What was the lowest/darkest/toughest time in ur life & how did u pull yourself out of it?

I'll let you know..

Get fit, chase women. You'll pull out of it real quick like

Woke up one day and was a little less awesome than previous times.
Decided to be more awesome from then on out.

I divorced an alcoholic. I'll let the OT know when I'm over it (2014).

How old are you?

You say you are rather young.

That means you still have lots of life ahead of you to make changes to your life and still have time to bounce back if those changes end up being mistakes.


I won't say my lowest time in my life because it is a story I only share with those closest to me. But I got out of it eventually by just thinking that things will get better. That one day I will look back on this period and be thankful that is neatly tucked away in my past.

I hope things get better for you.

I just celebrated two years of sobriety yesterday.

After my second deployment in 2009, I developed a heavy drinking problem, consuming 14-18 beers per night, every single night, 365, for 8 years straight. Short stretches of not drinking we’re involuntary due to Uncle Sam. I didn’t want to live anymore, or rather just numb everything. I wasn’t going to die by my own hand, so I chose alcohol to do it for me.

I came out of the closet in March, 2017. I wasn’t planning to that evening. It happened while having drinks on the patio with my wife. I sat there in silence for a minute, when my body started Into choking sobs and tears. I couldn’t control my thoughts and words, ugly crying in a way I had never done. I came out to my wife as trans after dealing with it for nearly 35 years.

I quit smoking two packs a day, cold turkey on July 5th.
I quit drinking cold turkey on July 31st.
I retired from the Army, September 2018.

I’m still here. Sober, happy, at peace. Transitioning is the hardest thing that I’ve ever gone through. I am still married. My sons still love me, my family still loves me. My friends are still around and supportive. I am blessed and incredibly fortunate.

I know some of y’all don’t understand or agree with what I am. I’m trying to live my life just like everyone else.

I was in a coma a few years ago and when I woke up my muscles had atrophied to the point that I could only move my arms and turn my neck. I spent weeks worrying that I'd never be able to walk or even stand again. Lying in the same position for hours and relying on assistance to even adjust yourself or take a piss is not a good feeling. I became pretty depressed at this time.

I eventually transferred to physical therapy and after six months I was able to at least take 50 steps or so with the aid of a walker but was mostly confined to a wheelchair. I eventually regained most of my mobility but still use a cane.

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I would love to hear any good stories on how fellow OTers have pushed through tough times.

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There wasn't any magic trick. I just woke up every day and put as much effort into physical therapy as I could. There wasn't an alternative. Having a dedicated and supportive wife was probably my best asset in getting through that.

I had to borrow $1000 from my sister at age 23 for living expenses. Was eating rice and eggs. This was 15 yrs ago.

Going through it right now too. I truly hope you find balance and happiness. I hope the same for me too.