Monday October 3rd, 2022
September was sucky.
I’ve never had a Sober September before and it was tough. Being a teacher, September is always tough in general and this one has been particularly tough without my drug of choice. I’ve had pretty intense cravings to drink about 3-4 times after eight months of almost zero cravings. I have also taken the additional step of trying to wean off my anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication that I’ve been on for 15 years. This was a decision made by myself and my doctor in August because I’d been feeling so great being off alcohol and not having any depression or anxiety symptoms for a couple of years.
I’m feeling a bit brighter on this first Monday of October and hoping that it was just a tough month.
Here’s to Sober October!
One Year Without 
I did exactly this around 8 mths sober and after a month to 6 weeks my mood started to decline. I ended up taking them again. Then last year I stopped again around the same time of year and I was back on meds in December .. double the dose. I do think the second time I could’ve made it through it it wasn’t for my horrendous work situation. It’s really common to have ‘depression’ symptoms when coming off antidepressants and I know people who can ride that out do get past it. I’ve never done it yet and I’m also going to start day one of sobriety again soon. The only advice I can give is to be mindful of your mood, take each day as it comes and try not to put too much pressure on yourself to feel as good as you have been in recent months. Your body is adjusting to a big change and it will take time xx
Thanks so much Claire. Yeah it’s really hard coming off them when you start to feel depression symptoms again, it’s just so scary! The problem is being able to wait long enough so that everything levels out. Also I found that going off in August I felt okay because it’s still summer, lots of sunshine and fun things going on, but this time of year as the days get shorter and darker, I start to struggle even when I’m on the medication. Ugh, I would love to be off them for once and for all but it’s so hard! That’s good advice to not put too much pressure on myself to feel good though. That’s one of the hardest parts, I’m always checking myself and how I’m feeling and then feel crappy or disappointed if I’m feeling a little down. Good luck on your Day One again! You can do it!! xx
I also think … it’s no big deal to stay on them. I am currently dealing with peri menopause heading quickly to menopause and actually I need all the help I can get right now. So a low dose of antidepressants might be ok for the next 5 years. But alcohol is never a good plan. Xx
Huge win that you made it through it! I am sorry it sucked though. Finding something healthy to do during happy hours was key in helping moving on
Yes, I made it through. Thanks so much for that reminder that I should be proud of that accomplishment. I wasn’t really thinking of it that way, just how hard it was. I appreciate that reminder Dwight! And finding something healthy to do during happy hours, also good advice. I need a hobby or something……
Hugs!
Teaching is so hard, especially September!
Take care!
xo
Wendy
Thanks Wendy. Yeah, it’s super hard this time of year and it’s a particularly difficult year. Fingers crossed that October will be better! xo
I agree with Dwight, huge win you made it through! I hear how hard September is for teachers, There are many teachers that really were staples in my girls lives and we appreciate you so much and all you go through!
I sure hope October is a better month for you! ❤️
Thanks so much Jacquelyn. I appreciate your support. And as I said to Dwight, it’s a good reminder to myself that I can count that as a win that I made it through even though it was hard. I wasn’t thinking about it that way, just feeling bad that it was so hard. Thanks for helping me flip the script! xx
I second what you said about a low dose of antidepressants being okay. I would add that it’s particularly okay in your first year. And second and on if needed, of course. Also, belle (of tiredofthinkingaboutdrinking.com) talks about a moment at 8 or 8 1/2 months that can be tricky. She’s seen in a lot of people (though my own timing for difficult alcohol-craving moments has been different). So given that and given the beginning of your new school year as a teacher, it makes so much sense that September was rocky. Take good care of yourself and hope things smooth out as fall goes on! Take ridiculously, comically good care of yourself 🙂
Thank you so much Adrian! You’re so right about everything.