Mr Beau

[Beau_]

Hi I'm 26 years old, i'm suffering Anxiety to the point that at random times i choose a substance to escape the uncontrollable thoughts and to escape a hole in the soul that i feel needs to be filled. I live in Australia. In Victoria. I want out from this prison. I really want out. Im on medication atm. Plus a mood stabliser. But it's not enough. And my stubborness refuses to go to rehab. What do i do????

[PamelaR]

Hello Beau and welcome to Beyond Blue forums

Anxiety is debilitating at times isn’t it? The good news though, it is manageable - and without substances that can make it worse, for example drugs and alcohol.
It sounds as though you’ve taken some steps, e.g. - taking medication and mood stabilisers. So good on you. Though from my experience self management is also necessary to help reduce anxiety. I’m sure you are very aware of all these. Though if you need a refresher have a look at TIPS FOR MANAGING ANXIETY thread. It can be found by going to the BB search field and entering the thread title.
Talking maybe a good start to help move you from your stubbornness. You say you’re in Victoria, who is there about you can talk to when you have those uncontrollable thoughts? For example close family member or trusted friend?
Keep reaching out to our community here, if and when you want to. You’ll find there are caring, friendly, supportive and non judgmental people who have experienced or are experiencing similar situations as yourself. So you’re not alone Beau.


Kind regards
PamelaR

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Beau,

You sound like you’re really struggling and feelinf overwhelmed at the moment. Those racing thoughts and the hole in your soul must be very exhausting, painful and confusing. I’m glad Pammy has kindly offered her support plus some thoughtful suggestions 🙂

I personally turn to alcohol to cope even though I know it’s not exactly healthy for me. What I’m trying to say is I feel for you and think that I get where you’re coming from, no matter which substance you mean...

I hear what you’re saying when you mean you don’t feel quite ready for rehab at this point. So how about maybe looking up Family Drug Support? You should be able to find it online fairly easily.

It’s a national service for drug and alcohol assistance and it offers a range of services e.g. 24 hour help line, counselling, etc. It’s one of the recommended services by the Australian Government as part of their National Drugs Campaign. I was thinking maybe this is something you might like to explore as a less intense option than rehab for now...

I hope, if you’re feeling up to it, we hear from you again. It would be great to hear how things are going since your last post. But there’s no rush or pressure, just reply in your own good time...

kindness and warmth,

Pepper