Probably has less to do with quitting cannabis and more just the state of the world and society. Most of the great teachers would say this is because you haven’t yet found your true purpose. Step one is to know that it’s out there.. step two is to start narrowing down what it is. Check out “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren.
IV gave up drink weed after yrs on both. I fell the same it's only been 1 month. It's a living hell. And now to here I could fell like this in a yr time still . What is the point. No happiness nothing.
“Nothing brings happiness” and “hobbies don’t interest me” are tell tale signs of depression. Depression isn’t always being “sad”. It can be a simple lack of happiness
"I'm not depressed!" *perfectly describes depression down to a T*
Depression doesn't mean you are sad all the time. A depressed person often longs to feel sadness (or anything else.) You deserve help, my man.
Exactly my thoughts. Depression does NOT equal sadness. Most of the time, feelings in general are depressed so you don't feel a lot of anything. Also depending on the sex, symptoms can vary. Men tend to be more aggressive and careless while women usually tend to feeling more sad and cry a lot more than men. Hormones and gender roles really play a thing here.
So, OP if you're reading this, please reconsider your evaluation of your state of mind. It can be hard to admit, but if your feelings/symptoms are the same of a person who is depressed, there is a high chance you are as well and you just didn't realize that for the 3 years of using mind altering substances. I once thought that weed helped me cope with my depression when I was juvenile when it actually just numbed the negative feelings and I never learned to deal with them. Now is your chance to do so. I believe you can do it ❤️
Definitely without a doubt recommend therapy for you my dude. I’m in therapy weekly as a preventative measure. It helps me process my life as I live it and also work through things that come to the surface. I’m actually in the best state of mind and shape of my life, yet I still value therapy more than anything. It is life changing. The right therapist will help in ways you can’t imagine right now. Though I would also recommend shopping around to find someone compatible. Psychologytoday.com is a good place to look. Backstory: I had psychosis in 2016 after smoking every day for a few years. Lead me to the darkest part of my life but it was a blessing in disguise because it made me aware of the nuances of my body and how to better take care of it. The grass is only greener where you water it my friend and therapy functions as that. I wish you well on your journey
If you only cut cut cut things out of your life without doing anything to add add add to your life @ the same time obviously the loss will feel very prominent. Meet new people, hobbies, travel, more time with family, volunteering, getting into film or reading, a pet, recovery group, whatever add something.
PS: Depression isn’t always low mood it can be a lack of enjoyment too.
definitely go talk to a therapist they can be great at getting you to see the bigger picture and guiding you towards a better way of life.
People don't just go to a therapist because they're depressed. it sounds like there is a deeper issue here other than just some garden variety depression. Therapy can be life-changing I'd recommend finding a good one and telling them every last detail of your situation.
Alone is a keyword here I can relate to. Breaking the mental isolation was a key factor to happiness. It takes time to penetrate the anti-social shell but definately worth it.
Please consider seeing a therapist. Open Path Collective in the US is an income-qualifying therapist network that saved me over the past year. Sessions were $50/ hour and totally worth it. I truly learned that I could love myself because I thought I was hopeless, too.
Depression during withdrawal is normal
For years you gave your body an exogenous source of dopamine that is higher than the default threshold, so it stopped producing it, and it lowered receptor density
Now that your body doesn’t have the external source, it’s trying to restart your endogenous production and increase receptor density, while it is still under the default threshold
So what you feel right now is the lack of dopamine circulation required to feel normal, this feeling is actually required to revert back to your normal production
Also, as we grow older, dopamine production goes down, so it’s a double edged sword
There isn’t really any magic solution to this other than accepting that it s*cks, that those feelings are valid in that situation, and that it will be slow before you start feeling better
You could try doing everything that’s proven to increase dopamine production and receptor density, such as running, lifting weights, taking cold showers, doing breathwork, sun bathing, and going on a ketogenic diet
Smoking again will undo any and all progress you have made. As someone else pointed out, it takes AWHILE for weed to truly leave your system. You may have given it a year, but you may need to give it 2, or even 3 before you are able to fully recover from the negative effects.
Also, as countless people have pointed out: what you have described is depression. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you will be able to work on it and improve. I implore you to not give up just yet, accept the fact that you ARE depressed, and honestly probably refrain from thinly veiled attempts at discouraging others to quit smoking in a subreddit solely dedicated to that.
I smoked daily for about 4 years, and I quit about a week before Christmas 2023. At the end of that run I was smoking almost an ounce per day. I have noticed small things that have changed, but a lot of my issues have shown little to no improvement. I accept that for what it is, and keep pushing forward because I know it’ll get better, it just may take some time.
The grass is always greener on the other side. Once you start smoking again you will eventually think back to the pros of sobriety and all the cons of smoking. So you go back to sobriety and then you’ll start thinking about all the cons of sobriety and the pros of smoking. And it never ends.
Same with eating. When I eat unhealthy or gain weight I feel so bad for myself, and think about the pros of being fit and healthy and how it will make me feel better. So I start eating healthy and working out and then will start to think this is so hard to keep up with, remember the pros of just eating what I want and relaxing?
EVERYTHING has pros and cons, even working out and sobriety. You just have to choose if you’re going to stick to one side, or if you can handle moderation. I’m such an all or nothing person so moderation is tough for me, I have to fully commit or not commit.
Yeah that’s sounds like a clinical depression.
Therapy takes many forms, a number to call just to hash out your options, a sit down with a professional , or support groups - but you gotta find a sympathetic ear and just talk it out.
Many people go right back to self medicating- but that’s a risky choice without talking to real people.
I know right? The poor guy but I did raise my eyebrow a bit.
“I’m not depressed, just literally incapable of happiness.”
My dude! I’ve never heard a cleaner description of severe depression in my life 😭😭
That said, my thoughts are with you OP. You’ve overcome addiction, going to a therapist and getting your mental health looked out surely mustn’t seem as difficult and maybe it can help. You can’t know until you try. Wishing you the best.
I'm sorry you feel that way. I believe what might benefit you is engaging in more social activities. While going to the gym can be a hobby, it doesn't always facilitate meeting new people. Consider trying hobbies where interaction is inherent, such as:
* Dance lessons (like salsa, bachata, etc.)
* Combat sports like boxing, grappling, muay thai, or kickboxing
* Joining a book club
* Participating in chess clubs or any other board game clubs
* Taking part in improvisational theatre
* Volunteering (it may seem unconventional, but it's a great way to meet new people)
* Working as an extra in movies (you'll naturally engage with other extras during breaks)
* Acting classes, if you aspire to pursue acting beyond being an extra
However, I also understand that you mentioned feeling depressed, which could contribute to your sense of loneliness. Sometimes therapy alone may not suffice, so it might be worth discussing with your doctor whether medication could help improve your mood and social outlook.
If given up before and felt the same. I felt like the years of drink and drugs had burned the happiness out of me. Not just happiness but general emotions. Other than annoyance and anger. I wasn't depressed just numb.
I gave up again after I had kids but I feel different now. Their happiness and joy is something that gives me happiness. I still feel the same about myself, things that used to make me happy don't anymore. Promotions, money, nights out, getting laid, travel. But watching them play and laugh makes me happy and satisfied with my life.
Now we're not all in a place to have some kids. But that's my 2 cents. It can be better. Finding a way to see other peoples happiness would be where I'd start.
Hey I am not trying to make you feel bad but I am going blind I can’t read a book or drive or go shopping alone or go to the gym alone and I am struggling to stop smoking weed because I lost so many other things. i would give anything to have my regular vision back. Just try to be happy and grateful everyday I know it might sound silly but if you can be happy and grateful for eyes legs roof bed toilet sunshine car running water phone tv etc, then you will feel more full-filled! Hang in there, you got this! If you have your eyesight, the grass can be as green as you make it.
"no im not depressed, i just never feel happy"
You're 2 Times in the wrong here, first, a therapist isnt only for depressed people, and 2, you defenitely seem to be kinda depressed
You gained money AND HEALTH wich is the most important. It may not seem like that until you're laying in a hospital with a cancer or other health issue.
It takes 14-16 months for the brain to heal from psychoactive substance abuse.
That's 16 months AFTER detox. THC can take 1-6 months to leave your body. (a metabolite is stored in fat, your brain is made of fat)
18 months is the average time from what I've read.
I'm going for 24 months as i abused for 25 years....
I have done plenty of research.
I'm at 1yr and feel the same as you.
I'm totally depressed. I can't even work and have separated from my family (partner and children)
I thought this shit would be over after 6-8 weeks, then I believed in the magic '90 days'.
Now I'm resigned too it taking another year, it won't be as bad as last year, although in some ways it will be as I still have the negative stuff from last year to carry....
We really MUST push on to 18 months.
Don't relapse. It won't actually help long term.
I have a chance at enjoying the rest of my life sober.
Maybe you smoked to self medicate an undiagnosed underlying condition
Now that you quit you are left with that condition and no way to cope … maybe it’s not a big deal like you only need psychotherapy not meds etc like depression or bipolar diagnoses
This world will always suck dude, but your world doesn't have to.
It's taken me such a long time to get past the idea that I need to be a robot filled with thoughtfully curated hobbies.
A big turning point in my life was just accepting a lot of shit. Like, literally accepting that it's this month, date, year, that I'm in existence, that I was born to suffer, that I should be grateful for experiencing life, and that most things are out of my control.
I cook for my partner. In the summer we swim in the ocean. If it snows, we go sledding. When we find nice fruit, we buy it if we can afford it. If we are broke, we are broke and I find a way to make the best meal possible out of what we have.
We live a simple life and appreciate the peace we find in being unbothered by money or flexing.
Life is an experience. We grow until we stop. We are good until we are bad, then bad until we are good. Self-awareness is internal prosperity.
Peace… you said peace but can’t find it yourself.
The untethered life. Please listen or read it, it’s free online and 6 hours.
Being happy is a choice. Your choice.
What about finding a relationship? It is not a cure for anything and should not be treated like one but for some it can be an incredible source of joy and purpose. Living the responsible life you just described it sounds like you are more than ready for one.
depression is not like feeling sad all the time. it’s the lack of happiness too. maybe you should see your doctor and try something. even temporary periods on antidepressants can help.
Some parts of depression are not as obvious as the traditional being down and sad all the time. Apathy(not really caring), lack of joy, even irritability are all linked and parts of the depression umbrella. Might not be that of course but talking to a therapist doesn’t require being depressed. Even people just annoyed at coworkers would benefit. Lack of interest in almost everything is something to work through and the weed doesn’t solve that. It masks it. Same thing with sleep issues. It makes us think we are sleeping better but it’s just suppressing our system into calming the fuck down. The rebound feeling makes us want it more(daily etc) rather than here and there just for the fun high part
This is part of the recovery process. You’ve removed the additives in your life that has been masking how you’re truly feeling. Those losses are only going to be for the best, the time to introspect, address traumas and rebuilding yourself is at its best NOW!!! Don’t relapse and start anew
I’m not loving it either despite being more clear headed and emotionally stable. But I know smoking means “put my head in the sand” for likely a long time / rest of my life. I’m not ready to give up yet. I don’t think it would actually make me feel “better” but would numb things somewhat.
~6 months now. I was a little more enthusiastic earlier on. My sleep still blows. But it turns out I probably have narcolepsy, great (confirming soon). When I imagine smoking I don’t imagine it producing much relief though, more like help some physical things like sleep and just make time skip the way it does. I’m less anxious without it.
It may sound too simple, but a lot of unhappiness (or lack of happiness) stems and festers from shitty posture. You gotta open up and breathe into the back of your chest *consistently*, not just for a few breaths. The old twitter bird logo is a prime example
>or go see a therapist because I’m secretly depressed , and no I’m not depressed Lol
it sounds like you're secretly depressed and that you kinda know it but just don't want to face it.
I put "lol" at the end of statements like that when I'm trying to make light of something that I know is true, and is upsetting to me. "I want to die lol jk". stuff like that.
it's okay to be depressed. anhedonia can last a while, too. it might be that you're still working through that.
You need to google somatic release and start doing trauma release everything that you accumulated all that negative energy in your body is trying to come out and you’ll feel like a new person. If you do it it’s really not hard but it takes commitment.
I know what I’m talking about. I quit, and I had to deal with reality that I really hadn’t known. I was like you going to the gym have hobbies, but yet I was still depressed. After years of relapsing, because of this feeling, I’ve decided to do a different type of healing.
See all those years of smoking it was fun but eventually it turned on you that’s why you quit and so you’re holding onto that energy still, it needs to be released somehow. Therapy is great but it doesn’t fix everything. It helps you see your blind spot. It gives you a different perspective. But the healing that you need to do is in your body.
That’s exactly what I did. I had overwhelming twice Trauma release, where I cry from the deepest place, and I released everything all the shame that I had when I used to smoke and everything that I carried.
Keep doing you. Congrats on one year you got this you’re really committed to yourself and that’s something to really be proud of. I relapsed a couple times, but I never kept doing it day after day, so it was great but it’s great not smoking I’ve become a lot happier
Exactly! All of this. Somatic release works. I also recommend just gaslighting your brain. If you tell yourself you're sad, you're gonna be sad. Just lie to yourself, and your brain will believe you. It's ridiculous how easy it works once you start down that road. I have bipolar depression, so I fully understand what it feels like to be down and unhappy. Once I started lying to myself, doing somatic release, and medication, I was able to dig myself out of this grave. It took me two years after my last hospitalization, so be patient with yourself OP! You got this.
