I have had a couple of tough weeks and I have been trying really hard to stay positive and confident. But I also know that I need to talk about it and let it out because if I keep it in, it will lead me to a drink and I am determined to stay sober!
I am struggling with some unexpected change. It’s lots of change all of the sudden and it’s overwhelming. Things are happening that I have some control over, or maybe none, but I think that I do or that I should have control over. Things are happening that I don’t understand. Things are happening that I have never had to face before in sobriety and I have no idea how to deal with, so I want to run and check out! I actually feel physically sick and anxious. I am in fear.
EXCEPT, I need to, want to, have to, stay sober! No matter what! So I have to talk about it and ask for help and support. I have called few people in my network already and went to a meeting. And I have continue to do whatever is necessary to protect my sobriety! I know if I drink, things will only get worse. This, I have proven many times. Nothing good happens when I drink.
So, here I am, trying to get thru this, waiting for the dust to settle, for things to sort of go back to the normalcy or to become the new normalcy. Right now I feel uncertain, lost, and deflated. All I know is that if I just stay sober, it will all work itself out and that I will get to the other side with new knowledge and experience.
Stress is our body’s response to changes in our life’s. Because life involves constant change, ranging from everyday, routine changes like commuting from home to work to adapting to major life changes like marriage, divorce, or death of a loved one—there is no avoiding stress.
Stress is especially detrimental to our ability to stay sober. Therefore learning few strategies to cope with stress can help you stay on track and avoid relapse.
I found this info which really seems to be appropriate to my situation at HELPGUIDE.org
Stress Management Strategy
- Don’t try to control the uncontrollable. Many things in life are beyond our control— particularly the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to problems.
- Look for the upside. As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth. If your own poor choices contributed to a stressful situation, reflect on them and learn from your mistakes.
- Share your feelings. Talk to a trusted friend or make an appointment with a therapist. Expressing what you’re going through can be very cathartic, even if there’s nothing you can do to alter the stressful situation.
- Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes. Let go of anger and resentments. Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving on.
I can truly relate to the above! And I know that I can get thru this and stay sober! I have to keep positive and continue to trudge forward. I know that tomorrow is always filled with promise.
How do you deal with stress in sobriety?
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