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Call: 116 123 (UK) Web: samaritans.org Samaritans’ purpose, to be there for people who are struggling to cope and in times of crisis, is as vital as ever. We need to keep adapting and innovating, to provide a safe space for all of those who will need us in the coming decades. To achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide, we also need to do more to broaden our impact in society, working with others to make change that saves lives. To develop our strategy, we worked closely with people who have contacted Samaritans, been affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts, and those who volunteer and work with us or support us. With their help, we identified our main priorities for the next five years: Access Reach Impact Capacity Sustainability

Anxiety Canada™ is a leader in developing free online, self-help, and evidence-based resources on anxiety. We are the developers of the award-winning free MindShift™ CBT app for iOS and Android devices, which helps Canadians manage anxiety using scientifically proven strategies. We also serve Canadians by developing services and programs they can trust, including our online directory (Finding Help), and our online courses (My Anxiety Plans). A registered charity and non-profit organization, Anxiety Canada was established more than twenty years ago to raise awareness about anxiety, and to support access to proven resources and treatment. We have many volunteers from coast to coast who bring expertise to Anxiety Canada, including a Scientific Advisory Committee, a Youth Committee, and a Board of Directors. Visit this Resource Website: https://www.anxietycanada.com Free PDF Resources https://www.anxietycanada.com/free-downloadable-pdf-resources

Text: “HOME” to 741741 (U.S.) Text: “CONNECT” to 741741 (Canada) Text: “SHOUT” to 85258 (U.K.) Text: “HELLO” to 50808 (Ireland) Web: www.crisistextline.org Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.

After earning a doctorate in psychology, Dr. Jennifer Leigh, “Dr. Jenn,” became a coach. As an award-winning author, she appeared on national radio and TV. Her work was showcased in top-tier newspapers and magazines. Psychology Today asked her to be a contributor. But that coaching career came to a halt when the benzodiazepine she took as prescribed damaged her brain. Dr. Jenn blogged honestly about her ordeal, sharing her experience with others. Recovered, she helps people around the world who are in benzo withdrawal. Dr. Jenn trained under the top traumatologists, Dr. Peter Levin and Bessel van Der Kolk, and is certified in Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University, and studies in the Gut Microbiome. Visit this Resource Website: benzowithdrawalhelp.com Podcast Interview Listen to our interviews with Jennifer Leigh on the Benzo Free Podcast: Benzo Community, Healing, and Support https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzo-community-healing-and-support-w-jennifer-leigh Finding Faith, Hope and Acceptance in Benzo Withdrawal: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/a-conversation-with-jennifer-leigh-psyd-benzo-free-podcast-episode-14

It’s 2020, can you believe it? Another year has passed and a new one is just beginning. And this new year is going to be amazing! Sure, that may sound like wishful thinking, but what’s wrong with that? We ended the year at Benzo Free remembering to be grateful for the good things in life, and I think we should start the new year on a similar path. …this new year is going to be amazing! As most of you know, I have taken a short hiatus this past week so there will be no new episode of the podcast this Wednesday. This flu my wife and I picked up is taking its sweet time and we’re still recovering. I thank you for your patience and we’ll be back with a new episode of the podcast on January 8th. While I was recovering, though, I did have plenty of time to mull over what 2020 might have in store for our little podcast and website. Between my OCD brain and your amazing suggestions, we are not suffering from a shortage of ideas. There are some exciting opportunities, along with a few hurdles, but I think it’s going to be a great year. Please stay tuned for more information soon. …wish you and your loved ones an amazing new year full of good health, calm thoughts, and lots of joy and happiness. But most of all, Shana and I want to let you know that we are thinking of you this holiday season and that we wish you and your loved ones an amazing new year full of good health, calm thoughts, and lots of joy and happiness. Oh, and Bear says hi too. Keep calm, taper slowly, and take care of yourself, D :)