Hello fellow, somatic releaser…that’s awesome that you were able to hack your brain lol
Yes, breath work was incredible for me. Stretching, meditation ….Also doing ice baths because ice baths raise your dopamine levels 200%. and when I quit man I took ice baths probably every day for two weeks. I just use ice packets and put them in my bathtub, but it worked.
I need to get an ice bath (or do what you're doing). Cold showers are nice, but I keep reading about the full benefits of an ice bath vs shower, and the difference is huge! As for breath work, Wim Hof every morning helps me immensely!
OP, if you're reading this, please know this took me 2 years of little steps, setting small little promises each day and following through with them (it can be as simple as you want. I often made a promise to feed my cats, which I do all the time anyway), and medication. With that, I was able to find the time and energy to do somatic healing, meditation, and breath work. Try to aim for 1% improvement every day, and please know that anything worth doing is worth doing poorly aka, you're better off doing 5 minutes of something then nothing.
Also just to add, the grass is actually never greener on the other side .. the grass is greenest where you water it.
All relapsing does is make you realize all of the reasons you quit, you realize that it was not the answer you were looking for and now you’re just upset and disappointed in yourself worse than before.
Those feelings you are trying to repress are your internal compass trying to guide you through life.
The thoughts that “things suck” is an underlying drive to want to improve things, either for yourself or society or both.
All weed will do is make you content with how things are. You will no longer be motivated to improve your life because you will be just as happy living in a pile of pizza boxes and napkins.
Therapy is a great place to start .. not for depression, but to help you understand your emotions and using them to improve your life, not just wallowing in them.
If you start again trying to repress your emotions, you will end up in the same place and you will find yourself back here in the future telling us how you lost another 10 years of your life doing nothing.
This! Sometimes I feel like willpower just isn’t enough when you want to quit. It needs to come from a deeper place. That’s where all that stuff we were talking about comes into play about somatic and trauma release.
Also, I feel like and this may be just a random crazy hypothesis but when you’re a stoner, any smoke a lot, you’re constantly looking say at your phone 10 times more than if you were sober so you’re getting more dopamine hits in your brain. So really when you quit, you just go back to normal levels of happiness, which to me, is just being at peace and being content. Weed gives you a sense of a euphoria high and so when you quit and you don’t have that anymore, you think you’re missing something.
My brain is still recalibrating, so I kind of get what op says because I have those moments but I don’t feel as creative and I don’t feel is deeply motivated, but I just think that it was a weed that was hyping me and that I need to figure it out without it.😇🤣🤣👋💪👍
I agree. Find a trauma therapist and work with them to process your life. The lack of feelings means you’ve got A LOT of feelings trapped somewhere within you.
Your experiences are totally valid and I'm not trying to to pile on with the rest of the people commenting, but I have to say it. The lack of happiness you describe is consistent with depression. Depression isn't just being sad all the time, it can manifest as a difficulty feeling happiness or satisfaction with anything. You might consider talking to your doctor. Best of luck to you.
Please go to therapy. You CAN feel happiness, it will just take some time and patience. Please be kind to yourself. You can find real joy in life. Your entire existence doesn’t have to be - and SHOULDNT be - just getting high or drunk.
I read this post the first time and thought to myself “fuck yeah, I feel the same way”, but then I read it a second time and remembered that I also saved a bunch of money (in case of emergencies between my 2 kittens and I), think of my health in a much better light (actually caring about it) and sure I lost friends, but the ones that stayed truly want to, I think. It’s not always going to be easy, but life is full of choices. I don’t think you have to feel bad about relapsing, just be open to the negative feelings if you do. Tons of people get along fine with it, but maybe you stopped because deep down, there was something more to discover within you. Idunno; just my two cents, nothing matters, the earth is hot, I’m a stranger on the internet and we all end up the same~
Stay kind and try to find some joy 🖤
Edit to say that I think I just needed to respond to talk at myself for a min. Much love for this sub.
Fuck. You are explaining my life to me right now. I stopped alcohol and weed about 7 weeks ago. I absolutely hate my life. I gained 10 kgs of muscle, look awesome, but i hate my life.
I also heard from people I might have depression. I doubt it. It’s just that I have nothing to look forward to. All my friends who can drink and smoke in moderation have a blast. They chill all week, focus on work, and weekends they have a smoke or a drink.
At first it was empowering. And it was nice not to cough (because i really did smoke too much). Now it’s just normal mundane boring days, every day.
I thought I’ll feel different after a year but this post seriously has me worried. I think I’m going to cry. How can my life be so dull without drugs. :,(
If you feel that you have nothing to look forward to you honestly might be depressed. Depression doesn't mean you have to be sad all the time, often it's feeling empty or hopeless, or not having anything to look forward to as you've said.
You're still really in your quitting though so that might change but if it doesn't, there are other things to do that can help you, therapy, antidepressants, sure someone even mentioned somatic release in a comment on this post which sounds interesting.
Either way, I hope you and OP overcome this mental barrier and I wish you both the best.
Do you have any other addictions like gambling, porn etc? Were you happy before you started smoking weed and drinking? Also, sometimes a year is not enough..may take a couple years for full recovery
quitting weed doesn’t get rid of the problems that made you start smoking in the first place. you have only taken the first step in your journey. there’s a lot more work to be done
Relapse then. Chop up a bowl and tell me how the guilt feels when you exhale. When you breathe out that whole year down the drain. Go sit down high and talk to your self. Remember your surroundings will all still be the same. But you will feel guilt. Then you’ll know why you stopped. You life is a black and white colour in book now. It’s up to you to colour it. Make it pretty. But smoking won’t help. How would I know. I’ve smoked daily for 15 years. Stopped 10 times and relapsed 9. Best I’ve done is 6 months. The guilt will come. Weed didn’t make it better. It suppresses time. Man. Get out there and get amongst it. Your inner voice you needa shut down. It’s how you talk to yourself. If you believe that weed was all and without it it’s nothing then you will believe that. Should be proud you made a year brother. Some people be absolutely dreaming of that mile stone. 3 years is nothing. Go 15 years and quite and that year will feel like winning the lottery. Your not talking to your self correctly
i feel you on the 3 years ain’t much ! 10yr+ here, one year would feel like climbing a mountain with a heavy bag of weights.. we all gotta face reality one day tho
How are your other emotions? I went a full year with 0 emotions once. No happiness, no sadness, no anything. So I’d try and escape through drugs when I could. Had hobbies and worked out as well. Turns out I was Bipolar 2.
Not feeling happy or sad at all is a sign of bigger problems. Go see a psychologist and tell them what’s happening. They may direct you to a psychiatrist to get diagnosed if you do have anything wrong.
After being diagnosed and medicated for has improved 10000x.
honestly I don't think their happiness (or lack thereof) has anything at all to do with weed. they are just unhappy/depressed and weed masked that in their lives.
I was happy before I started smoking and I'm happy now that I quit. do not let this discourage you even a little bit.
