What really makes us happy? What truly eases our stress and anxiety? Do the answers lie in fame, fortune, and success? Or might they be part of the problem instead. Perhaps our eternal quest for power and money is not the cure-all we believe it to be, but instead some mythic obsession that often leads to disappointment and disillusion. And, if success is not the remedy for our angst and anxiety, then what is? What are the alternatives? In today’s VLOG, I share a few thoughts

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

Too much to do? Feeling overwhelmed? Over-stressed? Most of us are desperately trying to keep up with the hyper-paced speed of modern life, all while our anxiety builds to almost unbearable levels. But why? Why are we so busy? So crazy? Could finding ways to slow down be a solution? Today we explore the benefits of stepping back and reducing the pace of life. We also share a few comments and make a few mistakes, as always. Video ID: EA013 Watch the Video Featured Links — BOOK

The Stigma of Anxiety. Is there a stigma? Where did it come from? Why are people with anxiety often thought of as weak? What can we do to change this perception? In today’s Easing Anxiety Q&A, we look at how people with anxiety are treated — both now, and in the past. And we discuss paths for change, both for ourselves, and for the world around us. Video ID: EA011 Watch the Video References — Crocq, Marc-Antoine. “From shell shock and war neurosis to posttraumatic stress diso

Checking In… I wanted to reach out to everyone to see how you are holding up. I know these are difficult times for so many, especially for those of us who are dealing with benzo dependence and withdrawal. I realize that hope can be hard to find amid the worry and fear and I empathize with your struggle. Please, rely on your anxiety management tools during this time and find ways to distract yourself from the news and current conditions worldwide. Much like benzo withdrawal, t

This post is about something called the wibber gibbers, and how to avoid them. Confused? Hang with me. I’ll explain. I just returned from another road trip. I seem to be doing a few of those lately. Whenever I travel, I always take a few books with me, both audio for the car and in print for evenings in the hotel. My latest one isHow to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie, originally published in 1944. When I read books for research, I have my process. A paperback

Happy World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day!!! First off, I hope that this message finds you in good health today. I just want to wish everyone a symptom-free day today, and while we’re at it, every day after that. There is a lot going on that you might want to pay attention to today, including the “World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day Goes LIVE“ event starting at 8:oo am Eastern Standard Time U.S. There are eight presentations throughout the day including my Q&A at 12:00pm EST. P

What Is Caregiver Week? This week is Caregiver Week at Benzo Free. No, it’s not a national holiday or anything like that. Although, it should be. It definitely should be. You know, that’s not a bad idea. Not just for benzo caregivers, but for all caregivers. An international holiday for those who take care of others. Perhaps there already is one. If there is, great. If not, there needs to be one. But I digress. Whether it’s the person taking care of you now while going throug