Depression after addiction

I have been 3 1/2 years sober and am doing well
But I am suffering from depression and struggling
Sometimes I feel worthless and a failure. I feel I’m not appreciated in spite of doing everything I can to keep our heads above water, I’ll never go back to drink that much I know for sure. Is there any advise someone can give me on how to deal with this I overthink everything
And it takes me days to get over even the smallest argument I don’t want to be like this for ever

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For me it helped to speak with two people: my doctor, and a counsellor. After an assessment my doctor prescribed me an antidepressant, which has made a huge difference. My counsellor helps me with the psychological aspects of living: thinking patterns, and underlying emotions and beliefs. These two things in common - the medical and psychological - make a big difference for me.

Exercise and diet are important too, especially cardio exercise: 30 minutes on the step machine improves my mood, every time.

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As Matt says exercise and diet help . divert your thinking dont put the bar to high plan something ahead and look forward to it holiday or a event ,had made friends at meetings so my days were full wish you well, maybe a visit to your doc might help if your struggling

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Thanks for the advise , I’m on sertralin already, maybe more therapy will help. Thank you.

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Are you only sober or are you in recovery? Because working the Steps with a Sponsor will help. Therapists and medication are good, too; however, a life in recovery & working the Steps are invaluable. Best of luck. :v:t2:

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Read the following books. They’ve helped me:

“The Power of Now” by Eckhard Tolle

“Feeling Good” by Dr. David Burns

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Many of us suffered from depression before we stopped drinking. I feel that alcohol was my “medicine” to cope with that depression and sometimes bury it.

Stopping alcohol brings the now “untreated” depression back to the forefront and we need something positive to countermand it. The posts above have some good suggestions and I hope the OP tries to see which ones might work for him/her.

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Sertralin helped me a few years ago when I was in a VERY bad spot and I’ve been on it ever since with good results. Medications are very patient-specific though.

I combined my medication with my existing cycling/athhletic interests to keep my mind busy and compulsive thoughts at bay.

Not a solution by any means but has helped me.

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OMG, I felt like I was reading what I am thinking!! Congratulations on 3 and a half years!! When I found myself over thinking, I made myself stop thinking and I asked myself why was it bothering me so? Was there any thing I can do to make it right? If there was, I did it, if there wasn’t, accept it as it is. Maybe you need a supplement to help the sertraline? When I lost my dad and oldest son the same year, I asked my doctor about either increasing my dosage or a supplement to go with the sertraline, and he gave me a supplement for 6 months, sorry I don’t remember the name of it, but it helped. I also found that a hike helps me alot with my depression, I enjoy photography so I get excited about what am I going to see!! I am sending prayers for you :pray: Remember that if you can’t do anything about it then let it go. We’re here for you :sparkles:

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Anyone can stop drinking but can they all be happy about it. Personally I needed the 12 step program to show me a better way of thinking.

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Getting back on my meds helped me. Congratulations on that clean time! :clap: :slightly_smiling_face:

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Hi @Smedley448 how are you