Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Quotes

“In shadows deep, I tread once more; a whispered wish to close the door. Yet when the light breaks through the night, I still ponder the fading fight. Oh, Jesus, embrace me now. This, I do not desire, not in the least. The Akathisia, a relentless tide, and the long, weary battle with withdrawal's grip have shattered my spirit and left me undone, and now, I choose to close this chapter To find peace in the silence that follows.”
― Jonathan Harnisch, Glad You're Not Me

“Living with akathisia is akin to enduring a relentless storm, where extreme anxiety, distress, and a distorted sense of reality besiege one’s being. The symptoms are multifaceted: dizziness, uncontrollable movements, overwhelming agitation that scorches the soul, leading to a sense of decay that seems to spread from within to the outside world. Fraud, deceit, theft, and abandonment by those who once provided love and protection add layers of torment, fueling an intense remorse. This condition cripples one’s day-to-day functioning, reducing it to a mere shadow of its former state. In our desperate search for any sliver of hope, many find solace in the confines of their beds, foregoing essential self-care or any semblance of self-love. The excruciating ordeal feels like a relentless nightmare, with regular flare-ups and an omnipresent sense of doom.”
― Jonathan Harnisch

“In the heart of our deepest struggles lies the brilliant light of our inner strength, unyielding and luminous. May this eternal beacon guide you through the shadows of Akathisia, illuminating the path towards resilience, hope, and indomitable courage. For it is not the scale of our challenges that shapes us, but the depth of our bravery. Remember, within every trial lies the opportunity to reveal our most authentic selves.”
― Jonathan Harnisch

“The profound misery that Akathisia symptoms cause has ruined my daily existence, making basic chores and personal passions impossible. A sense of futility and alienation has replaced the delight of simple joys and successes. My once-vibrant existence has been reduced to survival, interspersed by occasional relief from Georgie, my cat. Georgie's company has given me hope that life can still be full of unconditional love and simple joy, even at its worst periods. This great adversity inspires me to persevere. While my circumstances appear overwhelming, my tenacity in despair shows the invincible human spirit. Georgie's constant presence has taught me that there is always something to live for, even in despair. Healing is possible, and joy and meaning in life, however elusive, are within grasp. I face my problems with this weak but growing hope, determined to find my way back to a meaningful and happy existence.”
― Jonathan Harnisch

“If anything, please take solace in the fact that you are not burdened with my existence.”
― Jonathan Harnisch, Glad You're Not Me

“He suffers from akathisia. Although he knows he wouldn't go through with it, he frequently finds himself consumed by thoughts of suicide. He explained that it essentially comes with it; it's that simple. He thought that being overwhelmed and stretched too thin rendered him ineffective for himself and others. He claims it is the source of his most profound suffering and anguish, no matter how it appears on the surface. He conquers akathisia. As a result, he claims victory at every moment of his waking life.”
― Jonathan Harnisch, Porcelain Utopia