Who Am I Now? Confidence and Self-Esteem in Benzo Withdrawal (BIND)

Personality changes. Loss of ability. Loss of confidence. Loss of self. These are common in benzo withdrawal and BIND, and yet we rarely talk about them. What does this look like? What are its causes? And most of all, what can we do about it?

In today’s episode, we explore the loss of self during benzo withdrawal. We also respond to a question on tinnitus, share a comment on the benefits of nature, and hear a benzo story from New Zealand.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/who-am-i-now-confidence-and-self-esteem-in-benzo-withdrawal-bind-bfp122

Video ID: BFP122

Chapters

00:00 INTRODUCTION

01:28 Back from Vacation

03:36 Benzo Work Updates

04:57 Still Have Some Symptoms

07:00 Today’s Format

08:11 MAILBAG

08:17 Benzos and Tinnitus

12:58 Nature and Connection

15:39 BENZO STORY

16:29 Eta’s Mum’s Story / New Zealand

22:04 Medical Communication Failures

25:40 FEATURE

26:59 BIND Refresher

27:43 Our Lives Have Changed

28:29 Benzo Life Effects Data

30:41 Loss of Confidence

35:00 Humility vs. Egoism

35:54 Symptoms that Affect Confidence

38:23 What Can We Do?

38:42 Making Use of the Extra Time

40:35 Finding Acceptance

42:59 Six Tips for Improving Self-Esteem

47:22 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.

— Ackerman, Courtney E. “What Is Self-Confidence? (+9 Proven Ways to Increase It).” Positive Psychology. July 9, 2018. Accessed May 11, 2023. https://positivepsychology.com/self-confidence/.

— Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. https://easinganxiety.com/ashton.

— Finlayson, AJ Reid, Macoubrie J, Huff C, Foster DE, Martin PR. Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 2022;12. doi:10.1177/20451253221082386. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20451253221082386.

— Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, CO: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://www.benzofree.org/book.

— Huff C, Finlayson AJR, Foster DE, Martin PR. Enduring neurological sequelae of benzodiazepine use: an Internet survey. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 2023;13. doi:10.1177/20451253221145561. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20451253221145561.

— Ravenscraft, Eric. “Practical Ways to Improve Your Confidence (and Why You Should).” New York Times. June 3, 2019. Accessed May 11, 2023. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/03/smarter-living/how-to-improve-self-confidence.html.

— Tinnitus. Mayo Clinic Patient Care & Health Information. Accessed May 11, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156.

— “Top 10 Tips for Overcoming Low Self-Esteem.” Ditch the Label. September 26, 2022. Accessed May 11, 2023. https://www.ditchthelabel.org/overcoming-low-self-esteem/.

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

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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

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