Need encouragement, not sure I can do this.

[[Mi...]]

I am not ok and I am to the brink dealing with health anxiety and thoughts of death. They consume me and I can't stand it anymore. My family can't stand it anymore. I just don't know what to do. Please help me.

[[bi...]]

We are in acute. I'm going through that now also. Please know you are not alone. I keep asking myself "Was I like this before the drug?" and if the answer is no, chances are it is the withdrawl. That helps me somewhat get through. But I do feel your pain. You are not alone. Hang in there and message me if you ever need to talk.

[[Sh...]]

Hi Michelle,

 

I'm so sorry you are so miserable and suffering.  If I read your signature right, you are only 3 weeks after completing your Xanax/valium taper and jumping.  You are in the early days of acute withdrawal when symptoms are at their worst.  Please remember that acute is temporary and the symptoms will get better over time.  Distract yourself as best you can.  Whatever takes your mind off the symptoms.  I lay in bed binge watching Netflix, playing online scrabble, and coming here to find validation and support.  You will get through this!  I'm sending you good vibes and positive thoughts for hope and strength to hang on for the journey.  You CAN do this.  It will get better.  Promise!

 

She

[[Mi...]]

Thank you for the encouragement, I really appreciate it. About how long is the acute phase? I thought the worst part was supposed to be when I started tapering -- and it was really bad for a couple of weeks -- but this ongoing health anxiety...I feel like I am just waiting  to be diagnosed with something. I even try and not to look or touch my body because I know that something will set me off and send me down the rabbit hole again. Yesterday I was trying to look under my eyelids because it's become that bad. I really need some relief.

[[pn...]]

Thank you for the encouragement, I really appreciate it. About how long is the acute phase? I thought the worst part was supposed to be when I started tapering -- and it was really bad for a couple of weeks -- but this ongoing health anxiety...I feel like I am just waiting  to be diagnosed with something. I even try and not to look or touch my body because I know that something will set me off and send me down the rabbit hole again. Yesterday I was trying to look under my eyelids because it's become that bad. I really need some relief.

 

I know about the fear of looking at or touching your own body in fear of finding a swelling or a lump. It does fade away. I still don't like looking at myself, but only because I look awful. This does take it's toll.

[[Sh...]]

Thank you for the encouragement, I really appreciate it. About how long is the acute phase? I thought the worst part was supposed to be when I started tapering -- and it was really bad for a couple of weeks -- but this ongoing health anxiety...I feel like I am just waiting  to be diagnosed with something. I even try and not to look or touch my body because I know that something will set me off and send me down the rabbit hole again. Yesterday I was trying to look under my eyelids because it's become that bad. I really need some relief.

 

Hi Michelle,

 

My acute phase lasted 4-5 months, but it is different for everyone.  Many BB's report that they saw significant improvement after about 3 months.  Health anxiety is very common in withdrawal.  I too had that.  I saw my PCP, a cardiologist, a neurologist and an ENT doc.  All my tests and evaluations were negative.  This allowed me to reassure myself that it was withdrawal.  Also as BillyBatts pointed out, if you didn't have certain symptoms before withdrawal and now you do, its most likely withdrawal.  Bu t if you haven't done so already, a routine physical by your PCP might be worth doing just for peace of mind. 

 

She