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Many people experience overpowering or disturbing emotions while tapering and as part of withdrawal syndrome. Many of the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome arise from autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The distressed nervous system itself can generate intense uncomfortable feelings -- see Neuro emotions The best way to treat this is to help your nervous system to repair itself, to return to its "factory-installed" state. Recovery from withdrawal syndrome is gradual, inconsistent, and can take a long time. In the meantime, you can help your nervous system heal by using non-drug techniques to lessen your anxiety about your condition, deal with long-standing emotional issues, and cope with symptoms. You may also get anxious or depressed about having odd symptoms because you have beliefs that add to your distress, such as a feeling of helplessness or being a failure. Or, you may feel strong emotions as the drugs no longer mask underlying emotional pain. Read these non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms for ideas that may aid your recovery. Whether they are "neuro-emotions" caused by neurological upset, distress arising from your situation, or a natural disposition towards worrying, anxiety, pessimism, or self-sabotage, learning techniques to manage them will benefit you throughout your life. __________________________________________________ WITHDRAWAL-RELATED EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization Uncontrollable crying spells during and after withdrawal Waking with panic or anxiety- managing cortisol spikes Anhedonia, apathy, demotivation, emotional numbness Disconnect between interest and action/motivation Derealization or Depersonalization "Is it always going to be like this?" What does healing from withdrawal syndrome feel like? Withdrawal dialogues & encouragement _______________________________________ UNUSUAL AND OVERPOWERING EMOTIONS Neuro-emotion Dealing With Emotional Spirals Shame, guilt, regret, and self-criticism Coping with irritation, anger and rage Fear, terror, panic, and anxiety Rebuilding self-confidence, accepting anxiety Health anxiety, hypochondria, and obsession with symptoms OCD: obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors __________________________________________________ MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS Easing your way into meditation for a stressed-out nervous system Mindfulness and Acceptance Good links for anxiety/worry Inhabiting our bodies in meditation http://wp.me/p5nnb-aSX Meditation can heal the brain which can heal the mind and body Mindfulness, Meditation, and Prayer After Brain Injury Pranayama Breathing for Anxiety and Depression __________________________________________________ COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY Free online Cognitive Behavior Therapy lessons Best CBT techniques for anxiety, depression, or getting through a wave? __________________________________________________ FORGIVING YOURSELF Blaming yourself for mistakes? Try this. Shame, guilt, and self-criticism __________________________________________________ HELP YOURSELF BY HELPING OTHERS The Magic of Helping Others __________________________________________________ OTHER THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES Claire Weekes' Method of Recovering from a Sensitized Nervous System "Change the channel" -- dealing with cognitive symptoms Behavioral Activation Therapy: Getting out and doing things helps depression "Forest bathing" reduces cortisol, aids mood, immune system Virtual "forest bathing": Guided imagery for stress relief EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Neuroplasticity and limbic retraining Self-directed Neuroplasticity Reframe stress to become more resilient Art Therapy Journaling / Journalling / Writing Therapy / Therapeutic Writing Music Therapy / Music for Wellness and Healing