Call: 0800 068 4141 (UK) Text: 07860 039967 Web: papyrus-uk.org PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Suicide is the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK. We believe that suicide is preventable. PAPYRUS was founded in 1997 by a group of bereaved parents, who had each lost children to suicide. Our founding parents shared core beliefs that suicide is preventable, and that those of us with lived experience of suicide have a valuable and unique contribution to make to the wider conversation around suicide. Since then, PAPYRUS has grown into a UK-wide charity with offices in north west England, south west England, West Midlands, London, Northern Ireland, north Wales, south Wales, and Scotland. Today, we are a leading youth suicide prevention charity in the UK. Our suicide prevention helpline, HOPELINEUK, is staffed by trained suicide prevention advisers, who work with young people – and anybody concerned for a young person – to help keep them safe from suicide. HOPELINEUK is a free and confidential call, text and email service, which is available from 9am to midnight, every day of the year. We deliver our suicide prevention education and training packages to thousands of people each year, to create suicide-safer communities across the UK. We also press for change to current legislation around suicide prevention on a regional and national level. The work we do centres around three key principles; Support Equip and Influence.

PostScript 360 is formally known as Battle Against Tranquillisers. We are committed to supporting individuals to reduce the harms caused by prescription drugs (benzodiazepines and similar drugs), associated with dependence and withdrawal through a wrap-around service of one to one therapy, group therapy and a telephone support service. We train health professions, promote awareness and prevention, as well as support people through advocacy. Visit this Resource Website: postscript360.org.uk

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of worry. They may also have physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety is not the same as fear, but they are often used interchangeably. Anxiety is considered a future-oriented, long-acting response broadly focused on a diffuse threat, whereas fear is an appropriate, present-oriented, and short-lived response to a clearly identifiable and specific threat. Visit this Resource Website: https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety

It’s that time of year again. Time to review, reminisce, and remember how far we have come. Even if you are in the middle of benzo withdrawal, there are always things to be grateful for. In today’s episode, the Benzo Free Community shares its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the good things in life. Wishing you all peace, love, and healing, now and for many years to come. D 😊 Video ID: BFP050 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:57 Introduction 14:27 Gratitudes 32:52 Moment of Peace The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Summary The story of a man who rapid-tapered from Klonopin and other psych meds to find success on the other side. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Klonopin (clonazepam), propranolol, Cymbalta (duloxotine), Rapid Taper, Symptoms, Doctors Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/the-pelvic-problem-benzo-symptoms-of-the-pelvis-and-lower-abdomen-bfp049 Content Warning Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content. If this is a concern for you, please refrain from reading any further. These stories are provided for informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Opinions stated are those of the author only. See our disclaimer at the bottom of this post for more information. Graham’s Story In August 2017, my wife Dawn and I decided to move from our house after 25 years living there. We found the house that we wanted in the place that we wanted, 260 miles away. Our two children had already left home. I started getting wonky and dizzy heads at 0300 and during the mornings. I didn’t feel stressed about the move, but what the heck. I was scared I had a tumor and that we would move and then I would die, leaving Dawn on her own in a strange town with no friends. I saw two consultants who both diagnosed migraine. I had a CT scan whilst on holiday in India, after I had my first and worst panic attack. It was clear. I had an MRI scan and it was clear. But the symptoms continued. When we arrived at our new home, I registered at the doctor and when she asked me if I had any health problems, I told her about the migraine diagnosis. She suggested propranolol (pro-PRAN-olol) [a beta blocker] as an inhibitor. I said yes. The biggest mistake I have made in my life. After a week of propranolol, I started to feel drained completely every day at about 1700. Then, things took a turn for the worse. It’s hard to describe, but I started to get a weird feeling in my left leg, and after a few hours my brain was telling me that I couldn’t live feeling this way. Then I started to shake internally, and then I started to plan my suicide. Then I started to shake internally, and then I started to plan my suicide. All of this happened in two days. I got an urgent appointment with the doctor and on the way there I was picturing jumping into the traffic and wondering how painful it might be before I died. I immediately came off the propranolol and was put on diazepam and I made an appointment to see a neurologist the next day. He put me on Duloxetine [an SSNRI for major depressive disorder] and said to taper the diazepam. I saw him a number of times over the next fortnight and I told him that I had started waking up at 0530 each day, with a panic attack. He prescribed clonazepam (Klonopin) at 0.5mg. He told me to take it 30 minutes before bed. It was a miracle drug. I never had another panic attack. He told me that it was a low dose and not to worry. He said that I could come off it when I am ‘better’. I had no idea that 4 weeks was the maximum recommended time on a benzo. In fact, at the time, I didn’t know what a benzo was. Four months later I was still getting dizzy, but this was in a different way, and as it is one of the side effects of duloxetine and clonazepam, I decided it was time to taper off, because I was not feeling suicidal or anxious in the same way, and was sleeping fine. Because I am who I am, I wrote my own taper plan, which started with the duloxetine because I figured that I started it first so I should stop it first. Wrong! My neurologist signed off my plan (of course). The taper lasted two months and the day I took the last duloxetine was the day I started my 30 day clonazepam taper, again signed off by the neurologist. Simply, I went from daily in week 1, to every other day in week 2, to every third day in week 3, to every fourth day in week 4, and then stopped. Best practice suggests that was rather too quick. It may well have been, and I can’t go back to find out but it has had one massive benefit: I knew that I had stopped putting this poison into my system, and that consequently, I was on the road to recovery. The symptoms may have been worse (we’ll never know), but I never had that crisis that so many people have where they drop a small amount and get symptoms and so decide to updose. We both know that the rush of symptoms can come at any time, for a myriad of reasons, and so their increase in symptoms could have been entirely co-incidental. They then make crooked decisions about updosing. So, my first three months of recovery weren’t pleasant. I had many of the listed symptoms, of which the worst was a wonky head, that made me feel unbalanced and ‘outside’ of myself. Add in anxiety, RLS, night-time pulsing and a few more. But then it got a whole lot worse between month 4-7, a whole lot worse. I felt as ill and as low as I have ever been in my 60 years. That’s when I found Benzo Buddies and started to learn. Would I have made it through without BB? Hard to say definitively, but it massively helped me through the next four months. And then at Month 8, out of nowhere, I could see something other than despair. It just happened. …there was something in my head that made the sum of the equation positive, rather than negative. Even when I was symptomatic, which was still every day, there was something in my head that made the sum of the equation positive, rather than negative. I can’t explain any better than that. Then I found your podcast and it re-affirmed so much of what I had gone through. It was, and is, fantastic for my recovery. I’m now at month 14 and I continue to improve. I still have days when my symptoms are worse and I wonder when, or if, this will ever come to an end. But, I have many more good days than before. So, when it comes to people like yourself D, it’s hard to know what to say. You guys are the real unlucky ones and I’m way luckier. But then, in the back of my mind, is the thought that it isn’t over, and who knows what will happen next? I was invited to become a moderator on Benzo Buddies, but I disagreed with their vetting procedure, and so it didn’t happen. I would love to give something back if I can, the opportunity just hasn’t made itself clear so far. After October, I will be back to my normal routine and I am looking forward to catching up with your latest episodes. Your work for all of us is brave and inspirational. You should be so proud. Best wishes, Graham Share Your Story We are always looking for new stories to share. Please visit our feedback form if you’d like to share your story with us and our community. Thank you. Disclaimer All stories shared on Easing Anxiety are done so with the author’s permission. These stories are provided for informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. The views and opinions expressed within are those of the author only, and do not necessarily reflect those of Easing Anxiety or its founder. Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content for certain segments of the population. While provided as an informational resource to our community, some stories may not be beneficial to those who are sensitive to their content. Regarding benzodiazepine withdrawal or BIND, most people can withdraw safely, successfully, and without serious complications if they are informed and have a solid support system. Many of the stories shared on Easing Anxiety are extreme and should not be used to create any expectations of one’s individual experience. Please read the Ashton Manual for more information and work with your doctor. Withdrawal, tapering, or any other change in dosage of benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines (Z-drugs), or any other prescription medication should only be done under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. View our complete disclaimer for more info.

