is this wrong?

Question

i have been having mild depression and severe anxiety for the past few months now. for i while i would drink a lot of alcohol to sort of calm myself down, and i think it just made my condition worse. but, the last month i have been sober and have seen a doctor and have been on paxil for 6 weeks now. but ever since ive been on paxil i feel better mentally but i havent been going out with my friends as much. they all just go out and drink and call me a ***** if i dont drink, but not drinking and the paxil have really been helping me feel better. and for the last week i havent answered any of there calls because i know exactly what there going to say "come out and get f'd up tonight u *****". so is it wrong to not go out with friends as much and sometimes avoid there calls completely?

Answer 1

Those are not your friends, No, it's not wrong. Look after your own heath. your doing a good job so far ... Good luck!

Answer 2

First of all I commend you for doing something about your affliction. Secondly giving up alcohol is not the end of the world or your social life. Alcohol acts as a depressant so in actual fact if your already depressed it just makes you more depressed.
You no longer have that common bond with your drinkin buddies cos you no longer drink alcohol to numb yourself out. Dont fret, it just means you need new friends who are not drinkers and believe me there are plenty out there.
You could make an effort and seek them out which shouldnt be too hard now your a different person with a much better outlook. Stay on your medication, as you said they are helping you feel much better. Once your sorted out and have the life your after, you will be in better shape to do or not do what you want without worrying about everybody else. Remeber you are what you attract. Good luck

Answer 3

By your behavior you have molded yourself into an equilibrium. It is a social equilibrium where you and others have habitually done this and now you are no longer comfortable this way. But you want out. First, realize that this is what you want. And know and live with the consequences of any social reaction in that all kinds of names and pressures will occur and you must tolerate them. You caused them to be. Now, to change for what you consider the better is right. You will have all kinds of withdrawals and perhaps even some re-incidences. If you are determined you will not give up even if at times you wonder why and what, you may even repent to have ever even tried. This is the price of life and comes with the territory. And to repent and doubt and wish you had never even changed is normal, natural.

Answer 4

Not at all. Do what works for you. You are taking steps towards having good mental health, real friends should support that. You are ready for change, and are doing something about it. True friends encourage you, and are happy sharing in all your accomplishments, while being right there with you through your difficult circumstances. They are proud to see your independent growth, because they care about you. They are happy to see your efforts you put forth each day, because you care enough about yourself...to not lean into self destructive behavior/s. In order to enhance more of the self-discipline you've applied to positive change you have found to be more fulfilling in your life, you may want to consider counseling to remain strong in your effort toward change. You've already taken a courageous step in avoiding those friends who are trying to get you to step off the path, you've already created for your good mental health. Perhaps the next step is to make a new circle of friends who are positive, and have clear vision of goals towards a rewarding future. You know not what your capabilities are unless you try. You have just begun succeeding towards a better life, and many open doors await you. Only you can decide what will and what will not hinder growth in success or failure. Continue believing in yourself, you're on the right track! Way to go!

Answer 5

Good for you my man. Depression is not something to mess around with. Alcohol abuse and dependency tends to lead to pretty bad places in the long run as well. It takes courage to do what you are doing. Stick to your plan. Some of your friends may end up understanding. If not, you've got more time and energy available for relationships with new people that are headed in similar healthier directions. This must be a scary time, but it is filled with opportunity.

Take care

Answer 6

I think you are on the right track to recovery. You now need to find a new group of friends to hang out with. Or, you could just lay low by yourself for a while longer. Some people in your situation have even been known to change their phone number or even move away to another city to avoid the influence of harmful friends. Keep up the good work. You are stronger than you think!!

Answer 7

It sounds like the meds are working. You just need some new friends who can have fun in ways that don't involve alcohol. Try volunteering for a charitable organization or if you go to a church, get involved there. If you're athletically inclined, you might try joining a league sport or a bicycle riding club. There's a whole world of people and fun that doesn't involve getting drunk.

Answer 8

If your so called "friends" can't except that your feeling better about yourself and living a healthier happier life, then they're not your friends at all. You're not wrong for not wanting to hang out with people who cause you harm.

Answer 9

No, there's nothing wrong with putting your health and well-being ahead of your friends' interests. You're not hurting anyone, and in doing that you're keeping yourself safe. It's very dangerous to mix alcohol and medicine. If they're really your friends they'll eventually understand your dilemma.

Answer 10

You just found liberation, nothing wrong with that love. Just keep doing what makes you happy, and you'll find yourself attracting friends who may look out for you more.