No emotions

[Guest [re...]]

I've lost my ability to laugh. I can't feel joy. Fear and sadness are my only emotions. I used to laugh all the time. I can't even enjoy the shows on tv that I used to. I have zero interest in anything.  I've isolated myself from everyone except my husband because they don't understand and I don't want to burden them. I'm too sick to drive and see a therapist. I have agoraphobia. This is not a way to live. I want my old life back.

[[...]]

I can so relate, redoeach! Some days I just don't care about anything! It's getting better as I get lower on my taper. I really try to distract myself anyway I can. So sorry you are struggling! I understand and you are not alone! Sending love and support!

[[si...]]

hello redpeach. Sometimes just getting through the day is all we can do and is a major accomplishment. I understand how you feel. Hugs!

[Guest [re...]]

Thank you both. I'm hanging on.  I wish you both a window of a day.

[[Op...]]

So sorry you are struggling redpatch. I can relate to you too. Perhaps go even slower. Instead of the 0.1mg dose drops every day perhaps try them every week or so. I realize this is tediously slow but after 8 years in benzo's our brains need a lot of time to adjust. I took my last 5 mg of Valium too quickly. I'm off now within 7 weeks of tapering 11 weeks from 10-0 and now I've had a delayed acute withdrawal that I can't take back.

If I had it to do over I would go so so much slower. 8 years is enough time to restructure our brains on these powerful drugs. The brain has an amazing capacity to heal but it takes time. Give your brain these miniature drops and time in between to heal. I suggest no more drops in dose until you feel normal again. Be extremely patient and begin to feel and live your life again.

I'm very regretful of the time I have and will waste being in withdrawal. Even if I were to be fine tomorrow it was the biggest setback and most painful experience of my life. My biggest takeaway from this is go slow less symptoms equals a happier you!

 

[[Ca...]]

Anhedonism... think thats the right spelling...

 

But yes, a taper speed that matches tolerable symptoms can help...

 

[[wy...]]

I would suggest holding steady until you feel stable - sometimes I think all feelings just 'switch off' in self-protection.  I went through the same thing when I needed to stop Effexor years ago so I understand the empty, dead feeling - horrible!

Don't make the mistake of starting something new in an effort to revive feelings, especially not alcohol!!! 

It might help to read through the forum about the horrible side effects you're NOT having!

Hang tight - it will pass.  Research as much as you are able.  Knowledge is power.

Best of luck,

Wynne

 

[[ne...]]

Red peach,

 

I hadn't laughed in well over a month--my husband might say months. I've been tapering since May and mostly have lived in hell. That being said, some of the mental symptoms have started to lift. I am not holding. Just continuing to cut slow. I laughed many times this week. I still don't feel normal emotionally and I am quick to get testy, but the hysteria and absolute loss of pleasure is lifting. I have no idea why. I have a long way to go. Just don't give up hope. Things in this game change in an instant