Hello

[[td...]]

My reasons for joining is because I have read this site through the first 3 weeks of my w/ds. I took an small amount of Benzos for the last 10 years .25-2mg a day...since i was 16 and to dumb to know better. I am now in week 3 and am losing hope this will end. I have gotten sick twice since i stopped. Most the hardcore stuff is over. I am still experiencing severe anxiety to the point it is crippling, via my intensified hypochondria. I keep thinking ive got cancer or aids, or liver problems. Im wondering how long until I will get better because this is this shit that makes people kill themselves. Thanks

[[me...]]

Hello tdc71389.  Welcome to the forum, we're glad you found us!  Congratulations on getting off benzos.  Hypochondria is one of the most common benzo withdrawal symptoms, it was my worst mental symptom.  This and all the other symptoms will get better as you heal, and in benzo withdrawal, three weeks off is still early in the game.  Acute withdrawal can last for a few months, and after that there is usually a healing process which is rapid for some, an not so rapid for others.  Depression is another common symptom, and so are unwanted thoughts which in a few people may manifest as morbid or suicidal ideation.  However, these symptoms also go away as you heal.  Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

Post-Withdrawal Recovery Support.

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field.  She describes and explains withdrawal symptoms, and there is also a section with withdrawal/taper schedules.

 

Please take the time to Create a Signature.  This will allow others to see where you are in the process so they can better support you.

 

Again, welcome!

 

 

[[Fr...]]

Dear tdc,

 

May G-d bless you with peace. I, too, suffer from hypochondriasis (aka Health Anxiety) and did so prior to withdrawal. It's one of the primary reasons I took Xanax in the first place.  Withdrawal definitely kicks it up. And while I have three week post-Jump, it is my prevailing symptom. I expected that, since it's the anxiety I suffered from. To reassure you, I have seen many doctors for my symptoms and all tests are fine. Thank G-d.   It is hard, I know, to talk yourself down from that, but what is primarily important is that you stay determined to be off benzodiazepines. I am learning to manage my anxiety through breathing and meditation. It will take a while to change my brain, but I'm committed to doing it.