feeling bluesy

[bear73]

hello - feeling a bit low and cold like at the moment.
It's day 6 now and I'm away with not really big drinking friends this weekend - weather depending very stormy at the mo in UK.

did anyone else feel like this, i really don't want to go out at the moment feels a bit much today.friends popping in tonight but concenred they may want to do the pub and i don't...Bizarre just had text asking to meet in pub! said no as not drinking at mo but catch up later.

I feel very lazy lethargic and a bit low, not sure about what.
I feel like I'm coming down with something but also just sad and not wanting to go out or feeling pressured to go out. Does it get better - was on real high earlier in week and am v proud of getting this far - particularly over a weekend too. Am getting worried again about nto being able to do it.as well as thsi I've not smoked for 10 days, and lost 1.5lbs in last week but all feels bleaarghh!!

[rivergirl]

feeling bluesy

Bear, It very hard to quit smoking and drinking at the same time - GOOD FOR YOU!! Are you taking the supplements? Do you have the CDs? Are you taking Topa?

As far as feeling bad...is it most physical, you said you felt as though you were coming down with something... or a sadish feeling?

If you don't have to work a nice hot bath can work wonders - also a brisk walk or you favorite exercise - i know you said it was stormy...Sometimes a brisk walk in stormy weather- all bundled up - and then a hot bath with some great tea or hot chocolate and a good book.

Hang in there you are doing great!
Rivergirl

[InnerStrength]

feeling bluesy

Hi Bear
Its very very normal around this time. You are not sure what to do with yourself. It will pass I promise. Are you on topa? If you are, that also sometimes makes you feel a bit tired and "bluesy" at first until you totally adjust.
Hang in there - it really gets better. I remember when I was pretty much AF in October around day 6 I also felt that way but then I felt better a day or 2 after...hugs - oh and rivergirl's advice is fantastic!
Jen

[dilayne]

feeling bluesy

Bear..just be where you are dear..you've been used to grabbing a drink when you felt uncomfortable? low? bored? It's completely OK to feel the way you feel. Listen to your body, it sounds like it's just telling you to lay low right now.

It always amazes me how much we want to escape the 'blues'..as if there is something 'wrong' with it (Bear, not that I think you are thinking something is wrong...) It's completely human to feed sad..sometimes quitting drinking is like losing a good friend and sometimes we have to grieve that...

Be with it for a while Bear and take care of yourself..we're all here..if it last too long, then you can talk about it some more...(Big Bear Hugs to You Bear!)

[dilayne]

feeling bluesy

hmmm...I have a red ball by my name..what's that mean? and the green ones by other's names?

[Java]

feeling bluesy

Hey Bear, looks like we are on the excact same schedule, I have been smoke free for ten or eleven days now and today is day 6 for me AF. I must admit, ihave had my moments in and out of utter excitement and dispair (i have actually cried randomly and not known why) I think it may help you to look foward to tommorow, today I am doing good but finding it a little more difficult than yesterday, no reason in particular, but i am telling myself how day 7 will feel, and that seems to help, I hope this helps you, just remember that this is a journey worth taking, and I am here with you on this, you are in my thoughts today.

Victoria

[Accountable for Me]

feeling bluesy

Bear - I am thinking of you. What you are experiencing is completely normal. Your body is working overtime ridding all the poisons from the alcohol and ciggies. Your body needs for you to rest and be kind to it right now so it can do it's job and make you well again.

A hot bath, or as others suggested above will help you. Just know we are here for you. Hang in there. This too shall pass. I am on my 20th day AF and the last couple of days I have been feeling simular to what you are - kind of down, tired, etc... I felt this at the 8-10 day mark as well. I think it is just part of the healing process. We have spent so much time beating our bodies down, you have to expect a few 'off days' here and there while it is being repaired and detoxing. Be kind to yourself!

