Not even sure where to start this.I've been addicted to porn since I was about 15. I'm 39 now and the porn induced anxiety and depression have become way to much to bare. I started my journey a few days ago and had quite the scare on day 3. I would typically watch porn and masturbate first thing in the morning. Yesterday morning when I woke up my heart was racing and I felt like I had a full blown panic attack. Cold sweats, shallow breathing and almost passed out. Had to wake my wife up and have her take me to the ER. Dr. Checked me over and everything came out fine. I am determined to not get back on this train. It 6am on morning 4 and I'm having a similar feeling to yesterday but not as bad. Racing heart beat and the anxiety is there but no cold sweats and I don't feel as if I'm going to pass out. Has anyone ever experienced such strong withdrawals? If so I'm curious about your experience. It's kinda freaking me out. So glad to have found this forum as I feel it will be a big help. Thanks for reading and please share your withdrawal experiences. Thanks!
Hello R, First let me congratulate you on your turn in direction. You have made an incredibly good decision. What's going to follow is a season or challenges that will br unique to you in a degree with some cross-over in comparison to other peoples' experiences. It will be well well worth it and I think you already know that. I experienced these symptoms. Multiple times. It was the worst at first. I went through a season where I'd typically go around a week and relapse again and again. That only extended the anxiety issues. I had to fight through anxiety, anxiety attacks, onsets of fear/bewilderment/doubt/lethargy and the confusion of facing such sorts of symptoms in the first place and the crazy reality that this is what WAS ACTUALLY HAPPENING. I went to VA urgent care multiple times always being told I had really solid vitals and good health. After hearing that same report from the doctors for FOUR urgent csre visits it really sunk in what was going on. I experienced your symptoms it passed. I'd say to expect it, like an upcomming major expense, a long rough week at work at the end of the quarter, etc. This is part of the life, the season you are in. It will pass. A key point is to note thst you determine how long it can last: relapsing csn extend this season of intermitant anxiety. Be strong in your effort to avoid relapse and it will pass. Happy to hear you are on the journey. Keep the goal in sight, you got this!
So I'm going to keep this going as sort of a personal journal. Today's withdrawl symptoms improved but I'm probably still only operating at 50%. My physically demanding job is really rough right now. Thankfully I have an awesome cousin who works with me. I was able to open up to him today and he is willing to help as much as possible. I'm very blessed to have a great support system. I'm a cannabis smoker and that helps with the nausea. It's crazy how my highs have become more chill and enjoyable since I have stopped. It kills me to think I've been doing this to myself for 20yrs now but I'm coming to peace with it . I'm happy with the journey so far. I have to remember to enjoy the journey so I will begin to get dopamine kicks from it!
I had several severe migraines that I know were anxiety-related during my first month of NoFap. It was awful, painful, and left me bedridden for a day. I am a 30+ year addict, so I think the withdrawal symptoms were proportionally bad. Better now though. Keep up the fight!
Woke up this morning with quite a bit of anxiety and just overall not feeling the greatest. I'm fighting a cold as well so I'm sure that is contributing some. Not sleeping the greatest because of that. But hey another day gone. Starting to have some sexual urges towards my wife but scared to pull the trigger anytime soon for fear of relapse. Thankfully she's super supportive.
Lots of anxiety this morning again. The mornings seem to be the worst. Today that anxiety was accompanied with nausea and fatigue. Worked for a little and immediately came back home to rest because I felt exhausted. Hopefully as the day goes I will start to feel better.
