was js right? did you start to drink, or get a nice buzz going by 7pm before you quit drinking?
that could explain why all your symptoms go away every night that time!
Thank you for your encouragement. I appreciate that very much. Yes, I did go to several CBT and they were not helpful other than confirming what I already knew. I am a former therapist myself, if you can believe that.
I exercise, play golf, write and walk Jack, my dog. My wife is also extremely supportive. Sometimes I'm filled with wonder as to how much I was able to accomplish with alcohol and I thought I was pretty happy. Maybe not.
I just need a break from the daily grind of symptoms. Fifteen weeks of Prozac has done nothing and my search continues for a medication that will relieve my symptoms. I am seeing a psychiatrist. I don't even want a quality day, just a normal one with ups and downs.
I am working hard and my greatest accomplishment is stopping alcohol.
Thank you again and I will keep you posted. Let me know if I can help you somehow.
I'm sorry to hear you are suffering so much...but there IS good news.....you don't have to suffer. There IS life after anxiety.
Honestly...don't turn back to alcohol. My honest opinion is that's why you're in this predicament. Sure, it temporarily relieves anxiety...but unless you drink 24/7 (which is a whole 'nother topic)...when you are NOT drinking...anxiety and depression will come at you like a bear.
Please keep in touch with your doctor...there are other options out there...different medications to try, sometimes it takes a bit of fooling around with meds and dosages to get the "right one". Also, if you haven't already...get yourself some "talk" therapy...that is so vital is learning how to break the cycle of anxiety...learning new ways to sope with anxiety, and even LIFE..as your normal coping mechanism is gone (drinking).
Hang in there...there are better days ahead of you...it will just take some time, and some work on your part. You have a lot of things to "un-do". Please keep us posted!
And 7PM would be about cocktail hour?
I'm sorry about this.
I'm betting that you are programmed (in your brain) to associate calming down with drinking. Maybe there's something else that can take it's place until you can do it for yourself.
Ever try chamomile? Ever try fish oil?