People who were sober in 2020, how did you handle the election stuff? I’m already sick to my stomach about it am worried I won’t make it to the end of the year. And unfortunately as a lawyer I know how tenuous the Constitution is - and worst nightmares have been playing out how I predicted years ago. The fear and anxiety is unbearable, but I can’t talk about this to people in the program since it’s politics related. Struggling to accept this is happening all over again.

funnylike
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I've spent a lot of time working on and thinking about this specific issue with my therapist and sober coach. I was very much not sober in 2020, but here is the strategy I've worked up: (1) limit news sources (for me, it's reading the Times and listening to the Daily), (2) double down on self care and meditation, (3) do not engage, under any circumstance, in political discussions on-line, whether social media or otherwise, (4) volunteer in impactful ways.

likehelpfulfunny

Just know we’ve historically been in even worse situations before and came out of it over time ok. Also remember the serenity prayer to help.

It sounds as though you have an abnormally high amount of selfish and self-centered fear, a key trait that many alcoholics, myself included, share.

You are likely overestimating how politics will impact you in the near future as well as overestimating your ability to impact politics. Serious question: Did all of this fear do anything positive for you in 2020?

likesmarthelpful

My wife's wealthy parents lost everything when the USSR collapsed, yet today, they are happy, healthy, and provided for, albeit with a very different looking life in terms of outward appearances.

I am under no delusion that this can't happen here, but I also see how little control I have over any of it. I have faith that I will make the best of whatever future comes, and I have no thoughts on what that future is "supposed" to look like.

The root of your problem is that you think you know best, and you apparently have immense fear that you aren't going to get what you want/deserve. It's straight out of the Big Book.

like

Say that serenity prayer a lot and remember what is not in your control. Perhaps try volunteering - I lived in Philadelphia at the time (last Presidential general election) and did phone based voter outreach through an organization for Arizona and New Hampshire, I found it helped somewhat to know I was doing "something". Whatever you do, don't pick up: it's not worth it.

funnylike

This is a perfect example of why we don't talk politics in the rooms.

like

You can’t talk politics in the rooms but you can talk about having issues with control (step 2/3) and fear and anxiety (step 2/3) also there could be ego involved (thinking you’re opinion is more influential than it is) - if you haven’t ready page 417 in the big book - acceptance is the answer to all my problems today as well as the part about Shakespeares play I recommend you do

likehelpful

Yea I love that passage - this particular issue is a struggle for me, and the steps haven’t helped. I’m not sure what the answer is which is why I posed the question. Appreciate the thoughtful comment 🙌🏼

funny

tell us who you want to vote for. that will help ✨

like

Ha it was a JoKe to lighten it all. Here for all of you and us. I don’t need to know who you’re voting for unless you want to DM me then we can raggge against the machine 😉

like

Sober through several election cycles now. I’m in AA and there’s a passage in the 12 and 12 about not putting the world’s problems on our shoulders. That helps. I also try to remember humility and what I can change versus what I can’t. I can decide to not watch all the news or spiral or hate on people with different ideologies I can try to practice kindness and being helpful to others.

Drinking because of politics is like peeing on myself when it’s cold outside: yeah it might change how I feel for second but then after that I’m cold as shit and covered in piss and that REALLY doesn’t help!

like

One thing to consider is to play your worst fears forward. Where do you end up? Is there an exit for you to another country or within the country? Except in the most extreme circumstances, total anarchy seems quite unlikely. Even if that does happen, retreating to a rural area seems possible in this country, given its vast land. In my mind, the only thing I can control is my own reaction. If I play this all out and don’t like what I see, I tend to occupy myself by asking myself what action I may take in a given set of circumstances.

Governments collapse. New paradigms emerge it has been this way for all of human history. Rome is no more, yet I bet a bunch of Romans lived just fine in all but the most localized and acute tragedies, which tend to be temporal.

like

Me too. I hope Trump wins.

like

I'm not going to sugarcoat this. The election should not impact your sobriety. If you think it will, that's because you want to drink and are looking for something or someone else to blame. An election outcome that you favor won't save your sobriety.

smart

Get a bigger higher power and then none of it will matter. If I can fully rely on my HP, I won’t have anything to worry about.

