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Maraya1969

(22,906 posts)
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 11:49 AM Jul 8

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
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Think. Again.

(15,401 posts)
4. Keep in mind that alcohol is actually a psychotropic depressant.
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 12:00 PM
Jul 8

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

enough

(13,413 posts)
5. It's really wonderful that you have been able to do this while feeling so depressed and isolated.
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 12:10 PM
Jul 8

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

(7,412 posts)
6. Being depressed might actually be a sign of getting better.
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 12:12 PM
Jul 8

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

(12,384 posts)
7. get out and walk (if you're capable)
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 12:16 PM
Jul 8

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, 12:40 PM
Jul 8

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

(33,585 posts)
10. Substance abuse can be a form of self medication.
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 12:45 PM
Jul 8

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

Maraya1969

(22,906 posts)
14. I've been down lately. And I am avoiding all meetings - kind of radical isolation
Sat Jul 13, 2024, 05:19 PM
Jul 13

Thank's for asking.

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