Have you ever used sensory imagery to counter an anxiety attack? Or, even just an increase in your anxiety level? I used to, but it's been a long time. This morning, though, I was reminded. My Morning Walk As I was walking my dog Murphy this morning, I was a bit stressed. Anxious, to be honest. My work load had become intense lately and I was trying to keep my head above water. I decided to listen to a podcast on anxiety as I walked, and the subject interested me. The guest was discussing sensory imagery and how helpful it can be for countering negative thinking, especially thinking which leads to anxiety. I have used sensory imagery in the past, but it had been a long time and what the guest shared made sense. So, I thought I'd to a little digging. Sensory Imagery Anxiety can be very powerful. Racing thoughts. Pounding heart. Tight chest. Shallow breath. The world feels like it’s closing in. Sensory imagery — that vivid mental escape into sights, sounds, and sensations — can be a lifeline that pulls us back. It’s not about ignoring the anxiety, but instead redirecting our minds to something grounding, something that feels real and safe. Let me share an example of my own. Lets say I’m in the middle of an anxiety attack, and my brain is freaking out. Instead of fighting it, I close my eyes and imagine I’m sitting by a quiet mountain stream. I live in Colorado and mountains have always been peaceful for me. I focus on the details — the cool mist on my skin, the soft gurgle of water over smooth pebbles, the scent of pine in the air. I let the sunlight filter through the trees in my mind, warming my face, while a gentle breeze rustles the leaves. By involving all my senses in this scene, I give my brain something to latch onto, pulling it away from the stress and chaos. It’s like hitting pause on the panic, giving my nervous system a chance to reset. Create Your Own Images You can build your own scene — maybe in a den near a fireplace with the smell of old books, or a beach with waves lapping at your toes. In the podcast I was listening to, the guest used the imagery of biting into a fresh, juicy orange. The key is to make it vivid enough to feel real. The beauty of sensory imagery is that it’s personal, and you can do it anywhere, anytime. You don’t need a quiet room or special tools — just your mind. I’ve used it in crowded grocery stores, during sleepless nights, or even in the middle of a stressful day at work. Pick one sense, like the feel of soft sand under your feet, and build from there. Over time, practicing this technique can make it easier to slip into that calm mental space when anxiety strikes. It’s not a cure-all, and some days are tougher than others, but it’s a tool that we can add to our anxiety tool belt that’s helped me find my footing at different times. If you’re struggling with anxiety attacks, give sensory imagery a try — create a safe haven in your mind, and let it carry you through the storm. For some simple instructions on sensory imagery, check out "How to practice imagery for anxiety" in Verywell Mind. References Bartlett, S. (Host). (2024, December 19). Instantly calm your anxiety - Dr. Martha Beck [Audio podcast episode]. The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett. Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-martha-beck-oprahs-life-coach-i-nearly-died-so-i-stopped-lying-why-youre-anxious-how-to-fix-it-fix-your-childhood-trauma/id1291423644?i=1000689680263[](https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dr-martha-beck-oprahs-life-coach-i-nearly-died-so-i/id1291423644?i=1000680929350). Mills, H. (2024, August 14). How to practice guided imagery for anxiety. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-do-you-practice-guided-imagery-for-anxiety-3024396. Tallon K, Ovanessian MM, Koerner N, Dugas MJ. Mental imagery in generalized anxiety disorder: A comparison with healthy control participants. Behav Res Ther. 2020 Apr;127:103571. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103571. Epub 2020 Jan 28. PMID: 32087392. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32087392/.