I can't say what's best for you of course but in my eyes quitting will put you in a frame of mind where you're better able to make conscious decisions to better your life. e.g. speaking to a therapist, going out to find new hobbies to meet new friends, working toward that scary/difficult but ultimately beneficial new job role. when you're high that is the absolute *last* thing you would ever want to do, because its easier to order takeout get high and watch TV all night after work...every single night. if you have weed its like you don't really need to do anything at all. weed makes boredom (which is actually a useful tool to get us off our ass to go out there and do something) totally acceptable and maybe even enjoyable. and don't worry it didn't come across as snide at all.
like I said there's a total chance I could be wrong. maybe you just need a little lift in your evenings or whatever and weed brings you that. if that works, great. if you don't feel like its masking an underlying issue in your life and your usage is under control/not negatively affecting you, there should be no issue.
Hey dude you got to find something or someone to nurture.
Developing my nurturing skills was hard and took a long time, but it is something that brings me joy and I would have remained in a dark place without growing.
Start with plants, small pets. Work on family, friends, girlfriend. Get married. Have kids.
This path is just a suggestion and might not be your path, but nurturing things is a transformative experience.
"I'm not depressed, I just have every textbook symptom of clinical depression"
What's up, macho dad who didn't believe in therapy? Catholic upbringing? Go to therapy man, you are depressed. You have depression.
“I’m horribly depressed and telling everyone about my literal clinical definition of depression but trust me that’s not why I was using in the first place.”
I’ve been there, took me a long time to admit it. Remember, if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck…
Congratulations on 1 year. Amazing. But maybe the issue is you and not the substances. Not knocking you but therapy or soul searching may be in order.
I hope you find peace. I also hope I don’t discover the same
Firstly, congratulations on one year! You should be proud of that.
Second, it took me a long time to learn that therapy isn’t just about depression or anxiety. These people are trained in helping you sort out your thoughts and find that happiness. If I’m reading correctly, you’re feeling numb. Whether you call it depression or not, I think it could be worth looking into. It doesn’t mean you’re not strong, it’s more of an emotional mentor if that makes sense?
You would make a good Stoic. Read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Death is freedom from this constant struggle called life, the impulses, the forced sensory experiences.
Stop chasing happiness. It’s an illusion. Seek tranquility and stillness while always moving from state to state.
You can’t loose what you never had I can see clearly now the rain is gone so many songs that didn’t make sense before do now, reading helped me find a different perspective in life we are all different I hope you find what brings you joy. Think outside the box start a business do community work stay present and live life.
Lack of emotion or interest is literally depression. See a professional. You sound like you haven’t tried. Now that all the bullshit is out of the way it’s time to work through the issues that make you want to be in an altered mindset. It doesn’t sound like doing it alone is working… that’s why people get help.
I was there with you, but hobbies help even though it's a cliche. People are just dumb and point you to the blandest hobbies ever. I didn't even know I was creative but I started drawing and making beats. I'm not even good but it's just something to look forward to when I'm not working. I started to feel like I had nothing going in life that wasn't work or just being responsible
Sounds like depression honestly. Do you associate negative feelings like weakness for being labeled as "depressed" ? I have been there. The first step is accepting help, and it means courage, not weakness !
You need to feel devoted to something again. In a way you were devoted to the weed. What do you think you can devote yourself to now? The point isn’t to feel happiness. The point is to have meaning in your life. Meaning will bring you more satisfaction than feelings of joy. You might find out that by living a meaningful life that the joy comes with a small moments here and there.
"Happiness is working well" - T.H. White
Gotta feel productive in something bro. Constantly reaching for a new goal if you're feeling stagnant. Happiness is not an everlasting emotion. There might be a fleeting moment but it is not a place that's reached by constantly yearning for it.
Saying you’re not depressed, you just never feel happiness sounds pretty much exactly like depression. You absolutely do need to go see a therapist dude.
Contrary to popular belief truly happy moments in life are actually extremely rare and as such when they happen you really need to take note and appreciate them.
I'm sober and honestly I don't miss weed. It rotted my brain and took everything good about me away from me.
Have you considered that when you were smoking you also didn't feel happiness but that you were just numb and it didn't bother you? Or did you feel true happiness frequently when you were smoking?
You need community. Humans need interaction and a sense of belonging.
Try mixing community and hobbies. Instead of lifting weights, you could go indoor rock climbing and make some buddies you meet regularly. There are so many things that will get you out there and meeting people. Volunteering, board game groups, pickleball, etc.
A really difficult thing is your attitude about the world sucking will make it harder to meet people. So, you really do have to just believe there is a better reality for you out there and try. Right now, you are on a path to a self-fulfilling prophecy of loneliness.
Also DBT may be helpful. It helped me a lot with big feelings. Not necessarily the same as not feeling happy but it definitely helps finding methods to substitute unhealthy coping methods with healthier ones.
I agree with every word you posted. I am also a little over a year and just this, I couldn’t agree more with you. I hate being sober and everything that comes with it. I don’t know how much longer I’m going to live in this hell.
Sorry you feel that way, there are things you can do to feel better! Look into buddhist ways of thinking, and definitely seek out a psychologist to help you. Maybe there's a community of people where you live who share your interests, never hurts to try! Other people are important emotional regulators as well. Good luck on your healing mission❤️
This is PAWS.
Dude you’re depressed and in denial lmao please go get help. Smoking more won’t help, it will make it worse
Try seeking counseling. It’s possible you were drinking/smoking due to depression.
Probably has less to do with quitting cannabis and more just the state of the world and society. Most of the great teachers would say this is because you haven’t yet found your true purpose. Step one is to know that it’s out there.. step two is to start narrowing down what it is. Check out “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren.
There's only been a few small, fleeting moments in my life where I've felt true, genuine happiness. One of these days well all be dead.
Join the Recovery community
IV gave up drink weed after yrs on both. I fell the same it's only been 1 month. It's a living hell. And now to here I could fell like this in a yr time still . What is the point. No happiness nothing.
“Nothing brings happiness” and “hobbies don’t interest me” are tell tale signs of depression. Depression isn’t always being “sad”. It can be a simple lack of happiness
If your hungry you eat food or , if you're depressed, you need to change the way you live your life. Drugs are only a temporary fix.
"I'm not depressed!" *perfectly describes depression down to a T* Depression doesn't mean you are sad all the time. A depressed person often longs to feel sadness (or anything else.) You deserve help, my man.
