Recovery

Hello my name is Matt im 27 years old and i have 10 months clean.  I guess my question is this even though i have 10 months clean and i feel great physicaly wise but mentaly i still struggle with being happy and at times get really depressed i was taking anti depressants but i stoped because it wasnt really helpin and i didnt like the way it made me feel in general...I find at times i get really hard on myelf and its hard for me to stay positve. I do have a sponser and we talk on a regular basis but some times i just dont feel like it helps all that much.  Im just curious if this is normal with being in recovery i guess with the mental aspect on things i took alot of pain meds mostly oxy and xanax over the years so it makes me wonder if thats the reason i still struggle on a mental level or emotional level..

[wendy111]

vitamins and aminos might help with mood.  L-thyrosine is one of them..  Read up on Pawa

Im 55 days the days when I feel depressed are the days the cravings creep in.   maybe try another combo of antidepressents it might take a few trys to find the correct one for you.

congrats on you clean time and keep it up.

[Wolfmedicine]

Hello Matt,

Congrats on your 10 months!  Good going!  I too am a recovering addict that has battled anxiety and depression.  Suggest that you try different anti depressents.  I went through three before I found the right one (Lexapro, Zoloft and Celexa).  I now feel like myself, I'm happy, working out regularly and not depressed.  Good luck.  Merry Christmas!

[cathy5841]

Hi Matt, check the health pages on the right for the article on PAWS it may help you.  

[Punkinhead75]

Hi Matt. You definetly are not alone.  I used to take zoloft which helped with the depression but I didn't like how I felt in general while I was on it.  I eventually stopped taking it and focused on changing my diet and exercising.  I also began taking supplements like a multivitamin, flaxseed oil, fish oil and when winter starts kicking in I take St. John's Wort.  Talk to a doctor or another professional before doing so especially with the St John's.  I still get "down" occasionally but not like I used to.  Being honest and working the steps helps out a great deal as well.  Sometimes I have a tendancy to think I should be better than what I am.  This is called "not accepting life on life's term" which has been a "thinking" problem of mine for a long time.  When I sit down and honestly and more important, humbly, accept where I am at today the pressure seems to ease up and I feel a little better.  Often times I find that it is my own sick thinking that makes things worse.  Sometimes my problem is mental, physical or spiritual.  Sorting out which of the three it is can be tricky.  With help though it can be done. Congrats on the 10 months!!!!!  Keep up the Good work!

[calimatt27]

Thank you now that you mention it they talked about this in the rehab i was stayin at post acute withdraw system....so as soon as you mentioned it i instantly remembered that and what they talked about....i guess my memory isnt workin as good as it use to or im still learning more and more about recovery...anyways thanks for the post and god bless...

[MV77]

Hi Matt,

Congrats on the sober life and being the God Father to your friends baby, how special is that?  You must be an amazing person to get that title.

I have been using st johns wort for a mood booster.  I am big on using something natural before a prescription....keep in mind its just a suggestion and something that is helping me.  I have been clean for 17 days!  It sounds great to type that!!!!

Surround yourself with good people and laugh as much as possible.  Laughter and smiles are free and make you feel so good, a natural high!

Have a great day.  MV

[calimatt27]

why thank you its my first time being a godfather so im pretty stoked...i was there when he was born and your right i got such a rush when i got to hold him and i was over taken by emotions i know i couldnt have felt if i was using and it made me feel great...well thank you for the advice and ill check into that..congrates on the 17 days thats amazing any day were able to get thru with out using is amazing...god bless