[bear73]

feeling bluesy

thanks everyone - I didn't drink!!

thanks so much everyone I've been dying to ge ton here today.
well i di d meet friends down the pub for a drink -I had diet coke.Then we cam back had food they had wine and beer and I had water.It was fien, i felt very lkively without the booze.
I also kept looking at the wine boittle thinking mmm maybe I could have one - but i remidned myself how gutted i would feel, and ill and also that i was actually having a good time without.
having said that i went to bed at 11.30 and they stayed up unitl about 1 but that's fine I read my book and fell asleep.
the support here is invaluable as i have noone in 3d that i can tal kto about this - i'm pretending it's to help me stop smoking, lose weight(which it does help with - i have no ciggie cravings at all when I'm not drinking - also means that I have more calories to spend on chocolate!!)
just don't want the debate about it, i feel people would think I was daft as I'm nowhere near as a heavy a drinker as some of our mates.It all feels quite new the not drinking and i need to protect it and keep it personal for now.i find if I make a thing of it peopel encourage met to have one.
to be fair though the mates last night were totally fine and didn't bat an eyelid.
see you in a couple of days.I'm not on any meds(dom't liek medication,prefer tnot to take tablets and not sure i need it, feel mine is very much a psychological issue)I will buy the book, I have a drink less hypnotherapy cd already from georgia foster.I do take vits though and exercise so am kind of doing similar stuff.
anyway I'm thinking of you all, have a strong day and thanks
xx bear hug

[Olly]

feeling bluesy

What great news Bear. Good for you!!!

[YoungAtHeart]

feeling bluesy

Wonderful work, Bear. I don't think I could have been so strong so early in sobriety! Keep it up!

:goodjob:

[mikeupnorth]

feeling bluesy

Hi Bear,

What you're feeling is not unusual. You're likely to go through a wide range of emotions and have some really SUPER days, and some really blue days as well. Our bodies and minds were so used to alcohol that they take a while to reach some balance without it. Things do get better! Just keep thinking about why you're doing this in the first place. And like Newgrl says, remind yourself of how good you'll feel the next day if you keep your resolve.

I've found that it helps to find someone to talk to, or to get out and do something with someone who doesn't drink when I feel blue. And as Di said, there's nothing wrong with feeling blue, as long as it doesn't last too long.

Be well. Stay strong. And hi to all the rest of Absville!

Mike

[weemelonhead]

feeling bluesy

Morning Bear!!!!
...your news sounds fantastic! Even though you were feeling low, you STILL saw a good evening through with NO booze and NO poison faglets!!! That is just great...you really ought to feel VERY proud of yourself...
And I'd echo Mike and Di....you may have blue times, but you have them whether you are off or on the drink...people who have never have a tot in their lives get blue...I am on my 7th week of AF, and have been on a right downer for the last 10 days or so....BUT...I'm down and SOBER.....
Someone said that the old bod and brain needs rest during this time, and that's what you need to give yourself Beary, as much as possible in between work and 'need to be dones', take a while to chill....not slobbing out completely, but resting...the idea of a walk around the blustery dales of Blighty and then a good hot bath sounds FAB....
You did good Bear......you are DOING good Bear.....keep putting those furry paws one in front of the other my friend....weeupanddownmoodymelon :h

[rivergirl]

feeling bluesy

Bear,
You are an inspiration to all of us. Good job last night. You are a strong bear to give up alcohol in an area where it is common to drink quite a bit. You are right to keep it private until you feel comfy sharing with a close mate. In the mean time you can come here and impress us all with nights like last night. You inspire me and help me - thank you.

...and Weemelonhead- gosh, I didn't know you were in your 7th week AF. Thank you for sharing that! The drink tracker only shows one month so we don't get the big picture. At 20 days AF those of you with more time are our leaders and trail blazers. Thank you for being there.

Many thanks to you all!
Rivergirl

[Andy1111]

feeling bluesy

Glad I found this post. This is exactly what I am going through right now, the highs and lows and I am on day 6.

[Ilex]

feeling bluesy

Hi Bear and All - I just wanted to say that I'm at a similar stage and feel like I just want to hibernate, be me, by myself - find out more about the 'real' me that's emerging (the good bits and the bad bits) - I've been lost for so long now and it's kind of nice but scary to go on this journey - so I think it's OK for us to feel a bit unsure and low.......... x