Our gut takes a big hit in benzo withdrawal, but digestive difficulties are only part of it. Pelvic pain, cramps, aching, urinary difficulties, sexual dysfunction, and many other complications of the lower abdomen can be part of the overall picture. In today’s episode, we focus on symptoms of the lower abdomen and pelvis including pelvic floor dysfunction. We also explore the difficulties of poor reading comprehension, discuss a mother’s quest to help her son with violent tendencies, and hear a story of success from the United Kingdom. Video ID: BFP049 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:57 Introduction 08:31 Mailbag 20:10 Benzo Story 28:37 Feature 51:03 Moment of Peace Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. FEATURE: The Pelvic Problem Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual. Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book. Silviera, Matthew and Deborah S. Keller. Charles J. Yeo ed. Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, 8th Edition: Chapter 150 – Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Netherlands: Elsevier Inc. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-40232-3.00150-3. Introduction In today’s intro, I talked about my improved mood since I returned from the road trip and embracing the joy of the holiday season. I also asked for more submissions for the podcast episode on gratitudes. Mailbag COMMENT: Difficulty with Reading Comprehension– Someone who prefers to remain anonymous shared his difficulties with reading comprehension during withdrawal and we explored this topic. QUESTION: Benzos and Violent Tendencies – Another person who also prefers to remain anonymous, but we called her Madison for the episode, shared her struggle dealing with her son who is tapering from benzos and is exhibiting rage and violent behavior. Benzo Stories Today we shared a story from Graham, in the United Kingdom Feature: The Pelvic Problem Today’s feature was dedicated to benzo symptoms of the lower abdomen and pelvis, including urinary difficulties, sexual dysfunction, aches, pain, cramping, and many others. We explore three examples from our listeners and one story from your host. And we take a look a the possible causes and treatments. The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

We’re back on the road with a 4,400-mile round trip from Colorado to Florida. During this trip, your host shares his personal experiences traveling with protracted withdrawal symptoms along with some valuable lessons learned. In part 2 of the adventure, D narrates highlights from his time in Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky while sharing his thoughts on lingering abdominal issues, our anxious need for control, and other unique perspectives only a road trip can reveal. Video ID: BFP048 Listen on YouTube... This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 1 here: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/on-the-road-with-benzos-part-1-of-1-or-2-bfp047 The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:57 Introduction 07:18 Nature Trail Hike and Ambient Sounds (KCMO) 12:30 Missing Family (Kimble, TN) 13:50 Hiking Along Tennessee River (Meet JB) 14:50 Summary of Theme Park Fun (Orlando) 16:43 Morning at WDW 17:58 Road Trip: Cure for Insomnia? 19:38 Backstage / Urinary Issues / Limitations 27:00 Letting Go of Our Need for Control 33:43 “I Don’t Mind What Happens” 43:27 Morning in Downtown Gatlinburg, TN 47:12 Sounds from Great Smokey Mountain NP 48:07 Foggy Morning / Travels with Charley (Louisville, KY) 53:26 Back with the Family (Lenexa, KS) 54:53 Last Day / Back Home / Closing Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. THE ROAD TRIP — Road Trip Photos: (no longer available) — BOOK: "Travels with Charley" by John Steinbeck — https://www.amazon.com/dp/0140053204/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_eEh8DbK46KYF8 — SAYING "I Don't Mind What Happens" by Jiddu Krishnamurti as referenced in an article from the Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/aug/10/stop-minding-psychology-oliver-burkeman Introduction In today’s intro, I keep it short and mention the votes which favored part 2 of the road trip and also ask for gratitudes for our upcoming episode. Feature: Road Trip Today is part two of our 4,400-mile road trip from Colorado to Florida and back. Lots of thoughts, ideas, struggles, difficulties, joys, successes, and any other thing you can image combined into almost three weeks on the road. I hope you enjoy this episode, let me know what you think. The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved