Today is day 17 for me. I am dealing with some SERIOUS exhaustion. It was not like this last week. I feel so exhausted. I have treated this streak differently from all the others. Not only have I not watched porn or masturbated, but I haven't even allowed myself to get any kind of relief. Even if a mere sexual thought pops into my head, I don't even let that manifest into any feelings of chemical pleasure, whatsoever. Do you know what I mean? I feel like it's sort of an indescribable feeling. In previous streaks, I would literally feel the dopamine rush of sexual stimulation. Even if I didn't masturbate, I still felt a flood of excitement. But for this streak - for the past 17 days - I haven't even let myself experience even that. I believe it's made all the difference. But here's what I'm dealing with: extreme fatigue. Sleep is feeling disrupted, I feel somewhat bloated, a general sense of dysphoria, occasional feelings of sadness, etc. Have anyone else experienced these symptoms? I don't ever remember experiencing such exhaustion. Could I be going through a withdrawal phase? Holy shit, this is real. Porn and masturbation are real addictions. Holy shit. I'm starting to see, for the first time, how it ruined my previous life. All my wonderful relationships with beautiful, educated, wonderful women. All those times I could have faced my problems. I gave in. Am I exaggerating? Am I just now seeing clearly the transparency of it all? Why am I so tired?
Yep, this addiction is one big challenge! Mentally and physically it can be exhausting. In my experience the exhaustion is probably due to me replacing my acting out with other activities - namely exercise, walking, and finally doing all the odd jobs I've been putting off. More physicalll than sitting with my iPhone and looking at porn. But I also agree the sheer level of focus to beat this addiction is draining in itself. Are you getting enough good sleep at night? Drinking plenty of water? Taking time to meditation and get in tune with your body? They should help you too. Keep up the good work!
I haven´t had these symptoms yet I´m still on my first week but I bet they´re only withdrawal symptoms and they will go away soon. I think you´re doing great just don´t give up. Think of what your life can turn into without PMO. It´ll get much better. YOU CAN DO IT. BE STRONG.
First time? If you were heavy, you will have some bad days, but it will get better. Just try hard not to relapse because you want a better life. Obviously, if you DO relapse, you just start over and try and resolve to do it better and harder. Make sure you are eating healthy though, and stop thinking so hard. Chances are a lot of your exhaustion is coming from your mental effort. Honestly, I have not had many issues since my latest "stop" or my first one last year, but then again, I had been trying for years to quit (without knowing about NoFap). The problem is this: We feel like shit, so we go and fap, not knowing that we feel like shit because we fap. Its a wicked cycle, and it takes your brain a full year to break it. Hang in there bud, I don't know your age, but just be fucking happy you found out about this young.
Yes those are your withdrawal symptoms. However part of it may also be due to your technique. Make sure you are trying to focus on something else, rather than just suppressing thoughts.
