This past Wednesday, September 23, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new boxed warning for benzodiazepines, the most common class of anti-anxiety medication which includes Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium, and many others. This announcement warns of serious risks of abuse, addiction, physical dependence, and withdrawal reactions from these drugs. It’s a significant announcement, and one that’s left the benzo community abuzz. But what does this communic

Is the virus escalating your anxiety? Is it complicating your relationships? Is maintaining intimacy and healthy communication with those you love a near-impossible task? If so, you are in good company. Relationships are complicated enough. Add anxiety and the virus to the mix, and we have a recipe for distress. Thankfully, we can improve things. For today’s video, “10 Anxiety Tips for Dealing with Relationships during COVID,” I checked in with a half-dozen experts, mixed in

How big is your bullseye? How often are you upset by your interactions with other people? How many times have you been irritated, frustrated, or even angered by a complete stranger? In today’s VLOG, D discusses his own bullseye and what situations wreak havoc on his sense of calm; and he offers a simple and effective technique to help ease our reactions. D also talks a bit about the fires in the western U.S., recent shifts in the weather, and updates for the website and video

What is the best method for reducing symptoms in benzo withdrawal? Why do we cling to a need for control? Is a slow taper still the way to go? These questions along with three quintessential benzo stories create a fully loaded show. In today’s episode, D returns to the podcast after a 2 ½ month hiatus. He discusses some of the key questions of withdrawal, shares a few stories of struggle and success, and closes out with the moment of peace. Video ID: BFP068 Watch the Podcast

Join D as he delivers take-out food, soaks in the magic of hot air balloons (so close you can touch them), marvels at the danger — and beauty — of forest fires, and journeys into the Colorado mountains for a day trip to Estes Park. Through it all, D shares his struggles with daily anxiety and the irrepressible fear of being overwhelmed. He also provides a few updates for the channel and podcast and shares a picture of Bear playing Bocce Ball (sort of). There is a lot to cover

Easing Anxiety. The Benzo Free Podcast. What’s going on there? Are they still on hiatus? Is this video a hint of some activity there? Well, we might have a few answers. Today, in our 6th VLOG for Easing Anxiety, D discusses his thoughts about the future of the two channels and shares a few updates of his own. Video ID: EA017 Watch the Video …on YouTube References Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — “Cognitive behavioral therapy.” Mayo Clinic. Accessed August 1, 2020....

Effective July 1st, the Benzo Free Podcast and the Easing Anxiety YouTube Channel will be on hiatus for the foreseeable future. Please watch the video if you would like more details and subscribe to our email list for any future updates. Thank you to everyone for all your support and kindness. I wish you all love, healing, and peace. Video ID: EA016 Watch the Video …on YouTube Site Links VISIT US ONLINE — WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.c

Most of us use avoidance to steer clear of things that cause anxiety inducing places, events, situations, and people. But does avoidance really help us in the long run? Or does it lead us to develop a distorted view of the world around us? And, if that is the case, is there a tool or technique to help? These are the questions we dive into in today’s VLOG from Easing Anxiety. Video ID: EA015 Watch the Video References — Burns, David D. “Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy.” New

Diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing) is a remarkably effective method for easing daily stress and anxiety. It is also quite simple. In this relaxing video, you will learn this wonderful technique in just a few minutes and begin to relieve your anxiety and stress today. Video ID: EA014 Watch the Video References — Jewell, Tim. “What Is Diaphragmatic Breathing?” Healthline.com. Accessed June 7, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/diaphragmatic-breathing. — Kiberd, Emil