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

[Maraya1969]

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.

[lapucelle]

1. Maybe go to a meeting?

That could help you feel less alone, at least for the moment.

[rampartc]

2. work helps

i work the garden and the time passes.

[magicarpet]

3. If alcohol becomes a crutch or a religion you can't let go of...

.... You may need assistance and help.

[Think. Again.]

4. Keep in mind that alcohol is actually a psychotropic depressant.

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

[enough]

5. It's really wonderful that you have been able to do this while feeling so depressed and isolated.

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]

6. Being depressed might actually be a sign of getting better.

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]

7. get out and walk (if you're capable)

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]

8. Thom Hartman's book Walking Your Blues Away is good for this.

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.

[demosincebirth]

9. Go to a AA mtg. Advice from a 40 yr. recovering drunk

[multigraincracker]

10. Substance abuse can be a form of self medication.

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

[XanaDUer2]

11. Hang in

[bif]

12. Do a SMART Zoom meeting

The first month or two are the hardest. Believe me. I'm 5 1/2 years in.

[bif]

13. How are ya doing?

You haven't posted in a bit.

[Maraya1969]

14. I've been down lately. And I am avoiding all meetings - kind of radical isolation

Thank's for asking.