So, wait...I think I got this wrong...

[[Mi...]]

I feel like I am being a pest here, sorry, but it's a bad week.

 

As I have been reading today, I notice that some people say "withdrawal" and "taper" as if they are separate things. Somehow, I was under the impression that a slow taper meant withdrawal.  In other words, I have been beating myself up for not being better after jumping a few weeks ago, and now, if I am reading things right, I realize my "withdrawal" didn't really begin until the day I stopped, even though I was on such a low dose by the time I jumped.  Is this true? If so, then it would be normal that after 2 weeks of feeling pretty good, a small life stressor sent me into a week of anxiety and depression.  Am I understanding this?

[[wo...]]

MissMercy,

 

I believe withdrawal is the negative effects felt after a drug has been lessened.  If you had no symptoms during tapering, you didn't suffer withdrawal symptoms.  You might not suffer any at all!

 

Setbacks are very common when coming off benzos.  Just remind yourself that the anxiety and depression isn't you; it's chemicals in your brain.

 

ty

[[be...]]

I feel like I am being a pest here, sorry, but it's a bad week.

 

As I have been reading today, I notice that some people say "withdrawal" and "taper" as if they are separate things. Somehow, I was under the impression that a slow taper meant withdrawal.  In other words, I have been beating myself up for not being better after jumping a few weeks ago, and now, if I am reading things right, I realize my "withdrawal" didn't really begin until the day I stopped, even though I was on such a low dose by the time I jumped.  Is this true? If so, then it would be normal that after 2 weeks of feeling pretty good, a small life stressor sent me into a week of anxiety and depression.  Am I understanding this?

 

A slow gradual taper is the best way to minimize symptoms both during and after a taper.  You are fortunate that you did not start feeling withdrawal symptoms until after your "jump".

[[Tr...]]

It's always good to have a plan for when you feel a wave or strees coming on. There may be things that can help you keep calm, like distraction, exercise or meditation. When life stressors happen it's good to know there are things you can do to lessen their impact.