Christmas of 2016 I created a private Facebook group where people could give me their ideas about a benzo withdrawal book I wanted to write. I began writing it Januray 2017, but kept hitting a wall I just couldn’t seem to get over. Then, that spring, the words (finally) started flowing. I was excited! I could see the book in my mind’s eye. I knew what I wanted it to contain. Happily, I sat at my desk and wrote and wrote and wrote. Then my setback happened that summer and life as I knew it went right out the window.
I was so astounded and befuddled by the setback that I couldn’t write. In fact, I was so thrown off guard, and so sick that I stopped communicating with people in benzo withdrawal. I closed this site. I took down my Benzo Withdrawal Help Facebook page and I unfriended over five hundred people on Facebook. I couldn’t bear to read or hear the word benzo. I had suffered enough, and I had heard enough of other’s suffering. I promised myself I was done with anything benzo. Forever.
But, the benzo community wasn’t done with me. Thankfully. People reached out to me, sending me their best wishes and prayers. I was deeply touched and I thank you all. As I slowly but surely healed from my setback, my heart (and mind) grew strong again and I could once again cope with the suffering of those in benzo withdrawal. Not only that, but I had a renewed interest and dedication to those still trudging that long and lonely road. It was as if my setback was the catylst for an incredible upward spiral in my life. I gained more courage and wisdom than I could possibly imagine!
I’m happy to tell you that the book I envisioned in December of 2016 is now being written. It is a guide to benzo withdrawal as well as a workbook you can use to track your tapering, symptoms, explore coping skills, stay on top of nutrition, jot down questions for your doctor, write your fears and concerns, ponder strategies for relating to family and friends, your dreams for the future when you are well, etc. (And, you will be well again. I promise.)
I’m so grateful to be back among my benzo buddies. I’m grateful that I am well enough to be of service again. I’ll keep you posted on how the book is coming along. In the meantime, please reach out and let me know what topics you’d like to read about in my future blog.
Keep healing!
Hello dear jen.. yes, you were missed but not forgotten. I pray for you often. I’m a year out from my last benzo dose and doing well ..especially as my dad died this summer and my dear mom has dementia.. it’s been hard though. Jackie in Edinburgh. .. are you still on board?? Lots of love and big blessings from nicki in Birmingham UK xxxxxx😇
I’m so glad that you are better! It was hard to hear that you had such a severe setback. Your blog had been immensely helpful to me and keeps me on track with my withdrawal. thanks for coming back, I look forward to your posts.
I am glad to hear you are free and doing well. I am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing and your mother’s dementia. I know you’ve been through so much caring for them. I can’t thank you enough for your kind words and friendship. Means a great deal. Stay in touch, please. And know that even though you are doing well, in time, you’ll be even better than ever. We keep improving. Take good care of yourself.
Hi Jen, another day that I’m so grateful to see your email my box. Some things that I would like to read about or that I find helpful for me are: how to deal with pain, the practice of gratitude, journaling exercises that are expensive and enjoyable …. really, anything that provides the opportunity to grow and is a positive distraction. Thanks again! I have held you close for months and months and respect fully stopped sending emails … even ones meant for your encouragement. (((Hugs)))
Well… LOL… It looks like I have many misspellings in that response.
Dr.Jenn, Welcome back! You have been in my prayers !! I have been weaning off of klonopin for a year and half! Its been a really rough road. One topic i would like you to touch on is how can i possibly explain to my family what is actually happening to me. I know they are hurting for me but i also feel that they tend to just say nothing and hope my withdrawals just simply go away . I need hugs, not necessarily words !! Thank you Dr. Jenn ! God Bless joann
I’ll do my best to write something about this topic. Getting friends and family to understand what we are going through is a challenge, I know. The symptoms are so bizarre, and it can go on for so long. Thanks for your suggestion.
Hi Jen I have missed reading your blogs, it is so good that you are well again. I admire you for never giving up, and thank you for being there since the beginning of my horror nightmare. A big hello to Nicola, you were always in my thoughts, and I’m so sorry for your loss must have been awful for you. I am now 15 months from c/t and better than I was but still a long road to travel. I am so glad you are back Jen, you are a true friend to many. Love and hugs across the Pond. Jackie . Edinburgh 💗
Love to you as well, Jackie.