Related Posts

Sick of people saying don't wear a mask. Wear a mask people, if you have one. The CDC says only wear them when you are sick. But isn't that the tricky part of Covid19? That you can be asymptomatic?

like

I take care of clearing all medical claims for a home health office in Lexington, Kentucky. What is the salary range for someone else with a similar position?

like

Weekly Hot take. Accessibility=/= easy mode. I know it would take alot more time and resources to develop but more games sould come with accessibility features like color blind mode and maybe a bullet time for jumps. I am not a person with disabilities but i believe Celeste did a pretty good job at adding some of these features. I know it's hard to account for every type of disability but we can at least start with the most common ones.

like
like

Had a really bad day 😞 I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself. Things will be going well and then out of nowhere I get blackout drunk. I am tired of feeling sick and anxious from drinking. I don’t really even want to drink sometimes but do it anyway. Blacked out last night, and still feel sick now. I’ve never shared with anyone that I have this problem, until I found this message board. I have so much anxiety that I won’t be able to get this under control. I feel isolated and sad.

like

One of the team member has applied leaves for continuous 3 days this month. Later she applied for a 15 days leave saying a medical emergency. Both the leaves were rejected from her manager saying connect with HR. though she is on leave without PM leave approval and this is not even prior notice to the team.
Now'what and all would be the consequences she might face. Is there any chance of these things are being escalated? Please advise!

like

Should I get an accountant/tax pro? I’m sick of paying for $200 for turbo tax and still having to do all the work. I’m Buying and selling (mostly just buying) equities through multiple brokerages, maxing 401k and accruing interest on multiple checking / savings accounts. Not rly any tax breaks. Would be willing to pay up to ~$400 for some convenience

like

I’m not bad with money but definitely lots of room to improve overall, due to several personal factors I don’t want to list in full here (numerous unanticipated medical bills, bad boyfriends, etc.) Hence why I only have $3k in savings right now. My first mini goal is to have $5k saved by the end of December. I need motivation and words of encouragement. If I pay off my medical bills, I won’t make my goal. I have to start putting saving money first. Getting depressed about my situation.

like

Hi All, Do the medical/dental benefits begin as of the hire date or is there a waiting period? Also, does Sunlife offer internet reimbursement for remote employees? Thanks in advance!

Hi Folks,
Once the medical checkup is done, in how many days will I get my visa for Australia?

like

I’m a newly graduate from a community college. My program of study was Health Information Technician. I passed my RHIT exam a month ago, and I’ve been applying to jobs in state, out of state, and remotely to only receive “sorry you were not selected email.”I don’t have experience and I know that’s the reason I’m not getting selected. I’ve applied for receptionist, medical biller/coordinator, and medical clerk. Even with inflation willing to work for minimum wage or less just to gain experience.

like
likehelpful

Asking for prayer… I’ve been sick with the flu since last Friday. I have severe asthma and this has knocked me out. Praying for complete healing with no residual effects.

like

Just how bad would it be to quit without a two week notice? I’ve been bait & switched into a horrible role, overworked to the point of having medical problems, and no amount of diplomatic talks with my manager has improved the day to day. My mental health and my personal relationships have been on a steady decline.

I don’t have another job lined up yet. But I’m danger close to quitting and taking my chances with freelance. Could it be worth it?

like

If our mental health is not good at the moment, how do we convey it to the team? Most of the folks in my team take such things lightly and I feel weird to let them know about it. So I just have to lie and put a sick leave.
Also, even before friday ends, I start to stress about monday… and I think that is wrong. We should look forward to work and not stress about it but sadly the people around me here make me want to leave the office.
Please tell me what to dooo?

