From ‘fighting’ to ‘listening’ to my withdrawal symptoms
I’ve experienced many profound mindset shifts since beginning this long tapering journey in November 2020, off copious amounts of psychiatric medications. One of the most advantageous mindset shifts has been the way I feel about and respond to my withdrawal symptoms.
This is a mindset change that did not happen automatically. I have made the conscious decision to change the way I respond to the withdrawals.
For me, changing my mindset on purpose has helped me transform from being a victim of the process to becoming an active, intuitive guide for my own healing.
Here is a practical framework of how I went about changing my relationship with withdrawal symptoms.
1. Changing my Internal Dialogue: From "Attack" to "Signal"
The brain often interprets withdrawal as an external attack. When we "wish symptoms away," we can unintentionally create internal resistance, which spikes cortisol and often intensifies the physical sensation.
· The message I tell myself: Choose to view a symptom not as a malfunction, but as biological data.
· The Practice: When a symptom arises (like a brain zap, palpitations, or waves of anxiety), speak to it. Use a neutral statement: "This is my nervous system recalibrating. This is a signal that my body is working toward a new equilibrium."
2. Somatic Inquiry: "The Guest at the Door"
Imagine your symptoms are guests knocking at your door. If you keep the door bolted and scream for them to leave, they knock louder and bring their friends. If you open the door and sit with them, they often settle down.
The Practice:
· Step 1: Locate. Where exactly is the sensation? Is it a tightness in the chest? Vibrating organs or head pressure?
· Step 2: Describe. Use objective words. Instead of "I feel terrible," try "I feel a cold, prickly sensation in my forearms."
· Step 3: Acknowledge. "I see you, [symptom]. I am noticing you are here to tell me something about my pace today."
3. View Symptoms as a "Tapering Compass"
Instead of seeing symptoms as obstacles, treat them as your most reliable indicators for your taper rate. They are the "check engine" lights of the nervous system.
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If the symptom is: |
The interpretation could be: |
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Increased anxiety/agitation |
"The nervous system is overwhelmed; I need to slow down or hold my current dose." |
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Fatigue |
"The body is redirecting all energy toward cellular repair; I need more rest today." |
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Heightened Sensory Sensitivity |
"My brain is 'turning the lights on' too fast; I need to reduce external stimulation (screens/noise)." |
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4. Building a "Symptom Journal" of Wins
We often only record the bad days. But in my effort to "make friends" with the process, I’ve realized how wonderful it is to document the communication of healing.
· Track "Windows": When a symptom eases, even for an hour, document it as a "signal of repair."
· Identify Triggers: Does the symptom flare after too much caffeine, a stressful conversation, or a missed meal? By identifying these, the symptom becomes a protective friend warning you of what your system can’t handle yet.
Wishing the symptoms away is like wishing for the tide to stop coming in. Embracing our withdrawal symptoms as indicators allows us to sail the boat with the tide, adjusting our sails as needed.
If you're looking for hope, truth & gentle support during your tapering journey off psych meds, my private Subscription Facebook Tapering support group, is open to you.
I hope this blog helps.
Blessings,
Jane H Kotze
