Flatline stories...please!

[Crackers1]

So , I'm feeling very depressed. I'm coming up on 40 days, and I feel like giving up. I hear all these stories about success, and I feel like I'm gonna be left here with ED for the rest of my life. Damn I wish I never started looking at porn! I'm just moping around trying to get through the day. I've never experienced anything so soul wrenching and depressing. I don't call my friends, I don't interact with anybody, I can't even gauge what my sex drive is right now. Could I be going through flatline? Any similar experiences with, good outcomes because I am just so so miserable

 

[TryingHarder]

A reboot is a confusing time, Crackers. I would recommend re-connecting with friends and interacting with people - it will definitely help. Even if you reach out to someone and say "listen, I'm feeling really weird right now, it would help to hang out" that would be a good start.

Also, if you concentrate too much on the ED, you'll continue to feel anxious and desperate. I know, I know - a man needs his boner. But the porn addiction has messed with your mental health, and improving that is a lot more important than a reliable erection in the long term.

 

[Blondie]

Hey @Crackers1, although I completely understand the depression and anxiety of not knowing what's going on with you man downstairs (I've been there!) I agree with @TryingHarder that it's better to focus on your mental and physical health at this point in the game. That is what will carry you through on this recovery. However, you man will get better, it's practically guaranteed, but you can't hang your happiness on that, because it will come and go for quite a while.

Best

 

[Carl_Smith]

My flatline was 45 days. No libido / erections. But frankly I didn't care because I was happy to be free from slavery of screens and porn. The other effects could be related to your own mindset and attitude. If you think withdrawals are going to be hard, then they probably will be.... you should be frigging overjoyed at being 40 days off this poison!!! keep it up!

 

[Crackers1]

Thanks guys (and maybe gals). I sure dont feel better...but at this point I am fully amersed in it now.One other question. I was hearing something about, even if you are not looking at porn or other physical images that even ogling through Youtube and other sights like Tik Tok can still keep those dopamine receptors going.Is that true? To me, that seems accurate. I'm thinking of abandoning the internet all togetther and justchecking in here and my email.

 

[TryingHarder]

I'm thinking of abandoning the internet all togetther and justchecking in here and my email.

That's a good plan. What you described (YouTube, TikTok, etc) is known as a "porn substitute" and it can be dangerous to your recovery. You think "it's not porn" or "I just wanna see something a little sexy, no big deal" but that usually leads back to porn. You have to cut out all arousing digital content. Easier said than done, but it's very important. Generally speaking, the world could use a break from the internet!

 

[GBS]

It’s very simple. If it turns you on, it;s a no no. We all know what we should avoid.

Good luck. Flatline screws with your head but it is a really good sign that you are on the right path. It gets better, I promise you that.