The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I have not started Al-Anon meetings, but I was wondering if and when a person does are there people there that you could get together with one day in the week?
Or you could call on the phone or whatever? I just wondered because my life was turned up side down due to alcoholism and at first I had HORRIBLE anxiety and it took every bit of time and energy that I had just to put my life back together(somewhat) and keep up with everything (I have two small children.)
Now it has been 6 months and things are more settled, but now depression is setting in. I don't want to do anti depressants, but I need something in my life. I am a single mom of two kids and I don't have any family around.
It is really depressing because it is just me and my kids all day everyday. No one else, I wish I had someone just to talk to or to lift my spirits sometimes. Or maybe even someone to play with the kids or maybe they have kids who would like to play with mine?
Just a thought. I hope everyone does not think I am whining. Is that part of my sickness worrying about what other people think?
Whining? Absolutely not. This is a place to share our true thoughts and feelings surrounding the pain of loving or having loved and alcoholic. The meetings are a great place to meet others who really understand--people who you can be real with and connect with honestly and openly. By attending meetings regularly, I have found a loving sponser who I check in with almost daily, friends who I can call when I need help or am feeling down or just want some human, understanding contact. Each meeting I attend has a phone list so I can make "outreach" calls when I feel like talking with someone about what I am going through. This program values "being of service". I have met parents of children who I discuss parenting with, spouses of alcoholics who I discuss marriage with, and many others who value the same things I cherish about Al Anon. Only you can know what is right for you, but for me, the meetings were a miracle, and I am very grateful. Sending you support andyou go through this. You are not alone!
I love my al-anon meetings. I feel very blessed to have one right in my home town and easy access to my meetings. i feel for people who struggle to get to the meetings because I see what a spiritual and emotional support they are for people. You do not sound like you're whining at all!!! You sounds like you are reaching out for yourself to help yourself to become a happier person and live a more serene life and it is all possible. I dont know about others but I know for me I am focused on myself and what characteristics are no longer of value for me. I am not reading your post, judging you. I hope you can find a home group and some people who you really feel comfortable around. everyone is there for the same reason, remember. al-anon works if you work it and you are worth it!!!
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Michelle!
No one can take away your peace of mind unless you let them.
I'm going to say yes, part of the sickness is worrying .. period.
I truly encourage you to call the alanon hotline number in your area there are kid friendly meetings and go. I've heard this before .. if you don't like it you get a refund on your misery and take it back. I probably messed that quote up. My point is .. if you are feeling that down what can it hurt to try a face to face meeting.
My experience with my first meeting (LOL .. 3rd time around) was that I was provided with a phone list, extremely valuable brochures and just an amazing group of people that have given me infinite support during a very trying time. I'm no longer isolated on my own little no man's island. You can find people who will meet for coffee, get a sponsor and it will guide you to the hope of continued healing.
I am an extremely grateful member of alanon and I so encourage you to take the emotional risk of going to that first meeting. I can only hope that you will experience what I did which was relief to know I wasn't alone as well as a new found hope.
Hugs P :)
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Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.- Maya Angelo
And you will learn that you don't need any ONE person to fulfill your needs because you will have more than one friend at the meetings. I find I am surrounded with friends. I can talk to any of them about anything or everything. Give yourself enough time to stay for 10 minutes after the meetings and catch up with what they are all doing.... and you can talk to them about your life too.
There are some meetings with childcare and that us where I found my wise sponsir and I found her pretty quickly after I started. Actually she found me and I meet wth her once a week besides my Al-anon meeting. I am a single Mom with 2 kids also, but I do get out with my womans study group and work out of the home. I am sending you love and support!
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Sending you love and support on your journey always! BreakingFree
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666
" Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."
"Serenity is when your body and mind are in the same place."
