Really really really struggling at the 5 day mark. Flip flopping between depression and agitation. Please don’t tell me to workout. I hurt my back in the gym this week so i need to rest
Hey, just commenting to cheer you on. You can absolutely do this! Hang in there, check in here as much as you need. We have your back.
Like @Burnerdad and @Kjcj said. Take it a day at a time, a moment at a time if you need to. You have got this. We have your back.
Just feels harder because I’m quitting everything at the same time. I was gonna hit the gym hard to avoid temptation but i have a bad back already and i got hurt 3 days ago so now i can’t workout and the pain is real
That really really sucks and definitely makes things harder. What else do you like to do that can help keep you busy for the first couple of weeks?
I’m not sure. I don’t really have any hobbies or friends because I work so much. I have to because of my ex…
Ah, that sucks. Listen, obviously I don’t know anything about you or your situation, but I strongly recommend finding something –even something small or “silly”–that can keep you distracted or busy when uges hit. Just white-knuckling it, especially early on, may not be enough. I bought coloring books, played video games, went to the mall, anything to keep myself occupied. Maybe try something that’s always looked interesting!
I can relate to your struggle…
I’ve been here for just over a week. I made it a week, then relapsed. I’m at day 2 again.
First of all, in hindsight, I wish I had chosen not to give in to the urges.
My ally just suggested that I delete ALL my socials & online chats… I’m pretty much bored stiff.
I did take up writing again, as a hobby. It’s enjoyable, but it doesn’t feel like enough.
I’ve been told it will eventually get better, without the addiction. I hope that’s true…
Let’s both try to find out!
Idk man. I also relapsed. Pretty tough being alone and our current culture that views men as the enemy leaves us with very few options. The reason porn wasn’t as much of a problem in the 1950’s and 60’s is because back then a man could find a wife, build a family, and have lifelong connection. Feminism took that away from us.
I’ve never thought about that before, but I think I can see where you’re coming from…
You know, I have a wife, but my relationship with her has been ruined because of my addiction.
My wife is not a “feminist” as you mentioned. She loves me (respects, not so much anyone). She does her best to support me. She used to enjoy having me be a good man in her life…
The problem was, I wasn’t a good man in her life. Our life was ruined, not by her attitude, but by my acting out in every way possible, with regard to other women.
I guess, man, you and I can try to think of it this way…
The problem is inside of us; it’s internal, not really external. An ally told me, ‘man, if you can ever find a way to put yourself together, you’ll find that your whole world will come together.’
I really, really hope that’s true; and I really, really want to find out.
I feel for you, my brother; don’t give up hope.
From what I understand, porn regulates you because it’s a response to stress. Think cravings, they’re really stressful when ignored. Address the things that stress you out the most successfully, and watch what happens. I think eventually you’ll, instead, get addicted to that if you do it right. Some people go kind of crazy with it and become workaholics instead, but you get what I mean. Good luck, that most important thing is to have a plan and stick to it, only change it to make it better or see if something works better.
Just keep yourself occupied as much as you can.
Listen to music, read, go for a walk, watch a fun movie…you have to find a new healthier coping mechanism.
I live alone and the evenings are very difficult for me, and this is usually prime time for PMO.
But I am here instead, I’m listening to music and, embarrassing to admit, performing a little air guitar ![]()
I know exactly how you feel. The first week after a relapse can be absolutely horrendous.
You just gotta be more stubborn than your addiction, dig your heels in and refuse to give into it!
You can do this man! To use a gym analogy, do one more rep! ![]()
Right, being alone is a big challenge. That’s why it’s so important to be involved in some kind of community like this one, or whatever it is like your church or friend group.
I know you are suspended forever (well deserved) but this take on feminism is hot garbage wrapped in toxic masculinity. For anyone agreeing with it that’s gross.
I can assure you, that pornographic material has existed as long as there have been means to draw. Voyerism and exhibitionism even longer. At the root is human lust (and misogyny). That has existed long before feminism, too.