Benzo Mornings: Anxiety, Symptoms, and Loneliness

Benzo withdrawal is personal. It’s intimate. And most of all, it can be very isolating. Fear and loneliness are pervasive in withdrawal and we frequently crave understanding, compassion, and connection. But does it really have to be that way?

In today’s episode, I share my thoughts and struggles with anxiety, symptoms, fear, and loneliness from a recent road trip to Kansas City. We also have a question about hypochondria, a story from California, and a brief discussion about the loss of social skills.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzo-mornings-anxiety-symptoms-and-loneliness-bfp071

Video ID: BFP071

Chapters

00:00 Theme

00:57 INTRODUCTION

03:05 Social Awkwardness

06:10 MAILBAG: Hypochondria

12:10 BENZO STORY: Kim’s Story

21:40 FEATURE: Introduction

23:23 Good Morning / Morning Anxiety

25:28 Back to Basics

26:35 Alone on the Road

28:46 A Place to Recharge

30:51 Knowing Ourselves

32:58 Benzo Moments / Differences

34:35 Getting Up

35:47 Good Evening

36:18 I Still Struggle / Mistakes

38:25 Anxiety is a Lonely Business

43:23 Distancing / Taking Chances

45:37 Connecting with You

51:33 Closing

53:40 MOMENT OF PEACE

 

Resources

The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein.

BENZO STORY

• Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC)

 

Introduction

Today’s intro was short. I spoke briefly about a new symptom of mine, TMJ, and explored the loss of social skills some of us may face as we heal from benzo withdrawal.

 

Mailbag

In today’s mailbag we explored a question from Chris in Melbourne, Australia about hypochondria and the insatiable quest for answers about our ongoing parade of symptoms.

 

Benzo Story

Today’s story is one of hope from Kim in California.

 

Feature

Today’s feature is a unique one. I share my thoughts and struggles during those alone times on the road. It’s almost become a tradition here on the Benzo Free Podcast, that when I take a road trip I record my musings from the road, from the hotel rooms, and from those difficult mornings we all face. And this recent trip to Kansas City a couple of weeks back, was no different.

In today’s feature, I discuss the consistent loneliness and isolation we face, especially when we are without, or away from, those we love. I also talk about the lack of true understanding from those around us for what the experience of benzo withdrawal is truly like, the mistakes I’ve made along the way, and the habits many of us practice which isolate us and even push others away just when we need them the most.

 

The Podcast

The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata).

WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com

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YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx

DISCLAIMER

All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.

CREDITS

Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio

— https://www.storyblocks.com

Benzo Free Theme

— Title: “Walk in the Park”

— Artist: Neil Cross

PRODUCTION

Easing Anxiety is produced by…

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