As I think about my actions and the situation that they have created for me, I sometimes slip into a depressive state: the future of my job is possibly at risk, the romantic relationship that I had just started has been put on hold, and those closest to me are being asked to help me in ways that I could have never imagined that I would ask them for. Sometimes, this leads to me game planning for the future, and other times it leads to me feeling incredibly down and out. Any tips or advice for the latter would be greatly appreciated.
Get a sponsor and work the steps. Steps 4-9 are designed to clear up the wreckage of the past. But first you should get to some meetings, find a sponsor and work the first 3 steps.
Hey
There are a few hypotheticals there - try not to focus on what might or might not happen. There really is no way of knowing. Re the job and relationship, is there anything you can do to put things on a better footing? If not now, make a plan for when you can.
If there’s not anything you can do then it is just a question of seeing what happens. Try and deal with what’s in front of you right now, take it a day (or minute, or breath) at a time. I know that is so much easier said than done but it is possible. I find things like meditation or going for a walk can help me clear my mind.
It is so hard to ask other people for help but honestly, it takes such a lot of strength so be proud that you’ve done that. Try and think how you’d react if someone close to you needed help and reached out to you. Personally, I’d be honoured that someone felt that I could help them and if it was something I could help with,I’d be more than happy to do so.
Being sober doesn’t fix the problems but it helps face them and eventually overcome them. It’s not easy but it’s worth it!
Are you in touch with a doctor or therapist about getting some support for managing your moods?
Not yet, but I will be soon.
That’s excellent.
Anxious depression ate me alive until I got help. For me, I found sticking to a recovery program showed me the way through those barriers. I’m an AA too, though there are many. SMART, therapy (esp. CBT, I’m back at that now too), IOP, Celebrate Recovery, Refuge Recovery.
It took time, deep breaths and patience to get to it though. Whatever the path, I really like @Bootz suggestion of meditation and the serenity prayer.
If the 12 steps are something you’re going to do then definitely get a sponsor. Work with them and be completely honest with them. As far as guilt goes, you can’t dwell on it. I was dealing with that problem early in my recovery, but I realized that dwelling on the past wasn’t allowing me to move forward. I had to finally let it go. I had to forgive myself and admit that the disease of addiction made me do things that was completely against everything I stood for. I had to stop worrying about those I hurt, lied to, stole from and fix myself first. As my recovery progresses, I earn respect back. Some relationships with family and friends are forever lost and there’s nothing I can do to fix that. I focus on showing people that I’ve changed because while in active addition my word meant nothing.
Remember, you have to forgive yourself before you can move on with your life. As @Eke mentioned, CBT is critical to my continued mental health and recovery. Changing the way you look at a problem or task is more than half the battle.