A Change Of Life.

[sandyRoe]

A couple of years ago I was walking Camino trails in Spain.
The longest of them was a path from Sevilla to Santiago. It was just over 1000 km and took me about 40 days.
Now, in my mid 70s, I walk a mile to a local supermarket and am so tired I need to get a taxi home.
There was little else in my life apart from the planning and walking those routes in Spain. Now I sit staring at 4 walls in a state of very deep depression.
I know that I'll not be doing any more long walks. How can I come to accept my present situation?

[rowanwitch]

You need a new challenge.... Maybe write the book of your travels to inspire a new generation.

[rowanwitch]

Due to all the ads I couldn't see the other replies when I started typing my reply. Do whatever it takes, take whatever help is offered and if you still need more don't be too proud to ask for more. And a pilgrimage by public transport still counts if that is all you can do in the future. Don,'t forget there still may be different adventures ahead if you can get well

[Khandro]

barry; //Antidepressants probably saved my marriage, if not my life, some years ago when I was in a real fug. They can be beneficial.//

Perhaps, but they also led to the death of my ex-son in law only earlier this week; that is why I feel strongly about it. You only wisely say, "probably", you can't say that for sure can you? Might there have been alternatives to medication?

[wolf63]

Khandro - I am sorry that your ex-son-in-law died. But I doubt that the anti-depressants were the direct cause of his death.

They are not magic, cure-all tablets but they help so many people get back onto an even keel. I have been on them for a while (since 1996) and have had no negative side effects. They help keep my brain chemistry balanced.

I am not saying that they will definitely help Sandy but they are an option that should be considered.

They don't necessarily cure depression but they do help. At the bottom of the pit of despair, any help out of the hell you feel should be taken.

[barry1010]

No, Khandro, there was no alternative. I had been diagnosed as clinically depressed and had done the talking therapies, the counselling, the meditation. I hope my wife wouldn't have left me if I didn't get better but the strain was very real. I hope I wouldn't have committed suicide, but there were very dark times.

Thankfully I improved after taking the medication for a while (the first type didn't suit but the second lot did) and stayed on the meds for probably two years. Hopefully I never get that ill again, no idea what 'triggered' it so of course don't know how to avoid it.

I know the signs, though, as does my wife, so if it does recur I'll be banging on the doctor's door begging for help.

I am sorry for your loss, and hope you and your family are able to find some peace and comfort.

[Khandro]

wolf & barry, but I take it neither of you were also alcoholics as well?

[wolf63]

Khandro

No, I am lucky that I do not have an addiction to overcome.

Anti-depressants help most people and have no effect on others. I have Manic Depression and they have been crucial in keeping me on an even keel and able to live a normal(ish) life.
I admit that MD is due to a chemical imbalance in my brain.

I understand what you are saying and it must be hard to deal with. Many people consider anti-depressants to be bad or evil. I think that they help so many people.

Sandy, sorry to take over your thread. I hope that you are feeling well and that your medical appointment goes well.

Keep posting - you are well-liked on AB, as shown by the many people who have shown interest in your battle. I may not agree with some of the comments but they all meant well and the people making them care about you and your struggles.

There are many good people here, and you are one of them.
♥ ♥

[barry1010]

Khandro, no, alcohol has never been a problem for me but I do know alcoholics who have been prescribed antidepressants to help them cope with cravings and the effects of withdrawal.

[Zacs-Master]

Hello, Sandy. If you’re looking in, please let us know you’re OK.

[naomi24]

He's around. He popped into the GMEB thread this morning.

[elliemay1]

Good luck today with your addiction councillor, Sandy. I hope you get some help x

[Zacs-Master]

Thanks, Naomi.

[sandyRoe]

I didn't keep the appointment. I went to bed last night at about 10 o'clock and woke up at 2 am this morning.
With the crazy logic that comes with addiction I thought I could have a few hours drinking, go back to bed to sleep it off, and still make the 11 o'clock appointment. I'm sure, even then, there was a voice in the back of my mind saying, 'You're not going.'
The only option now seems to be AA.

[barry1010]

It's going to be tough, sandy, but if you have the will you can do it. Don't beat yourself up about missing the appointment - you certainly won't be the first.

[jennyjoan]

sorry to hear that Sandy but I'm sure that many of these appointments are missed due to the nature of the appointment.

Contact the counsellor again I'm sure he/she will arrange another appointment. Please give the person a ring.

[elliemay1]

Sandy, don't worry about a missed appointment. I'm sure it happens all the time, just contact the counsellor and see when you can get another one. I'm sure he/she will be understanding

[elliemay1]

How are you now Sandy? Are you able to get outside, even 5 mins in the fresh air might help

[jennyjoan]

I do think part of Sandy's problem as many of us do - he is lonely and so he drinks for company.

If he can manage to join something - think it would help him. Along with the counsellors etc.

[Zacs-Master]

Try AA, Sandy, or phone the Samaritans. It’s a hard thing to admit you need to do but every journey starts with a single step, as you know from your Camino adventure.

[anneasquith]

You can do 2 things Sandy, contact the addiction councillor, and in the meantime go to AA, please .