A guided meditation for releasing anxiety incorporating deep breathing, progressive relaxation, and calming affirmations. This Mindful Morning Meditation was recorded live during a group session in the Uneven Community (https://uneven.life). Listen here on our primary podcast carriers: Podbean and YouTube... Or on these other carriers too: Apple / Spotify / Amazon / iHeart / Podchaser Chapters 0:00:00 mindful morning intro 0:00:40 welcome 0:01:45 deep breathing 0:03:55 progressive relaxation 0:06:57 releasing anxiety 0:16:23 anxiety affirmations 0:19:41 returning to the world Recording Info — RECORDED: Thursday, April 10, 2025 — LOCATION: Colorado The Podcast PODCAST SITELINKS — UNEVEN WEBSITE: https://theUnevenLife.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@theUnevenLife — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@theUnevenLife PODCAST SUMMARY Welcome to “uneven,” a podcast about life, anxiety, and being human. In such a chaotic world, how do we better our lives and the lives of those around us? Maybe, just maybe, we might find a few solutions together. Join veteran podcaster D E Foster as he explores the intimate struggles so many of us experience — often in silence. I hope you’ll join us. PODCAST DISCLAIMER The uneven podcast is for general information purposes only and should never be considered medical, psychological, or any other form of health advice. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices, psychological treatments, or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. SUICIDE PREVENTION If you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Resources can be found on our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide. PODCAST MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) Uneven theme music — TITLE: From the Earth — ARTIST: Humans Win — PUBLISHER: Lance Conrad (BMI) PODCAST PRODUCTION The Uneven Podcast is part of the Uneven (https://theUnevenLife.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

A soothing guided meditation for deep relaxation and whole-body healing. Through progressive muscle relaxation, release tension and promote wellness in just 20 minutes. This Mindful Morning Meditation was recorded live during a group session in the Uneven Community (https://uneven.life). Listen here on our primary podcast carriers: Podbean and YouTube... Or on these other carriers too: Apple / Spotify / Amazon / iHeart / Podchaser Chapters 0:00:00 intro & welcome 0:01:38 deep breathing 0:04:22 progressive relaxation 0:09:03 whole-body healing 0:15:55 returning to the world References The Uneven Life — https://uneven.life — Join us in our Uneven Community for meditations and so much more. Recording Info — RECORDED: Thursday, April 3, 2025 — LOCATION: Colorado The Podcast PODCAST SITELINKS — UNEVEN WEBSITE: https://theUnevenLife.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@theUnevenLife — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@theUnevenLife PODCAST SUMMARY Welcome to “uneven,” a podcast about life, anxiety, and being human. In such a chaotic world, how do we better our lives and the lives of those around us? Maybe, just maybe, we might find a few solutions together. Join veteran podcaster D E Foster as he explores the intimate struggles so many of us experience — often in silence. I hope you’ll join us. PODCAST DISCLAIMER The uneven podcast is for general information purposes only and should never be considered medical, psychological, or any other form of health advice. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices, psychological treatments, or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. SUICIDE PREVENTION If you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Resources can be found on our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide. PODCAST MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) Uneven theme music — TITLE: From the Earth — ARTIST: Humans Win — PUBLISHER: Lance Conrad (BMI) PODCAST PRODUCTION The Uneven Podcast is part of the Uneven (https://theUnevenLife.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

5-Minute Relaxation at Crater Lake. Enjoy this short, guided relaxation video set to images of the snow-packed mountains of Crater Lake, Oregon. This spot meditation provides a calming break from your day so you can reset your mind and start fresh with a new perspective. Video ID: EA002 Watch the Video Site Links VISIT US ONLINE — WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK — COMMENT: On this video in YouTube — COMMENT: On this blog post — EMAIL: feedback@easinganxiety.com Disclaimer All content provided on this YouTube channel is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical or health advice. The author of the content provided on this channel is not engaged in rendering medical, health, psychological, or any other kind of personal or professional services. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. Credits VIDEO / IMAGE CREDITS All images of Crater Lake were photographed by D E Foster and are property of Denim Mountain Press All video and still image content not produced in-house or identified above was provided by… — FreeImages — https://www.freeimages.com — Pexels — https://www.pexels.com — Pixabay — https://www.pixabay.com MUSIC CREDITS Music provided by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.audioblocks.com Music in Video — NAME: “Dreaming of Floating” — PERFORMED BY: Neil Cross Produced by Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2020 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Relax with this 5-minute relaxation video. The pressure of the day can build inside us without even knowing it. Sometimes, taking a short break to breathe and reconnect with nature is just the elixir we need. Enjoy the beauty of the rising and setting sun which just may help you reset your mindset, so you can face the remainder of the day with a more restful spirit. Video ID: EA008 Watch the Video Site Links VISIT US ONLINE — WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK — COMMENT: On this video in YouTube — COMMENT: On this blog post — EMAIL: feedback@easinganxiety.com Disclaimer All content provided on this YouTube channel is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical or health advice. The author of the content provided on this channel is not engaged in rendering medical, health, psychological, or any other kind of personal or professional services. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. Credits VIDEO / IMAGE CREDITS All video and still image content not produced in-house or identified above was provided by… — FreeImages — https://www.freeimages.com — Pexels — https://www.pexels.com — Pixabay — https://www.pixabay.com MUSIC CREDITS Music provided by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.audioblocks.com EA Theme Song — NAME: “Welcome Home” — PERFORMED BY: Neil Cross — COMPOSED BY: Peter Godfrey (original title “Young Love”) 60-second relaxation — “Sweet Piano Tune” by Bobby Cole Produced by Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2020 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Ease the stress of your day with this 10-minute video set to the magical sights and sounds of winter. Pressures mount throughout the season, and we quickly get overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted. Sometimes, the best antidote for this is to pause for a few minutes and escape to a more peaceful place. Enjoy the beauty of virgin snow on a majestic mountain top, icicle waterfalls on rocky outcrops, and the joy of playful children on a crowded toboggan. This video just may be the trick to help you reset your mindset, so you can face the remainder of the season with a more restful spirit. Peace of the season to you and those you love, D 😊 Visit our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com Video ID: EA029 Watch the Video Site Links VISIT US ONLINE — WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAILING LIST — https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK — COMMENT: On this YouTube video — COMMENT: On this blog post — EMAIL: feedback@easinganxiety.com SUPPORT US — MAKE A DONATION: https://www.easinganxiety.com/donate Disclaimer All content provided on this YouTube channel is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical or health advice. The author of the content provided on this channel is not engaged in rendering medical, health, psychological, or any other kind of personal or professional services. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. Credits VIDEO / IMAGE CREDITS Most of our video / image clips were provided and licensed by… — Storyblocks.com Additional video / images were provided and licensed by… — Pixabay.com — Pexels.com — FreeImages.com MUSIC CREDITS Music licensed by Storyblocks: — https://www.storyblocks.com The following songs were included in this video… — “In the Bleak Mid Winter Harp” by Bobby Cole — “Fields of Joy” by Roberto Diana — “The First of Noel – Christmas Carol Piano Solo” by Roberto Diana — “Sunrise Without You” by Jason Donnelly EA Theme Song — Title: “Welcome Home” — Artist: Neil Cross — Composer: Peter Godfrey (original title “Young Love”) Produced by Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2020 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Guided 3-Minute Meditation with Ocean Waves at Sunset. Escape to the tranquility of ocean waves at sunset and ease your anxious mind. This 3-minute guided meditation eases you into a more relaxed and peaceful state-of-mind so you can face the remainder of the day with a refreshed outlook and sense of calm. Video ID: EA004 Watch the Video Site Links VISIT US ONLINE — WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK — COMMENT: On this video in YouTube — COMMENT: On this blog post — EMAIL: feedback@easinganxiety.com Disclaimer All content provided on this YouTube channel is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical or health advice. The author of the content provided on this channel is not engaged in rendering medical, health, psychological, or any other kind of personal or professional services. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. Credits VIDEO / IMAGE CREDITS All video and still image content not produced in-house or identified above was provided by… — FreeImages — https://www.freeimages.com — Pexels — https://www.pexels.com — Pixabay — https://www.pixabay.com Video footage of Ocean Waves — Provided by Pixabay: https://www.pixabay.com — Artist: Scym (https://pixabay.com/users/scym-3476131/?tab=videos) MUSIC CREDITS Music provided by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.audioblocks.com EA Theme Song — NAME: “Welcome Home” — PERFORMED BY: Neil Cross — COMPOSED BY: Peter Godfrey (original title “Young Love”) Produced by Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2020 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Discover five essential elements for successfully managing BIND (Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction). Join us in today's episode as D explores key findings and practical insights to support your healing journey. Listen here on YouTube... Or on these other carriers too: Apple / Spotify / Amazon / Blubrry / Pandora / Podbean Chapters 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:31 The Uneven Community (uneven.life) 0:03:54 Visit Us on Social Media (@theUnevenLife) 0:05:16 Guided Meditations Coming Soon 0:05:39 The Benzo Free Podcast LIVE @ Uneven 0:09:21 Benzo Info / Everyone Is Different 0:13:18 Confusion Around Benzos & BIND 0:15:58 This Experience Is Hard 0:18:01 Key Elements for BIND Success 0:19:49 1) It's a Mental Game 0:24:25 Keep Yourself Occupied 0:25:32 There Is No Short Cut / Acceptance 0:28:27 2) The Anxiety Tool Belt 0:31:18 3) Helping Others 0:34:01 4) The Natural Approach 0:38:39 5) Signs Your Body Is Healing 0:43:06 Mindset Matters 0:44:13 Find Support 0:46:12 Wrapping Things Up References "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes — https://a.co/d/2yY8c1E Benzo Free Podcast: Managing the Fear (Part 1 of 3) — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/managing-the-fear-of-benzo-withdrawal-part-1-bfp003 — First of our 3-part podcast series on Managing the Fear of benzo withdrawal. The Uneven Community — https://uneven.life Uneven Website — https://theUnevenLife.com Recording Info — RECORDED: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 — LOCATION: Colorado The Podcast PODCAST SITELINKS — PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree — EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganx PODCAST SUMMARY This podcast is dedicated to those who struggle with side effects, dependence, and withdrawal from benzos, a group of drugs from the benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine classes, better known as anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, sedatives, and minor tranquilizers. Their common brand names include Ambien, Ativan, Klonopin, Lunesta, Valium, and Xanax. PODCAST DISCLAIMER The Benzo Free podcast is for general information purposes only and should never be considered medical, psychological, or any other form of health advice. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices, psychological treatments, or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. SUICIDE PREVENTION If you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Resources can be found on our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide. PODCAST MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) Benzo Free Theme Music — TITLE: Walk in the Park — ARTIST: Neil Cross PODCAST PRODUCTION The Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

An important article featured in the Wall Street Journal on March 13, 2025, explores the science and narratives surrounding the concealed epidemic of benzodiazepine over-prescribing. The article, "Generation Xanax: The Dark Side of America’s Wonder Drug," was written by Shalini Ramachandran and Betsy McKay over a period of several weeks. Many of us in the benzo support community provided extensive background information, and two members of our research team, Dr. Alexis Ritvo and Dr. Peter Martin, were directly quoted. The article discusses a significant shift in medical understanding, driven by studies linking benzodiazepines to serious risks. These findings challenge the perception of benzodiazepines as benign, revealing cognitive impairments and physical dependence that can persist even years after discontinuation. Our research on BIND and the development of the recent ASAM Guidelines are highlighted in the article. "In 2023, a group of advocates and scientists including Ritvo proposed a term for the protracted condition: benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction, or BIND." Remembering Christy At the heart of the article are the personal stories. These include the experience of my colleague and friend, Dr. Christy Huff, whose life ended tragically just over a year ago. The authors communicated with Dr. Huff's family and received their permission to disclose details that had not been shared with the public before. This article does contain material that may be distressing to those in the benzo-harmed community. You may wish to skip it, if this is a concern for you. References Ramachandran, Shalini and McKay, Betsy. "Generation Xanax: The Dark Side of America’s Wonder Drug." The Wall Street Journal. March 13, 2025. Accessed March 13, 2025. https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/xanax-drug-benzodiazepines-research-harm-7a60f236.

