Christmas can be a particularly challenging time. For anyone navigating antidepressant and benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction or withdrawal, the season’s demands can feel especially heavy. The social expectations, the unpredictable symptoms, and the sensory overload can be overwhelming, making it difficult to commit to plans or fully participate.
Many find themselves facing heightened emotions, overstimulation, or fatigue after even brief engagements. And for those with active, sociable families, the pressure to keep up can feel impossible.
If you’ve had to step back from organizing, hosting, or contributing in the ways you once did, please be kind to yourself. Feeling guilty or inadequate is a common reaction, but it is also unnecessary. It’s okay to say “no,” to prioritize your needs, and to trust that your loved ones will understand—even if they don’t right away.
You didn’t choose this. None of this is your fault. Your signs of healing/ymptoms are the result of a temporary, reversible neurological state, not something “all in your mind.” Every day, your body is working to restore homeostatic equilibrium. You are persevering through something extraordinary, and that in itself is a profound accomplishment.
Try to remind yourself: the day will come when this struggle is behind you. One day, you’ll be celebrating your recovery. The signs of healing that seem endless now will be a distant memory, replaced by renewed health, vitality, and the freedom to fully embrace life.
You’ll think back to moments like this Christmas, when you doubted whether you could keep going, and you’ll feel immense pride in how you didn’t give up. You’ll be filled with gratitude for your perseverance and courage.
For now, while you wait for that brighter future, do what you can to make this season as gentle and comforting as possible. If you celebrate Christmas, focus on small, meaningful moments—whether it’s enjoying a quiet evening with soft lights, a favorite Hallmark movie, or a comforting meal.
When intrusive or catastrophic thoughts arise, remind yourself that they are not your truth. They are thoughts, nothing more. Acknowledge them, observe them, and let them pass without attaching belief or power to them.
Protect your energy. This might mean stepping back from online spaces that feel too overwhelming or holding firm boundaries with those who may not understand your experience. It’s okay to prioritise your peace over pleasing others.
Above all, remember: healing is happening, even when it feels imperceptible. Recovery is a non-linear journey—some days will feel like progress, while others may feel like the opposite. But every step, even the hardest ones, moves you closer to restored health.
So, take heart this Christmas. Be kind to yourself. Trust that the body has an incredible ability to heal, and know that your perseverance is paving the way for this.
You are not alone, and you are doing so much better than you may think.
With much compassion,
