[bewise93]

I have been tapering off valium the last month. I have PTSD from a number of things, most recently it was prostitution a got out of over a year ago, but I won't go into specifics. Coming off valium is hard and i still take them for panic, but i've noticed if I don't take them, the anxiety comes, then sadness about what happened, then crying, then I feel better. I've never felt such hurt but also healing and relief. I've taken benzos on and off for 4 years. The more I get off valium, the more it feels like my heart heals. Yes, it's often hard to sleep, but sometimes even ruminating takes away some depression and urges to self harm. I feel like the brain has a way of healing itself from trauma and benzos sometimes hinder the process.

[Fuzzybear]

[Sunflower123]

I agree. I’m been prescribed Valium for anxiety and I try to take it sparingly (not every day or even every week even though it’s a daily prescription). I hope your transition off Valium goes smoothly and that you come to a place of peace and healing.

I wish the best for you, I know this is a very hard time for you. I can't imagine half of what you're going through. I pray the healing and relief continues and the pain and anguish subside.

[Wild Coyote]

Yes, some medications can numb our emotions. If we cannot experience our feelings, it's difficult to resolve them. You are courageous to allow your feelings surface and in dealing with them.

(((((( bewise ))))))

I am hopeful for your continued healing.

WC

[~Christina]

Are you seeing a Therapist to help you with the ptsd?

Are you on a taper off schedule for Valium? If so maybe it needs to go slower.

[Beana77]

I had extreme agitated depression and dysphoria when I was withdrawing from Benzos. It helped to slow down the taper. Nothing gets rid of intrusive thoughts like Benzos but they sure do come back with a vengeance when you stop taking them. They are not a long-term solution.

Exercise and talking to people helped a lot when I was tapering. Something else that works for me when I'm having intrusive, upsetting thoughts is bilateral stimulation:

. It can be as simple as alternating right and left foot tapping. I also have an EMDR app on my phone that I use if things get really bad, but foot tapping is the most inconspicuous method if you're in public. Another link on bilateral stimulation: https://anxietyreleaseapp.com/what-i...l-stimulation/

[Beana77]

Update to my previous post: My therapist says to be careful with bilateral stimulation when you're alone because it can bring up a lot of emotions with nobody to process them with. It works ok for me when I'm alone, but I don't want to give any bad advice that might lead to an unpleasant or damaging experience.