Benzo & Antidepressant Withdrawal: The Fine Line of Recovery

Hi everyone,

In this video, I explore the fine line in recovery—the delicate balance between trying and not trying too hard. Recovery from benzodiazepine or antidepressant withdrawal, often feels like an art form, a dance between pushing forward and pulling back.

Many people I’ve spoken with, myself included, have experienced how constantly chasing the "fix" can keep us in a state of hypervigilance. Jumping from protocol to protocol and stressing over every possible cause can do more harm than good. I know firsthand how exhausting and discouraging this can be.

What I’ve found, and what I share in this video, is the importance of radical acceptance. When I reached a place where I stopped obsessing over my symptoms and began focusing on living my life as best I could despite them, something shifted. Paradoxically, that’s when my symptoms began to calm down.

I also acknowledge that factors like pregnancy might have contributed to my recovery journey, but even in my first withdrawal, I experienced a sudden lifting of symptoms without doing anything drastic—simply by letting go of the need to control every detail and frantically search for the solution.

Recovery is unique for everyone, but I hope my experience offers some comfort and perspective. Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Have you noticed this balance in your own recovery journey?

Wishing you an nice holiday season and sending love to everyone navigating this challenging path. Take care, and I’ll see you in the next video.

Disclaimer:
Melissa Boutilier is not a medical professional. These videos are not meant to provide healthcare, medical, or nutritional therapy services or diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue.
The information provided in these videos is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
Always seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, switching, tapering or changing doses of your psychiatric medications.
Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical advice because of the information you have seen in these videos.
All information stated is just from her experience.

[Qwerty-nmqi]

Melissa i"m so glad you're back on Youtube, thank you for that. I have a question regarding akathisia. Do you still get triggered in some times of the menstrual cycle or are you 100% healed? struggling here.

[celticwarrior]

Hi Melissa, l definitely agree that the more resistance l have to the present moment the more friction is created in the body. Sometimes embracing how we feel and sayig f it l want to feel this! Can bring great healing

[LesterBenz]

Melissa, once your brain calmed down and the intrusive thoughts faded, did that coincide with your natural god given motivation coming back and wanting to do things again? Also, please tell me what its like to actually have your executive function return in terms of task initiation

[Snowflake]

You cannot fix it. It doesent matter what I eat or any supplements. Try to sleep as much as possible, no stress and Time…I think thats the only thing unfortunately.