Knackered Sets Ground Rules with Benzos

   Hey there, Knackered here.  One of the things that I’ve found essential while on the Benzo road is that some type of personal boundaries and ground rules are needed if you plan on surviving. ‘The problem with trying to set these lies in the fact that we often set higher standards for ourselves than we do for other people.’

   The basis for setting ground rules are many, but ‘most importantly they protect our mental and physical wellbeing.  We need to decide where the lines are drawn.  What is okay to us; what is acceptable and what is not.’  This kind of stuff is personal.  So take what you want and leave the rest.

   You might want to start out with something that will help you sort your way through the day.  Thus, setting a safe and doable routine works well.

Since we’re often prone to just letting things happen to us, we need to take action to keep some sort of control in all of this.  Due to the cuts we make and the unknown timetable of our symptoms, controlling what you can will make your life a whole lot easier.  Take it easy on yourself.  We’re not talking about setting any goals of achievement here.

   Second, if you’ve ever valued self care in your life, now is the time to ramp it up.  Folks on the BB site are all over this stuff.  Everything from diet and supplements to exercise and meditation are on the menu.  Again, take what works for you and disregard the rest.  Whatever you do decide to do, it’s got to be laced with self compassion and empathy.

   You’ve probably found that family, friends, and partners may be at their wits end when it comes to dealing with you.  Whatever the case, finding a support system is of the upmost importance.  Hopefully, a lot of this can happen with the people you encounter daily, but if that’s not the case, search out a therapist that can have your back.  The group we’re in is a safe landing place.  You shouldn’t encounter any judgement and no one has yet to tell me that my questions are too stupid or naive.

   And finally, although this is actually a part of self care, find things to do that will distract you enough so that you can have a life.  Books are my big go to.  If you can’t do the pages, words and lines, finding good ‘reads’ on audible may work best.   Jogging may need to go the way of yoga, accompanied by a phone app with music. That half acre garden on the community plot can be turned into a herb garden or pots of colorful annuals on your kitchen window sill or patio.

   Remember, too, that you only have so much energy to ‘throw around.’ So try to swap out one activity for another of more importance, allow plenty of rest time, and just face the fact that you’re in a state of healing for the time being.  No one can fault you for that. (Quotes are adapted from helpingyousparkle.com.)