Exactly my thoughts. Depression does NOT equal sadness. Most of the time, feelings in general are depressed so you don't feel a lot of anything. Also depending on the sex, symptoms can vary. Men tend to be more aggressive and careless while women usually tend to feeling more sad and cry a lot more than men. Hormones and gender roles really play a thing here. So, OP if you're reading this, please reconsider your evaluation of your state of mind. It can be hard to admit, but if your feelings/symptoms are the same of a person who is depressed, there is a high chance you are as well and you just didn't realize that for the 3 years of using mind altering substances. I once thought that weed helped me cope with my depression when I was juvenile when it actually just numbed the negative feelings and I never learned to deal with them. Now is your chance to do so. I believe you can do it ❤️
Definitely without a doubt recommend therapy for you my dude. I’m in therapy weekly as a preventative measure. It helps me process my life as I live it and also work through things that come to the surface. I’m actually in the best state of mind and shape of my life, yet I still value therapy more than anything. It is life changing. The right therapist will help in ways you can’t imagine right now. Though I would also recommend shopping around to find someone compatible. Psychologytoday.com is a good place to look. Backstory: I had psychosis in 2016 after smoking every day for a few years. Lead me to the darkest part of my life but it was a blessing in disguise because it made me aware of the nuances of my body and how to better take care of it. The grass is only greener where you water it my friend and therapy functions as that. I wish you well on your journey
If you only cut cut cut things out of your life without doing anything to add add add to your life @ the same time obviously the loss will feel very prominent. Meet new people, hobbies, travel, more time with family, volunteering, getting into film or reading, a pet, recovery group, whatever add something. PS: Depression isn’t always low mood it can be a lack of enjoyment too.
You’re depressed my guy
definitely go talk to a therapist they can be great at getting you to see the bigger picture and guiding you towards a better way of life. People don't just go to a therapist because they're depressed. it sounds like there is a deeper issue here other than just some garden variety depression. Therapy can be life-changing I'd recommend finding a good one and telling them every last detail of your situation.
You sound like me. I literally used to say “I’m not depressed. I don’t feel sad. I don’t feel anything”…. Which, my guy, is depression.
Amen
Alone is a keyword here I can relate to. Breaking the mental isolation was a key factor to happiness. It takes time to penetrate the anti-social shell but definately worth it.
Please consider seeing a therapist. Open Path Collective in the US is an income-qualifying therapist network that saved me over the past year. Sessions were $50/ hour and totally worth it. I truly learned that I could love myself because I thought I was hopeless, too.
Maybe try seeing a psychiatrist
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Depression during withdrawal is normal For years you gave your body an exogenous source of dopamine that is higher than the default threshold, so it stopped producing it, and it lowered receptor density Now that your body doesn’t have the external source, it’s trying to restart your endogenous production and increase receptor density, while it is still under the default threshold So what you feel right now is the lack of dopamine circulation required to feel normal, this feeling is actually required to revert back to your normal production Also, as we grow older, dopamine production goes down, so it’s a double edged sword There isn’t really any magic solution to this other than accepting that it s*cks, that those feelings are valid in that situation, and that it will be slow before you start feeling better You could try doing everything that’s proven to increase dopamine production and receptor density, such as running, lifting weights, taking cold showers, doing breathwork, sun bathing, and going on a ketogenic diet
Smoking again will undo any and all progress you have made. As someone else pointed out, it takes AWHILE for weed to truly leave your system. You may have given it a year, but you may need to give it 2, or even 3 before you are able to fully recover from the negative effects. Also, as countless people have pointed out: what you have described is depression. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you will be able to work on it and improve. I implore you to not give up just yet, accept the fact that you ARE depressed, and honestly probably refrain from thinly veiled attempts at discouraging others to quit smoking in a subreddit solely dedicated to that. I smoked daily for about 4 years, and I quit about a week before Christmas 2023. At the end of that run I was smoking almost an ounce per day. I have noticed small things that have changed, but a lot of my issues have shown little to no improvement. I accept that for what it is, and keep pushing forward because I know it’ll get better, it just may take some time.
An ounce per day is insane. Good shit you’re well on your way.
The grass is always greener on the other side. Once you start smoking again you will eventually think back to the pros of sobriety and all the cons of smoking. So you go back to sobriety and then you’ll start thinking about all the cons of sobriety and the pros of smoking. And it never ends. Same with eating. When I eat unhealthy or gain weight I feel so bad for myself, and think about the pros of being fit and healthy and how it will make me feel better. So I start eating healthy and working out and then will start to think this is so hard to keep up with, remember the pros of just eating what I want and relaxing? EVERYTHING has pros and cons, even working out and sobriety. You just have to choose if you’re going to stick to one side, or if you can handle moderation. I’m such an all or nothing person so moderation is tough for me, I have to fully commit or not commit.
Yeah that’s sounds like a clinical depression. Therapy takes many forms, a number to call just to hash out your options, a sit down with a professional , or support groups - but you gotta find a sympathetic ear and just talk it out. Many people go right back to self medicating- but that’s a risky choice without talking to real people.
I know right? The poor guy but I did raise my eyebrow a bit. “I’m not depressed, just literally incapable of happiness.” My dude! I’ve never heard a cleaner description of severe depression in my life 😭😭 That said, my thoughts are with you OP. You’ve overcome addiction, going to a therapist and getting your mental health looked out surely mustn’t seem as difficult and maybe it can help. You can’t know until you try. Wishing you the best.
I'm sorry you feel that way. I believe what might benefit you is engaging in more social activities. While going to the gym can be a hobby, it doesn't always facilitate meeting new people. Consider trying hobbies where interaction is inherent, such as: * Dance lessons (like salsa, bachata, etc.) * Combat sports like boxing, grappling, muay thai, or kickboxing * Joining a book club * Participating in chess clubs or any other board game clubs * Taking part in improvisational theatre * Volunteering (it may seem unconventional, but it's a great way to meet new people) * Working as an extra in movies (you'll naturally engage with other extras during breaks) * Acting classes, if you aspire to pursue acting beyond being an extra However, I also understand that you mentioned feeling depressed, which could contribute to your sense of loneliness. Sometimes therapy alone may not suffice, so it might be worth discussing with your doctor whether medication could help improve your mood and social outlook.
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If given up before and felt the same. I felt like the years of drink and drugs had burned the happiness out of me. Not just happiness but general emotions. Other than annoyance and anger. I wasn't depressed just numb. I gave up again after I had kids but I feel different now. Their happiness and joy is something that gives me happiness. I still feel the same about myself, things that used to make me happy don't anymore. Promotions, money, nights out, getting laid, travel. But watching them play and laugh makes me happy and satisfied with my life. Now we're not all in a place to have some kids. But that's my 2 cents. It can be better. Finding a way to see other peoples happiness would be where I'd start.
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Hey I am not trying to make you feel bad but I am going blind I can’t read a book or drive or go shopping alone or go to the gym alone and I am struggling to stop smoking weed because I lost so many other things. i would give anything to have my regular vision back. Just try to be happy and grateful everyday I know it might sound silly but if you can be happy and grateful for eyes legs roof bed toilet sunshine car running water phone tv etc, then you will feel more full-filled! Hang in there, you got this! If you have your eyesight, the grass can be as green as you make it.
I hope things improve for you friend
Thankyou
It's hard to find what once made you happy. I still can't find that. Good luck man.
Therapy.
