So, how is everyone??

[action-figure-supplies]

I turned 42 last month... Other than that I'm good!

[SteveD]

Wow! This is probably my post popular thread, like, ever!!! I'm 40 in June. Not sure if I'm excited or scared!!!

[paul463]

Stand easy lads, I'm 46 in July.

[Chopper]

Someone older than me, thank goodness.

[Red Laser]

41 in May

[The Baron]

I'm OK, ploughing through the guide book, I hope to have it finished this week, touch wood. It's become a bit of a millstone but I am enjoying it. Putting in the hours on the PC has knackered my shoulder though, it's never been the same since my car crash in 2010. I'm a human barometer these days, I know when it's going to rain which is probably the most useless superpower ever.

2016 was hard going, a horrid break-up, mum rushed to hospital (she's fine now, needed an emergency operation), lost my 17 1/2 yr old cat Skitz and of course money worries. I had to break in a new lodger but luckily found someone who doesn't annoy me. But on the flipside, a great response to the kickstarter and guide book and some cracking opportunities to boot. I seem to veer from triumph to tragedy with very little inbetween.

Hey Bill - of all the vices, I found that dope was the one that got me thorugh the hardest times. It also made me into a hermit. I've always been an all-or-nothing kind of guy, so when I quit I quit hard. I hit my wall and I stopped drugs, drink and sex overnight for the best part of a decade. I wouldn't recommend it, better to wean yourself off gradually. Since taking shedloads of painkillers I've learned the proper way to quit is by halves. Halve your daily dosage for a week, then again for another week and so on until for the last week, you just do every other day - and then stop. That way you won't put your body into any kind of shock. Always happy to help, just drop me a PM any time.

I'll be turning 27 again next month.

[Double-Tap]

Been of the dope since January.
Been smoking since I was 15.
It was my curse and if I didnt have any my anxiety went through the roof. If I smoke green it puts my head away but resin seemed to keep me stable.
Just decided after xmas that was it, was smokin a half ounce of solid a week and would still run out.
Just stopped cold turkey and dont miss it other than not sleeping.
Since I lost my job my drinking has got out of hand.
Had a minor stroke and started having fits last year but all alcohol related.
Find that a couple of cans sorts my anxiety and pain issues but it never stops at 2.
1s too many 1000 not enough.
Can stay of booze for weeks but when I hit it I hit it hard. Angie has had enough which is why I linked in with addiction services but they're sayin because I can stop its all psychological. Was due to go into rehab but they pulled it at last minute which gave me the excuse to go on a bender.
Sorry to be a depressive but I generally dont talk about it and like I said my mood is good and there is light ahead.
Just keeping busy and focusing on the family and not myself.
A lot of making up to do and question why they've stuck by me.

[Double-Tap]

Sorry, meant to be a pm but out there now.

[The Baron]

Don't be silly - your family and friends stand by you because they're your family and friends. Would you turn your back on someone close when they need you?

Anxiety is awful, I've had more than my share. The only thing that really helped me was seeing an ACT therapist who taught me various coping techniques. The best one I found was called "Notice 5 things." When you're having a panic attack, just stop what you're doing and look at something nearby, EG the floor. Take 20 seconds to really look at it; notice the way the light catches it, all the fine details and variety of colours.

Once you've taken it all in, look at something else nearby and repeat. Do it for five things. You don't have to move, you don't have to say anything, it takes a couple of minutes of your day. By the time you're done the anixety will have subsided. I swear by it, it''s helped me get clear of a panic attack.

Anxiety is your little more than thoughts going into overdrive, the worst thing you can do is get sucked in. Don't give those thoughts traction, better to just roll your eyes and say to yourself "yeah, thanks, brain." ACT therapy taught me how to distract my mind. I still have the handouts, which I'm happy to scan and e-mail to you.

You can do this. I have no doubt. Stop worrying about not having a job, you're not ready to go back to work. Focus on getting yourself well. The trouble with going cold turkey is that when you crash, you binge - because you drink as much as you're used to drinking, even though your tolerances have lowered. That's the reason so many junkies overdose when they lapse. As I say, the medical approach is to wean yourself off gradually by halving.

But most of all, stop beating yourself up over it. Stop measuring yourself by what you're not - or what you think you should be. Nobody else would give you such a hard time - and you wouldn't give someone else such a hard time either.

Please, go to your doctor and say you'd like to speak to someone about anxiety. There are many different fields, some are more suited to people than others - and there are good and bad therapists too, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't click straight off. I found ACT good for coping techniques, but I also had EMDR therapy to cope with trauma. Speak to your doctor.

I would also advise taking anti-depressants. Again, there are many types. I must have been through a dozen different brands before settling on the right one for me. One type gave me hot flushes, another killed my sex drive, one gave me the sensation of licking a battery, one gave me a constant fluttering sensation in my diaphragm, one of them made me feel like a zombie. Persevere, if they're not helping, go back to your doctor and say you'd like to try a different kind. Always remember that your doctor is there to help you.

As for the sleep, are you drinking a lot of caffeine? I quit coffee in December, had a week of migraines and since then my sleep has been so much better. I also find a cup of Horlicks or mint tea before bed very soothing.

Hang in there, this will pass.

[SteveD]

Wow Bill, that's a rough patch dude. Keep going bud - you're a strong fella. You'll get through it and brighter times will follow.