Mental Health

[poppy62]

Hi has anybody else noticed a huge improvement in their mental health after a period of bring af ???. I realsied today I have not been in the dark downward spiral I used to go into reguarly for a good while now since being af. This is such a great thing for me as I have struggled with who and what I am for many years. With every sober day I feel I am rediscovering and liking who I am a bit more each day !!. I also have very sparkly eyes not the dull sad ones that used to look out at me before !!!! All in all this being af is a right old happy healthy journey !!!!

[TrueGrit]

Mental Health

Absolutely, I am moderating but I know exactly what you mean. After day 5 of being sober that seems to be my lucky number. I feel energetic with a spring in my step and everything just feels right.

poppy62 wrote: I also have very sparkly eyes not the dull sad ones that used to look out at me before

This is HUGE for me for some reason. When I was drinking everyday I would look in the mirror and my eye whites were more of an off white and there wasn't much sparkle there. After being sober for days I would look at them and the whites were radiant and a sparkle that could cause car accidents.

[available]

Mental Health

Pop it feels great doesnt it. My anxiety has all but gone and i am still on my AD's but feel wonderful. Its great to wake up and look in the mirror and see a sober happy person. I dont want those awful drinking days in my life ever again. The self loathing, the anger, the sadness, the never thinking i could like myself, what was the point really. Now everyday af is a true bonus and i love my sobriety, the whole 57 days of it.

[Lavande]

Mental Health

This is the reason why we protect our quits with everything we have poppy

[bimble01]

Mental Health

glad i came across this post! i to drink coz i can never feel happy! or enjoy life! i know al is the problem!!i seem to manage 3 days(tho not for a long time)and dont feel that much improvement so i give up!i know its wrecking my life,and im an embarresment to my daughter as im always with can in hand or in bed!!wish i could change x

[kuya]

Mental Health

Poppy the effect of alcohol on the chemicals that run your brain...and therefore your emotions...... are devastating.

Lethargy, depression, anxiety, irritability, are all worsened and often caused by alcohol. Once you take the alcohol away those systems slowly recover.

I drank for 25 years and have been sober for 17 months and things are STILL improving.


Bimble....you CAN stop if you want it bad enough.

I honestly do understand.....I am struggling at the moment to quit smoking.....have been battling it for nearly a year.

It is not that I CAN'T stop.....it is that I WON'T.

Until I decide I WILL no amount of talk will make me.

[Pinecone]

Mental Health

Yes!!!! After about 4 months AF I noticed a profound difference, my moods just leveled out. Stick with that gratitude you always have in your posts, Poppy, it is serving you well!

[Londoner]

Mental Health

Big time, even after just under a month. And I only drank once per week (albeit it binging).

Less anger. Less guilt. More clarity. Generally a better mind.

Anxiety seems to dissipate too. Whether it because reality is more in line with my self expectations I don't know. Or maybe I don't have to tell white lies to cover my tracks.

[bimble01]

Mental Health

going to try and do it!!! boredom and loneliness doesnt help,but hey ill always think of an excuse!! ciders put 30lb on me tho!! i know if i lost weight id be happier!! too xx

[kuya]

Mental Health

bimble01;1619041 wrote: going to try and do it!!! boredom and loneliness doesnt help,but hey ill always think of an excuse!! ciders put 30lb on me tho!! i know if i lost weight id be happier!! too xx

What things do you, or did you before the drink took hold, like to do. Drinking takes your time and your energy so even when sober you feel terrible and too tired to do anything.

Make a plan to DO this, not to TRY.

Go read the toolbox again for ideas and inspiration.

[Pavati]

Mental Health

Hi,

I feel a lot better for sure but not perfect - just more in touch and less foggy. Much, much less anxiety. I look forward to continued growing clarity!

Thanks for posting, Poppy - we're almost at 60 days. Who'd a thunk.

[poppy62]

Mental Health

Bimble the thing that made me the lonliest and saddest was drinking it bought me down in so many ways > I then drank to drown my feelings. Noe I am af and keeping that way I am not as lonely anymore as people want to be around me and mst importantly I want to be around me. So stick with it !!.

Pav I know !!!! we are doing so well think we need to give ourselves a huge high 5 !!!