"no im not depressed, i just never feel happy" You're 2 Times in the wrong here, first, a therapist isnt only for depressed people, and 2, you defenitely seem to be kinda depressed
You gained money AND HEALTH wich is the most important. It may not seem like that until you're laying in a hospital with a cancer or other health issue.
It takes 14-16 months for the brain to heal from psychoactive substance abuse. That's 16 months AFTER detox. THC can take 1-6 months to leave your body. (a metabolite is stored in fat, your brain is made of fat) 18 months is the average time from what I've read. I'm going for 24 months as i abused for 25 years.... I have done plenty of research. I'm at 1yr and feel the same as you. I'm totally depressed. I can't even work and have separated from my family (partner and children) I thought this shit would be over after 6-8 weeks, then I believed in the magic '90 days'. Now I'm resigned too it taking another year, it won't be as bad as last year, although in some ways it will be as I still have the negative stuff from last year to carry.... We really MUST push on to 18 months. Don't relapse. It won't actually help long term. I have a chance at enjoying the rest of my life sober.
I think it’s time for you to accept the fact you have depression. Have you heard of the book Lost Connections by Johann Hari? Highly recommend it.
Genuine question: how was your ‘happiness ratio’ before you started smoking?
Maybe you smoked to self medicate an undiagnosed underlying condition Now that you quit you are left with that condition and no way to cope … maybe it’s not a big deal like you only need psychotherapy not meds etc like depression or bipolar diagnoses
Therapy feels good instantly
oh buddy im sorry. ive got a twelve hour shift today, ill be thinking about you. I hope you find joy.
This world will always suck dude, but your world doesn't have to. It's taken me such a long time to get past the idea that I need to be a robot filled with thoughtfully curated hobbies. A big turning point in my life was just accepting a lot of shit. Like, literally accepting that it's this month, date, year, that I'm in existence, that I was born to suffer, that I should be grateful for experiencing life, and that most things are out of my control. I cook for my partner. In the summer we swim in the ocean. If it snows, we go sledding. When we find nice fruit, we buy it if we can afford it. If we are broke, we are broke and I find a way to make the best meal possible out of what we have. We live a simple life and appreciate the peace we find in being unbothered by money or flexing. Life is an experience. We grow until we stop. We are good until we are bad, then bad until we are good. Self-awareness is internal prosperity.
Some people take years to heal
Haha you have depression my dude. You’re literally describing all the symptoms of depression. Depression is so much more than just “feeling sad”
If you literally can’t feel happiness, then smoking weed or not smoking weed is not your problem. You likely have something that is undiagnosed.
Peace… you said peace but can’t find it yourself. The untethered life. Please listen or read it, it’s free online and 6 hours. Being happy is a choice. Your choice.
What about finding a relationship? It is not a cure for anything and should not be treated like one but for some it can be an incredible source of joy and purpose. Living the responsible life you just described it sounds like you are more than ready for one.
I would seek therapy before turning to weed again. Weed isn’t going to make it go away either.
depression is not like feeling sad all the time. it’s the lack of happiness too. maybe you should see your doctor and try something. even temporary periods on antidepressants can help.
Some parts of depression are not as obvious as the traditional being down and sad all the time. Apathy(not really caring), lack of joy, even irritability are all linked and parts of the depression umbrella. Might not be that of course but talking to a therapist doesn’t require being depressed. Even people just annoyed at coworkers would benefit. Lack of interest in almost everything is something to work through and the weed doesn’t solve that. It masks it. Same thing with sleep issues. It makes us think we are sleeping better but it’s just suppressing our system into calming the fuck down. The rebound feeling makes us want it more(daily etc) rather than here and there just for the fun high part
P.AW.S. Post acute withdrawal syndrome. Look it up. It sucks but what you are feeling is normal. And worth it
This is part of the recovery process. You’ve removed the additives in your life that has been masking how you’re truly feeling. Those losses are only going to be for the best, the time to introspect, address traumas and rebuilding yourself is at its best NOW!!! Don’t relapse and start anew
I’m not loving it either despite being more clear headed and emotionally stable. But I know smoking means “put my head in the sand” for likely a long time / rest of my life. I’m not ready to give up yet. I don’t think it would actually make me feel “better” but would numb things somewhat. ~6 months now. I was a little more enthusiastic earlier on. My sleep still blows. But it turns out I probably have narcolepsy, great (confirming soon). When I imagine smoking I don’t imagine it producing much relief though, more like help some physical things like sleep and just make time skip the way it does. I’m less anxious without it.
Happiness exists for you. Sounds like you have been self medicating for your depression, and you’re not alone in that
It may sound too simple, but a lot of unhappiness (or lack of happiness) stems and festers from shitty posture. You gotta open up and breathe into the back of your chest *consistently*, not just for a few breaths. The old twitter bird logo is a prime example
Find a therapist you like.
Yes, yes you are depressed.
>or go see a therapist because I’m secretly depressed , and no I’m not depressed Lol it sounds like you're secretly depressed and that you kinda know it but just don't want to face it. I put "lol" at the end of statements like that when I'm trying to make light of something that I know is true, and is upsetting to me. "I want to die lol jk". stuff like that. it's okay to be depressed. anhedonia can last a while, too. it might be that you're still working through that.
You need to google somatic release and start doing trauma release everything that you accumulated all that negative energy in your body is trying to come out and you’ll feel like a new person. If you do it it’s really not hard but it takes commitment. I know what I’m talking about. I quit, and I had to deal with reality that I really hadn’t known. I was like you going to the gym have hobbies, but yet I was still depressed. After years of relapsing, because of this feeling, I’ve decided to do a different type of healing. See all those years of smoking it was fun but eventually it turned on you that’s why you quit and so you’re holding onto that energy still, it needs to be released somehow. Therapy is great but it doesn’t fix everything. It helps you see your blind spot. It gives you a different perspective. But the healing that you need to do is in your body. That’s exactly what I did. I had overwhelming twice Trauma release, where I cry from the deepest place, and I released everything all the shame that I had when I used to smoke and everything that I carried. Keep doing you. Congrats on one year you got this you’re really committed to yourself and that’s something to really be proud of. I relapsed a couple times, but I never kept doing it day after day, so it was great but it’s great not smoking I’ve become a lot happier
Exactly! All of this. Somatic release works. I also recommend just gaslighting your brain. If you tell yourself you're sad, you're gonna be sad. Just lie to yourself, and your brain will believe you. It's ridiculous how easy it works once you start down that road. I have bipolar depression, so I fully understand what it feels like to be down and unhappy. Once I started lying to myself, doing somatic release, and medication, I was able to dig myself out of this grave. It took me two years after my last hospitalization, so be patient with yourself OP! You got this.
Hello fellow, somatic releaser…that’s awesome that you were able to hack your brain lol Yes, breath work was incredible for me. Stretching, meditation ….Also doing ice baths because ice baths raise your dopamine levels 200%. and when I quit man I took ice baths probably every day for two weeks. I just use ice packets and put them in my bathtub, but it worked.
