Pivotal times

Hey there @Cinders ,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

Good on you for being able to quit drinking. It can certainly change one's life.

Alcohol is known to slow down your system, and while you feel good for a while, it can cause you to feel really low. However, I've noted that you didn't feel this until AFTER you quit. Have you been feeling like this for a while? If it's been a few months, it's probably worth speaking to your doctor about it.

I know life can feel mundane sometimes. I hear you in regards to the routine. I can relate to the routine, but I feel different about it - that is, i feel safe with the routine.

However, I can remember a time when I really didn't enjoy life. Every day was a chore. Waking up was so much effort. And yes, that was when I was diagnosed with severe depression. It then resulted in anxiety too... but with the right anti-depressant, exercise and healthy diet, I was more able to focus on therapy. Nowadays, life is extraordinary for me.

So yes, if in doubt, it's best to speak to a professional. You may be able to get a mental health care plan which will help with funding psych sessions if you need.

SANE also has a Guided Service which you may be eligible for. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.sane.org/referral

I look forward to hearing how you go.

Thank you @tyme it's good to be here.

I think I'm bored, lonely and drifting without direction. A few solid decades of drinking heavily may take a while to undo.

I will speak to my GP about it. Thanks for the tip ☆

Certainly. I was diagnosed quite young so I feel like I lost my late teenagehood and my early adulthood. Since recovering, I'm always on the go. I feel like I'm making up for lost time. @Cinders

For me, at this point, I feel so much better than even before I was diagnosed with depression. I realised that there was an even better sort of 'normal' which I never knew existed.

Mind you... because I do so much, I get tired and I still struggle to get out of bed. But when I'm up, I'm always really excited to be around...

It wasn't always like that. There was a time where I felt like I was the walking dead... I dragged my feet everywhere.

Let's just say, there's a spring in my step?

Please know that most people go through these dips. That's why we need each other to get through it 🙂

So glad to have you with us.

Tagging a few other members who many want to say hi @Shaz51 @Zoe7 @ArraDreaming @Oaktree @Former-Member @Tilz @Asgard @MermaidHair

Thanks @ArraDreaming Did you feel flat and disconnected after you quit alcohol in the early days too?

I Had a nervous breakdown and was drinking heaps of red a day [quantity removed by moderator]

Ended up in hospital with liver failure. The doctor told my wife to say goodbye as they thought I was a goner. Somehow the liver started to work a bit.

That was over 9 years ago and haven't had any alcohol since.

So if you want to stop.

Thanks for sharing, and for the advice. Well done on your awesome achievements.

Hey @Simon2 ,

I'm sorry to hear about what happened. At the same time, I'm glad you found a way to sobriety.

We are so glad to hear of your experiences.

Welcome to the forums and we hope you get the support and connection you are looking for.

Whatever you are going through, know that you are not alone.