Have you had an anxiety attack? Me too. In fact, I had one less than an hour ago. So, I thought I'd press record and see where it takes us. Today, we explore the signs and symptoms of anxiety attacks and share 10 tips for easing their effects. Join us. Listen here on our primary podcast carriers: Podbean and YouTube... Or on these other carriers too: Apple / Spotify / Amazon / iHeart / Podchaser Chapters 0:00:00 normal evening with my wife 0:01:04 beginnings of an anxiety attack 0:03:00 it is 10:03 pm 0:03:40 anxiety vs. panic attacks 0:04:59 it's been a while 0:07:00 investigating the cause 0:09:59 i was just shutting down / symptoms 0:12:52 identifying it as an anxiety attack 0:14:01 many of you know this well 0:16:28 let it play out / acceptance 0:17:55 time to try and sleep 0:19:11 i did get to sleep 0:20:18 ten strategies for dealing with anxiety attacks 0:21:04 1) breathing exercises 0:21:51 2) progressive muscle relaxation 0:22:25 3) visualization 0:23:06 4) bath 0:24:31 5) grounding techniques (5-4-3-2-1) 0:25:11 6) music / sounds 0:25:45 7) walking 0:27:01 8) talk with someone 0:27:59 9) avoid sugar & caffeine 0:28:25 10) distraction 0:29:29 acknowledge it / process it / let it pass 0:33:02 interruptions & irritations 0:37:50 you can process your anxiety attacks 0:38:37 we can manage this 0:40:02 in closing References Calm: "How to calm an anxiety attack: 10 fast ways to ground yourself" — https://www.calm.com/blog/how-to-calm-anxiety-attack The Uneven Community — https://uneven.life — Struggling with life, anxiety, medication? Join us, we can help. Recording Info — RECORDED: Thursday, May 15, 2025 — LOCATION: Colorado The Podcast PODCAST SITELINKS — PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.unevenpodcast.com — EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganx PODCAST SUMMARY Welcome to “uneven,” a podcast about life, anxiety, and being human. In such a chaotic world, how do we better our lives and the lives of those around us? Maybe, just maybe, we might find a few solutions together. Join veteran podcaster D E Foster as he explores the intimate struggles so many of us experience — often in silence. I hope you’ll join us. PODCAST DISCLAIMER The uneven podcast is for general information purposes only and should never be considered medical, psychological, or any other form of health advice. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices, psychological treatments, or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. SUICIDE PREVENTION If you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Resources can be found on our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide. PODCAST MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) uneven theme music — TITLE: From the Earth — ARTIST: Humans Win — PUBLISHER: Lance Conrad (BMI) PODCAST PRODUCTION The Uneven Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

A recent article in the New York Times emphasizes the dangers of suddenly discontinuing benzodiazepines, and the challenge of accessing knowledgeable support. In the article, "When They Couldn't Get Benzos Anymore, Quitting Was Torture," author Christina Caron discusses the initiatives by various organizations, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) to raise awareness about benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal. She also includes personal stories from individuals who have experienced cold-turkey withdrawal and faced challenges in finding support. Numerous members of the benzodiazepine support community offered insights for this article. My colleague, Dr. Alexis Ritvo, referred me to the reporter, and I shared detailed background on the BIND research, the creation of the ASAM Guideline, and the overall experiences of individuals impacted by benzodiazepines. Speaking with Ms. Caron was a delightful experience, and I appreciated her compassion and curiosity. “Most of us were never warned about the chances of dependency and long-term complications,” said D.E. Foster, a researcher who contributed to the new guidelines and is an advocate for people like himself who have struggled with benzodiazepine complications. Slow tapering can be difficult, he added, “but abrupt tapering can be dangerous.” — New York Times, "When They Couldn't Get Benzos Anymore, Quitting Was Torture," by Christina Caron Highlights of the Article The core of the article highlights the personal impact caused by these drugs. The reporter begins with Tasha Hedges' story, whose psychiatrist, after 20 years of Xanax use, "ripped me off the meds." She likened the experience to a nightmare, saying that her "brain has not been the same." Jody Jarreau ended up taking Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin as prescribed by his psychiatrist and is still trying to taper off Valium with the assistance of a benzo coach. The closing story about LaTasha Marbury describes her dependency on Klonopin when she visited a detox facility that "weaned her off it in just five days" with terrible consequences. She later went to a different facility where she was prescribed an antidepressant and began to feel much better. Unfortunately, the article ends with Ms. Marbury expressing her relief with the results of the antidepressant, questioning, "Was this, rather than the benzodiazepine, the medication she should have been prescribed from the start?" The reality is that antidepressants have their own set of long-term issues, some of which she may have to face in the future. Interwoven with these personal narratives, the author includes research, statistics, and recent advancements from the FDA, ASAM, and other organizations. She also incorporates insights from prominent experts at Harvard, Columbia, and Tufts Universities, among others. Appreciation In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to the publications, particularly the reporters, for their focus on the benzodiazepine crisis. This article was excellently written and thoroughly researched, significantly aiding individuals in understanding the risks of suddenly stopping these medications. Thank you. BENZO-AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS This article does include content that may be distressing to some in the benzo-harmed community. Please use caution. References American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM). "The Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Benzodiazepine Risks Outweigh Benefits." March 4, 2025. https://www.asam.org/quality-care/clinical-guidelines/benzodiazepine-tapering. Caron, Christina. "When They Couldn’t Get Benzos Anymore, Quitting Was Torture." The New York Times. May 14, 2025. Accessed May14, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/14/well/mind/benzo-withdrawal-symptoms.html. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "FDA requiring Boxed Warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class." September 23, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requiring-boxed-warning-updated-improve-safe-use-benzodiazepine-drug-class.

Should you be more confident? More vulnerable? Are you left behind by modern life? Or, do you turn to your pets for support? In part 2 of another sleepless night, D explores his own limitations as he contemplates these topics and others. Hope you'll join us. Listen here on our primary podcast carriers: Podbean and YouTube... Or on these other carriers too: Apple / Spotify / Amazon / iHeart / Podchaser Chapters 0:00:00 it's been only a minute 0:01:41 i feel better talking with you 0:03:57 shameless plug for uneven (uneven.life) 0:05:52 some of us talk, some of us listen 0:10:00 road trip / learning to let others' lead 0:13:19 listening in our group sessions 0:14:01 talking, listening, & finding balance 0:19:16 it's 3:41am and my brain is fried 0:25:25 projecting confidence vs. vulnerability 0:32:59 recording a podcast in bed 0:34:17 another brain cramp, memory, & recall 0:36:59 It's just a wave / acceptance 0:41:08 in praise of slowness 0:43:51 is technology outpacing evolution? 0:45:49 the benefit of pets 0:50:57 a bit about dehydration 0:51:43 a bit of deep breathing 0:53:31 a few closing words about healing & hope References BOOK: "In Praise of Slowness" — https://a.co/d/0Y0qQ5Z — by Carl Honore The Uneven Community — https://uneven.life — Life / Anxiety / Medication VIDEO: "Bergen to Oslo Train Ride" — https://youtu.be/L3jQnCxrdKg?si=u139cRen0xO4asmY — 8 Hour video of a train ride from Bergen to Oslo in Norway. VIDEO: "Monte Carlo, Monaco Walking Tour" — https://youtu.be/gCy1x1ncd0E?si=K78tjniPY0wLULjQ — Slow walking tour of Monte Carlo Recording Info — RECORDED: Sunday, May 11, 2025 — LOCATION: Colorado The Podcast PODCAST SITELINKS — PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.unevenpodcast.com — EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganx PODCAST SUMMARY Welcome to “uneven,” a podcast about life, anxiety, and being human. In such a chaotic world, how do we better our lives and the lives of those around us? Maybe, just maybe, we might find a few solutions together. Join veteran podcaster D E Foster as he explores the intimate struggles so many of us experience — often in silence. I hope you’ll join us. PODCAST DISCLAIMER The uneven podcast is for general information purposes only and should never be considered medical, psychological, or any other form of health advice. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices, psychological treatments, or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. SUICIDE PREVENTION If you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Resources can be found on our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide. PODCAST MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) uneven theme music — TITLE: From the Earth — ARTIST: Humans Win — PUBLISHER: Lance Conrad (BMI) PODCAST PRODUCTION The Uneven Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).