like

I’m located in WA and have been working as a certified medical assistant and front office specialist for the same organization and have 10-11 years experience. I graduated with my BS in Healthcare Management last September and I’m currently fast tracking my MBA in Healthcare Management. I have been applying for leadership roles over the last year and haven’t made any headway. I’m looking for some advice on actually moving into a role utilizing my degree.I currently make $25.80, with a raise soon

likehelpful

I got admitted to hospital since I was unwell. How can I apply for cashless medical claims as I downloaded one form from general medical insurance plan. Can someone suggest me

like

Hello,

I am trying to see what is the average salary for a business analyst with a year experience in a medical device company. I am in the bay area.

like

Can I take sick leave in my notice period in wipro?

like

More Posts

Hi guys

I applied for 2 position at a time in jp Morgan career portal . That's fine ryt?

Or we can't apply for two roles at a time? Any idea guys?

like

Currently a senior commercial underwriter Working on finishing up my CPCU as I only have 2 exams left. Was curious to know
what kind of Salary impact this had for others who got the designation, if any?

like

Which company would you choose in the Bay Area - Zynga or Fitbit? Reason?
If none is better feel free to say..

like

As a former Corporate Counsel, now mostly solo practitioner in Federal Court specialty practice is a mixture of Bankruptcy, Immigration, Business Transactions and Employment law.
My question is could I affiliate "of counsel" on part of my practice like say only Employment Law?

like
like

Tough time getting past final step: I’ve been trying to make a career shift for 10 months now and continue to get rejected at the last step. Im confident in the value I can provide and do well at presenting it. However, once it’s comes down to me and 1-2 other candidates, I repeatedly have been turned down for the person who has more relevant experience as they’re a safer bet for the employer. Would love advice from anyone who’s dealt with this before. It’s tough to get them to take a risk on me

like

I have an interview with Korn Ferry for an associate principal role and am curious about others’ experiences have been with work-life balance here. Also, I have an idea of what I should be compensated in this type of role, but any insights on how they pay compared to others would be helpful. Are you traveling during the pandemic or have client interactions been virtual? Lastly, if you are a consultant here, are you on billable hours? My current consulting role is not - so this would be new.

like
like

If you’re not into drinking/partying, what are some ideas that 2 people can do in NYC on New Year’s Eve? (Except the ball drop). Brand new to the city, appreciate the suggestions. TIA

like

Has anyone actually found love at work? My best friend started at a new company 6 months ago and she just took an offer somewhere else because she and her senior manager fell for each other. After 6 months she knew it was worth leaving her job for! I've been working at the same place for three years and I went on one date with a guy who didn't even work with me he just worked in the building. What am I doing wrong.

like

hi, fishes,

for 9 + years exp is 32 good pkg with AD role in UBS?

Senior Quality Engineer with 5 years experience in manufacturing in the Midwest. What should I expect/would be fair compensation? I run process improvement projects, fight manufacturing fires, qualifications etc. (honestly more of a hybrid ME than QE).

I need friends. Feel lonely when everyone else is partying up.

like

Hello all
Anyone have idea about whales cloud technology company?
I have got an offer for expert position in R&D team gurgaon.

like

Hi, what's the status of WFH policy in TCS, Bangalore? Joining it soon. Any info will help 🙂

like

Hi All,

Any openings for Scrum master(wfh)? I have 3years of experience as Scrum Master. Any leads will be helpful

Has EY gds ever revoked their offer letter??

I worked with a Junior AD that skipped college and went straight to portfolio school. I was mad resentful of him at first, mostly because I wish I would have thought of that and saved $100K.

like

Does TSG have a sign on Bonus? If so how much is it usually after taxes ?