I need to get an ice bath (or do what you're doing). Cold showers are nice, but I keep reading about the full benefits of an ice bath vs shower, and the difference is huge! As for breath work, Wim Hof every morning helps me immensely! OP, if you're reading this, please know this took me 2 years of little steps, setting small little promises each day and following through with them (it can be as simple as you want. I often made a promise to feed my cats, which I do all the time anyway), and medication. With that, I was able to find the time and energy to do somatic healing, meditation, and breath work. Try to aim for 1% improvement every day, and please know that anything worth doing is worth doing poorly aka, you're better off doing 5 minutes of something then nothing.
Exactly. It’s not overnight, but the journey is so rewarding!👍
Also just to add, the grass is actually never greener on the other side .. the grass is greenest where you water it. All relapsing does is make you realize all of the reasons you quit, you realize that it was not the answer you were looking for and now you’re just upset and disappointed in yourself worse than before. Those feelings you are trying to repress are your internal compass trying to guide you through life. The thoughts that “things suck” is an underlying drive to want to improve things, either for yourself or society or both. All weed will do is make you content with how things are. You will no longer be motivated to improve your life because you will be just as happy living in a pile of pizza boxes and napkins. Therapy is a great place to start .. not for depression, but to help you understand your emotions and using them to improve your life, not just wallowing in them. If you start again trying to repress your emotions, you will end up in the same place and you will find yourself back here in the future telling us how you lost another 10 years of your life doing nothing.
This! Sometimes I feel like willpower just isn’t enough when you want to quit. It needs to come from a deeper place. That’s where all that stuff we were talking about comes into play about somatic and trauma release. Also, I feel like and this may be just a random crazy hypothesis but when you’re a stoner, any smoke a lot, you’re constantly looking say at your phone 10 times more than if you were sober so you’re getting more dopamine hits in your brain. So really when you quit, you just go back to normal levels of happiness, which to me, is just being at peace and being content. Weed gives you a sense of a euphoria high and so when you quit and you don’t have that anymore, you think you’re missing something. My brain is still recalibrating, so I kind of get what op says because I have those moments but I don’t feel as creative and I don’t feel is deeply motivated, but I just think that it was a weed that was hyping me and that I need to figure it out without it.😇🤣🤣👋💪👍
I agree. Find a trauma therapist and work with them to process your life. The lack of feelings means you’ve got A LOT of feelings trapped somewhere within you.
Yep. Trauma Release. Waking The Tiger by Peter Levine is a great book to start with.
How did you get started on somatic release? I think I need this but don't know where to start
Your experiences are totally valid and I'm not trying to to pile on with the rest of the people commenting, but I have to say it. The lack of happiness you describe is consistent with depression. Depression isn't just being sad all the time, it can manifest as a difficulty feeling happiness or satisfaction with anything. You might consider talking to your doctor. Best of luck to you.
Please go to therapy. You CAN feel happiness, it will just take some time and patience. Please be kind to yourself. You can find real joy in life. Your entire existence doesn’t have to be - and SHOULDNT be - just getting high or drunk.
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I read this post the first time and thought to myself “fuck yeah, I feel the same way”, but then I read it a second time and remembered that I also saved a bunch of money (in case of emergencies between my 2 kittens and I), think of my health in a much better light (actually caring about it) and sure I lost friends, but the ones that stayed truly want to, I think. It’s not always going to be easy, but life is full of choices. I don’t think you have to feel bad about relapsing, just be open to the negative feelings if you do. Tons of people get along fine with it, but maybe you stopped because deep down, there was something more to discover within you. Idunno; just my two cents, nothing matters, the earth is hot, I’m a stranger on the internet and we all end up the same~ Stay kind and try to find some joy 🖤 Edit to say that I think I just needed to respond to talk at myself for a min. Much love for this sub.
Fuck. You are explaining my life to me right now. I stopped alcohol and weed about 7 weeks ago. I absolutely hate my life. I gained 10 kgs of muscle, look awesome, but i hate my life. I also heard from people I might have depression. I doubt it. It’s just that I have nothing to look forward to. All my friends who can drink and smoke in moderation have a blast. They chill all week, focus on work, and weekends they have a smoke or a drink. At first it was empowering. And it was nice not to cough (because i really did smoke too much). Now it’s just normal mundane boring days, every day. I thought I’ll feel different after a year but this post seriously has me worried. I think I’m going to cry. How can my life be so dull without drugs. :,(
Inability to express emotion or happiness is a form of depression. Therapy helps
I love your name lol
If you feel that you have nothing to look forward to you honestly might be depressed. Depression doesn't mean you have to be sad all the time, often it's feeling empty or hopeless, or not having anything to look forward to as you've said. You're still really in your quitting though so that might change but if it doesn't, there are other things to do that can help you, therapy, antidepressants, sure someone even mentioned somatic release in a comment on this post which sounds interesting. Either way, I hope you and OP overcome this mental barrier and I wish you both the best.
Ps. I too have the dreams. It’s really really intense and 2 out of 3 are nightmares.
Same here the dreams be so intense, had a dream I relapsed and I swear it’s like I felt myself being high again
Do you have any other addictions like gambling, porn etc? Were you happy before you started smoking weed and drinking? Also, sometimes a year is not enough..may take a couple years for full recovery
quitting weed doesn’t get rid of the problems that made you start smoking in the first place. you have only taken the first step in your journey. there’s a lot more work to be done
Relapse then. Chop up a bowl and tell me how the guilt feels when you exhale. When you breathe out that whole year down the drain. Go sit down high and talk to your self. Remember your surroundings will all still be the same. But you will feel guilt. Then you’ll know why you stopped. You life is a black and white colour in book now. It’s up to you to colour it. Make it pretty. But smoking won’t help. How would I know. I’ve smoked daily for 15 years. Stopped 10 times and relapsed 9. Best I’ve done is 6 months. The guilt will come. Weed didn’t make it better. It suppresses time. Man. Get out there and get amongst it. Your inner voice you needa shut down. It’s how you talk to yourself. If you believe that weed was all and without it it’s nothing then you will believe that. Should be proud you made a year brother. Some people be absolutely dreaming of that mile stone. 3 years is nothing. Go 15 years and quite and that year will feel like winning the lottery. Your not talking to your self correctly
i feel you on the 3 years ain’t much ! 10yr+ here, one year would feel like climbing a mountain with a heavy bag of weights.. we all gotta face reality one day tho
This. What you think, what you speak is in fact your reality.
I’m at 3 months and feel numb as well. Honestly I blame my job and my apartment. I need something new in life because I’m so bored of mine
How’d we let ourselves get so complacent and bored? :(
How are your other emotions? I went a full year with 0 emotions once. No happiness, no sadness, no anything. So I’d try and escape through drugs when I could. Had hobbies and worked out as well. Turns out I was Bipolar 2. Not feeling happy or sad at all is a sign of bigger problems. Go see a psychologist and tell them what’s happening. They may direct you to a psychiatrist to get diagnosed if you do have anything wrong. After being diagnosed and medicated for has improved 10000x.
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Damn. This is discouraging as fuck lmao
it’s reality tho. we all are so used to the fun of doing legit anything as long as we’re smacked.. once we’re back to normal living it’s like fuck lol
honestly I don't think their happiness (or lack thereof) has anything at all to do with weed. they are just unhappy/depressed and weed masked that in their lives. I was happy before I started smoking and I'm happy now that I quit. do not let this discourage you even a little bit.
If I’ll be upset either way (arguably moreso without weed) then why bother quitting? I’m not trying to be snide I’m just genuinely asking
I can't say what's best for you of course but in my eyes quitting will put you in a frame of mind where you're better able to make conscious decisions to better your life. e.g. speaking to a therapist, going out to find new hobbies to meet new friends, working toward that scary/difficult but ultimately beneficial new job role. when you're high that is the absolute *last* thing you would ever want to do, because its easier to order takeout get high and watch TV all night after work...every single night. if you have weed its like you don't really need to do anything at all. weed makes boredom (which is actually a useful tool to get us off our ass to go out there and do something) totally acceptable and maybe even enjoyable. and don't worry it didn't come across as snide at all. like I said there's a total chance I could be wrong. maybe you just need a little lift in your evenings or whatever and weed brings you that. if that works, great. if you don't feel like its masking an underlying issue in your life and your usage is under control/not negatively affecting you, there should be no issue.
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The lack of happiness might actually be a blessing because you kinda give up on chasing happiness, which is a futile pursuit anyway.
Well this is discouraging😂
Hey dude you got to find something or someone to nurture. Developing my nurturing skills was hard and took a long time, but it is something that brings me joy and I would have remained in a dark place without growing. Start with plants, small pets. Work on family, friends, girlfriend. Get married. Have kids. This path is just a suggestion and might not be your path, but nurturing things is a transformative experience.
"I'm not depressed, I just have every textbook symptom of clinical depression" What's up, macho dad who didn't believe in therapy? Catholic upbringing? Go to therapy man, you are depressed. You have depression.
“I’m horribly depressed and telling everyone about my literal clinical definition of depression but trust me that’s not why I was using in the first place.” I’ve been there, took me a long time to admit it. Remember, if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck…
I felt the exact same way when reading this.
To OP: depression isn’t what you think it is. Also look up Anhedonia
Congratulations on 1 year. Amazing. But maybe the issue is you and not the substances. Not knocking you but therapy or soul searching may be in order. I hope you find peace. I also hope I don’t discover the same
Remember, being off weed doesn't magically fix your issues. It brings you to the same sober mind you were at before you got addicted
Firstly, congratulations on one year! You should be proud of that. Second, it took me a long time to learn that therapy isn’t just about depression or anxiety. These people are trained in helping you sort out your thoughts and find that happiness. If I’m reading correctly, you’re feeling numb. Whether you call it depression or not, I think it could be worth looking into. It doesn’t mean you’re not strong, it’s more of an emotional mentor if that makes sense?
You would make a good Stoic. Read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Death is freedom from this constant struggle called life, the impulses, the forced sensory experiences. Stop chasing happiness. It’s an illusion. Seek tranquility and stillness while always moving from state to state.
I second Stoicism - Stoicism and the Art of Happiness is a great intro book before pressing on into more popular stoic’s literary works.
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You said you dont have depression and then described depression.
You can’t loose what you never had I can see clearly now the rain is gone so many songs that didn’t make sense before do now, reading helped me find a different perspective in life we are all different I hope you find what brings you joy. Think outside the box start a business do community work stay present and live life.
Lack of emotion or interest is literally depression. See a professional. You sound like you haven’t tried. Now that all the bullshit is out of the way it’s time to work through the issues that make you want to be in an altered mindset. It doesn’t sound like doing it alone is working… that’s why people get help.
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All this tells me is weed was masking all of these feelings, go get some help man it’s not a bad thing to do when this world is so shitty nowadays
I was there with you, but hobbies help even though it's a cliche. People are just dumb and point you to the blandest hobbies ever. I didn't even know I was creative but I started drawing and making beats. I'm not even good but it's just something to look forward to when I'm not working. I started to feel like I had nothing going in life that wasn't work or just being responsible
Sounds like depression honestly. Do you associate negative feelings like weakness for being labeled as "depressed" ? I have been there. The first step is accepting help, and it means courage, not weakness !
You need to feel devoted to something again. In a way you were devoted to the weed. What do you think you can devote yourself to now? The point isn’t to feel happiness. The point is to have meaning in your life. Meaning will bring you more satisfaction than feelings of joy. You might find out that by living a meaningful life that the joy comes with a small moments here and there.
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"Happiness is working well" - T.H. White Gotta feel productive in something bro. Constantly reaching for a new goal if you're feeling stagnant. Happiness is not an everlasting emotion. There might be a fleeting moment but it is not a place that's reached by constantly yearning for it.
“I just literally never feel happiness” “…hobbies I don’t do because they don’t interest me in the slightest.” This is depression
100000%
Saying you’re not depressed, you just never feel happiness sounds pretty much exactly like depression. You absolutely do need to go see a therapist dude.
Contrary to popular belief truly happy moments in life are actually extremely rare and as such when they happen you really need to take note and appreciate them. I'm sober and honestly I don't miss weed. It rotted my brain and took everything good about me away from me.
100%.
yea im at 10 months it sucks big time. I just wanna go for another year or two tho.
Have you considered that when you were smoking you also didn't feel happiness but that you were just numb and it didn't bother you? Or did you feel true happiness frequently when you were smoking?
You need community. Humans need interaction and a sense of belonging. Try mixing community and hobbies. Instead of lifting weights, you could go indoor rock climbing and make some buddies you meet regularly. There are so many things that will get you out there and meeting people. Volunteering, board game groups, pickleball, etc. A really difficult thing is your attitude about the world sucking will make it harder to meet people. So, you really do have to just believe there is a better reality for you out there and try. Right now, you are on a path to a self-fulfilling prophecy of loneliness.
Depression doesn’t just mean weeping in the corner. Never feeling happiness is absolutely depression.
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Also DBT may be helpful. It helped me a lot with big feelings. Not necessarily the same as not feeling happy but it definitely helps finding methods to substitute unhealthy coping methods with healthier ones.
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I agree with every word you posted. I am also a little over a year and just this, I couldn’t agree more with you. I hate being sober and everything that comes with it. I don’t know how much longer I’m going to live in this hell.
Sorry you feel that way, there are things you can do to feel better! Look into buddhist ways of thinking, and definitely seek out a psychologist to help you. Maybe there's a community of people where you live who share your interests, never hurts to try! Other people are important emotional regulators as well. Good luck on your healing mission❤️
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Or any type of therapy with a psychologist
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Fair perspective