on really tightly when things might be a bit tumultuous in your life at the moment. That takes a lot of strength and I feel you should take a moment to celebrate that strength you've found within yourself, not only now while you're reaching out but for the strength you've found to give up your past substance abuse!

We all have our vices, please don't be so hard on yourself for your 'herb' use! I use medicinal to help me through my moments of intense anxiety or insomnia, it has saved my sanity on many occasions.

Hey Mate,

Good start with venting.. a couple of things I am curious about..

Why are you self-medicating and if you are self-medicating, why do you want to quit?

What are you trying to figure out to do? Is that just a way of saying you have too much time on your hands or do you have options and you are not sure which option to pick? Is having to much time to think about life and not knowing what to do creating your relationship problems?

You are still pretty young, so I would be asking you to focus on what you are good at, and from what you are good at, where does that lead you in terms of opportunities? With your job, is it a job that works with your natural strengths?

Hey @Redjaded3 ,

Welcome to the forums. It takes a lot to reach out and share what's been happening.

Good on you to taking steps towards recovery.

By connecting with others on the forums, I hope you find a way to feel supported.

Looking forward to seeing you around.

tyme

Hi @Redjaded3 @Halster @Ilovepenguins ,

How are you all today?

Hey @tyme 👋

I'm feeling much more refreshed after some time at the pool this morning, thanks for asking 😺

How was your holiday period @tyme?

@Redjaded3 @Halster @AussieRecharger what did you guys get up to over Christmas and New year's?

I'm in Syd and it's humid and yuck weather. @Ilovepenguins So I'm just chilling in an air conditioned house.

I think I prefer Melb weather.... and at least I have a pool too in Melb 🙂

I'm glad you had time in the pool. Makes such a big difference when it's hot.

Spent time with family, did a theme park and also took the kids to a lot of play grounds and parks in the area. Was a really good time to take stock and refresh.

Thank you for your response, I don't mind late replies as I'm quite inactive on all social media fronts.

I appreciate that advice, although i admit I'm not very good at celebrating my achievements.. sometimes I'll have a thought to myself like 'good on you' but mostly I'm so used to the critical self talk. What are some ways you celebrate your achievements?

I try not to be so hard on myself about my herb use, but I know im using it to deal with stress and avoid difficult emotions, and sooner or later ill have to face everything head on. Do you have any tips for dealing with difficult emotions and stress?

I appreciate your response.

Thank you 😊

Hello,

Thank you for your response and the questions. I guess I'm self medicating to avoid dealing with difficult emotions and stress, but it's getting to a point where I will prioritise my smoke use over my budget, I will have a smoke and forget to have breakfast.. so that's why I want to stop. I don't want to get back on medication because I want to feel like I have got my mental health somewhat under control. I want to quit self medicating and learn how to deal with my emotions organically, I've thought of moderating but I need to get it under control first..

That's a fair point actually, I feel like I'm just trying to figure out how to reach my goals amidst these internal pressures.. I do find that my overthinking causes relationship problems. Mainly I'm trying to overcome insecurities and control my emotions.. my partner and I are currently on a break to give each other space as we have only reunited after a separation caused by infidelity.. hence the trust issues. I'm not taking it well, but I just really want it to work out.

That's another thing, I want to study and work in the medical field or social work, but because I have a criminal history it's hard for me to be accepted into higher education. The job I'm doing right now is freezer pick packing, and while it is very physical I don't think I'm able to make the most of my talents. I mainly show up because I feel good when I'm productive and because I need income, but I've always had a passion for helping people who've faced similar obstacles that I have in life, and end up feeling like I'm wasting my potential..

Thank you for giving me room to think more critically about my original post and for your insight.