Additional Posts in Addiction & Sobriety

My SO is an alcohol abuser but has said he knows it’s a problem and would like to cut back or quit. Any suggestions or advice in how to help and cope with this. He becomes a different person when he drinks. I want to support him but don’t know how or where to start.

like

Had a really bad day 😞 I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself. Things will be going well and then out of nowhere I get blackout drunk. I am tired of feeling sick and anxious from drinking. I don’t really even want to drink sometimes but do it anyway. Blacked out last night, and still feel sick now. I’ve never shared with anyone that I have this problem, until I found this message board. I have so much anxiety that I won’t be able to get this under control. I feel isolated and sad.

like

I told myself I wasn’t going to do it. Re-assured myself I wasn’t going to do it. Told myself you’d know what would happen and still ended up gambling away a bunch of money I know I couldn’t blow. I don’t understand.

like

Downloaded the “Days” app. No frills, no extras. Just a number staring you in the face. I’ve made it almost habitual to open and check... even multiple times a day when I know the day counter hasn’t changed, but it’s helping and encouraging. Each day is a sense of accomplishment and a win over the pull of my own thoughts. Forcing my willpower into further restraint. 10 days strong so far.

like

Curious to hear the story of anyone that has overcome or going through cocaine addiction. Given that people in this bowl make enough money to support such an expensive habit. Take me through your story - how bad did it get in terms of daily consumption and total money spent? Please share if comfortable.

like

Any recommendations for group therapists in NYC??

like

Have any of you found it worthwhile to think about why you are an addict? Care to share?

like

Has anyone ever messed up at a company party because of alcohol?

like

I went to the lease this last weekend. Not one drop of alcohol was had. That was the closest I’ve come to caving. 4 wheelers, killing dinner with big guns, doing manly things in God’s country. Beer is an absolute necessity during these events. Anyhow, I didn’t drink. Proud of myself. Monumental moment for me.

likeuplifting

Pause. Breathe. Proceed.
⏸ 🌬 ▶️

like

I buy things I don’t need and don’t know how to fix it. I always blamed it on “drunk buying” but I’ve been sober for 355 days and it persists. I know I buy things in an effort to fill a void and try to feel something so I buy “things” but it doesn’t help and I know it. Any thoughts or suggestions?

like

For everyone in recovery, please reach out and stay in touch with your people. Isolation is a killer.

like

Just taking the opportunity to get current. Sober 3 years and 10 months. This past couple weeks have been stressful and my mind slipped into fantasizing about my drug of choice. Last week I flipped out at some of my wife's family. I did an amends and I think time will heal this one. It's all up to HP. Although I have neglected my morning practice this week, I'm practicing self compassion with positive self talk.

like

Hey all, just claiming my seat on a Saturday night. Was just struggling and another comment helped me get back to a healthy space. If anyone is struggling tonight, know there’s one fellow here thinking of you

likeuplifting

I’m sober curious. I’m also about to help a new non-alcoholic spirit company with their launch.
I have a question for people in recovery. If a brand were to contend that sobriety is a spectrum, or allow for that to a least be part of the conversation, how does that make you feel? Are other brands doing a good job of being inclusive of people who are truly sober?
(I get that NA drinks / spirits can be triggering for people in recovery)
Thank you.

like

Went for a pre-employment drug test yesterday. They never asked me if I was on any medications. I had to ask them and was told "oh yeah, just put any you may think make a difference in this text box." I put Xanax, Flexeril, and gabapentin. All of which are prescribed and used as directed. Now I'm terrified that I should have put ALL my meds, to including my psych meds. I've been sober over 12 years and never touched drugs (just booze) but I'm having a full blown panic attack.

like

I am sex addict. I have to continue to remind myself that I am always in recovery. Had a major acting out a month ago, lost my fiancé and just taking one day at a time. That’s all I can do. Just remind myself so I don’t stop working

like

Covid has been hard. March 2029- December 2020 I drank a lot to cope without realizing it. January- March I didn't realize I was depressed. March I came to terms with increase and ongoing suicidal ideation and needed help.

I went into a intensive outpatient program (IOP) which has been super helpful.

During the beginning of covid I drank every day and in a great deal. January it was a "dry" month which was hard the first week but overall great.

March 2021 realized I'm clinically depressed.

like

Has anyone tried using Kratom to help with an addiction to opiates? Does Kratom itself get addictive if you start using it for a while?

likehelpful

Acceptance is the answer.

Post Photo
like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal