14 hours ago, Sara said:

You’re always so encouraging, Chippy. Thank you!

It's a pleasure, I try.

14 hours ago, Sara said:

Unfortunately, I got hit by a terrible migraine and a cold two days after I started sleeping well again. Sleep is very disrupted and I’m unsure if it’s a wave or just part of being in pain and sick.

Getting sick in WD can very much make everything worse! Sorry to hear!

14 hours ago, Sara said:

It’s been quite awhile since I’ve had a headache of this severity and I’m afraid to take any of my rescue meds as Ritzatriptan works on serotonin and Fioricet has caffeine. I have Nurtec, which Google says should be safe but I’m scared to do anything and throw myself back into a more acute period.

Honestly, I know it sounds a bit mad, but I would do everything you can to not try adding anything in, it's amazing what we can put up with tbh. I know thats not what you want to hear, but long term I think adding in more drugs just makes things worse, the body is smart and will figure this out for you.

14 hours ago, Sara said:

I so want to be more positive, but I’ve got to admit I’m quite sad. I’ve been looking forward to this vacation for a year and now I’ll be sick, in pain, on my period, and have insomnia. Honestly, if there were a lottery for bad luck, I’d win it. Haha. Hopefully my next update here will be more encouraging. Hope you are having a great start to your week!

That is fine! You will have some positive update in the future I have no doubt. Just be real and honest, we all get it and are here for you!

5 hours ago, Chippy said:

It's a pleasure, I try.

Getting sick in WD can very much make everything worse! Sorry to hear!

Honestly, I know it sounds a bit mad, but I would do everything you can to not try adding anything in, it's amazing what we can put up with tbh. I know thats not what you want to hear, but long term I think adding in more drugs just makes things worse, the body is smart and will figure this out for you.

That is fine! You will have some positive update in the future I have no doubt. Just be real and honest, we all get it and are here for you!

@Chippy , I did end up skipping the Ritzatriptan last night and instead took some Tylenol Cold & Flu. I normally avoid Sudafed as well, but the 5mg that was in there was just enough to remove some sinus pressure that was contributing to the migraine. It lessened enough that I got a few hours of sleep, though I woke feeling just as awful. Even so, knowing that I held out even once gives me some encouragement. I feel like on the whole avoiding extra meds is good, but there will be times I have to take a risk and discern when it’s worth it. I’ve probably had 5+ colds during the last year, (thanks to my kids) so I know there will be more to come. The next time I don’t want to get as down about it.

Off topic, but I ran across a terrible story on SA yesterday completely by accident. It led to a spiral all day long and I had some pretty dark thoughts. Have you experienced anything like that? If so, how did you come back from it? I avoid bad stories like the plague and was blindsided by the ending of this one. I never want to have those thoughts again!

@Sara Which story have you read?

56 minutes ago, The Dust said:

@Sara Which story have you read?

Potions’ story. I don’t even know how I stumbled on it, but I did and read it thinking that her improvement was a good sign. Then it took a turn and because I was already having a chemical and hormone storm yesterday, I just cried for hours off and on the rest of the day.

Thanks!

You lucky *****! You can cry! I still almost can't at all. I'm still SSRI-ish.

Edit: I think you have found out one very "good" story for showing how everything comes together. Symptoms are appearing and fading aways together. If they... Textbook!

Edited September 8Sep 8 by The Dust

1 hour ago, The Dust said:

Thanks!

You lucky *****! You can cry! I still almost can't at all. I'm still SSRI-ish.

Edit: I think you have found out one very "good" story for showing how everything comes together. Symptoms are appearing and fading aways together. If they... Textbook!

I could barely cry for the entire 6ish years on the meds. Even when I had my kids, all I could manage was a few tears. It was an eerie feeling and I hated it. The first thing that came back for me was crying. One of my favorite songs, “Shoulders” by For King & Country” came on one day while I was doing chores around the house, and I just started sobbing. It was so odd and that was when I realized just how much SSRI’s had affected me. It’s been very weird to learn how to emote again. It’s definitely not back to normal, but I can feel waves of emotion coming and going. Hopefully yours will come eventually. It’s so interesting how each persons handles WD differently and has symptoms ranging in severity. I could think of so many others I’d rather have than the dark thoughts and insomnia.

I think you might have the wrong story. “Potions” had periods of improvement, but after a few years she hit rock bottom and sadly ended her life. It absolutely broke my heart to read as she was so young. And then sent me into a spiral. From now on, I’m sticking with my favorite “success” stories that I know have a happy ending.

12 minutes ago, Sara said:

I could barely cry for the entire 6ish years on the meds. Even when I had my kids, all I could manage was a few tears. It was an eerie feeling and I hated it. The first thing that came back for me was crying.

Hi Sara,

This happened immediately for me on the meds and the reason I wanted to get off. Now, over 11 months off, I can cry a little better but still it feels very blunted, shallow and stops real fast. Sometimes I still get only a few tears or none., When did you get better for you ? 🥹

It’s so interesting how each persons handles WD differently and has symptoms ranging in severity.

Yes, it's interesting that your ability to cry came back immediately after quitting, but mine is awaken very rarely. On the other hand you have severe insomnia, but I, in general, can sleep pretty well, although I wake up in the middle of the night sometimes and my sleep is not as deep as it should be. Now we can trade...

I could think of so many others I’d rather have than the dark thoughts and insomnia.

Like what? What would bother you less? PSSD?

Well, we have the same story. Poitons' story. I see how she got everything together: emotional numbness, akathisia, PSSD, cognitive issues, agitation, tremors, anhedonia... But when she had waves, everything improves together.

Edited September 8Sep 8 by The Dust

2 hours ago, Sara said:

Potions’ story. I don’t even know how I stumbled on it, but I did and read it thinking that her improvement was a good sign. Then it took a turn and because I was already having a chemical and hormone storm yesterday, I just cried for hours off and on the rest of the day.

Hi Sara,

I was reading about your spiral and can totally relate. I have had this happen a few times before, there are some stories that haunt me in my mind but I try to rationalise it. Sometimes these stories haunt me because deep down I worry that this could be me one day. But many of us have these thoughts and don’t act on them, it doesn’t mean that we ever will, we don’t know what other things were going on in a persons life at that time either. It doesn’t make it any less sad, it’s devastating. Any loss to the community, but especially so young.

I spent some time talking with someone on SA who I believe lost their life very recently. It has sent me into a big wave that I haven’t had for a long time. I just wanted you to know you are not alone, there are complex feelings around losses in the community. Grief, anger, upset, and fear. But we are all different individuals with different circumstances, bodies, minds, life experiences. It’s important to try and stay away from the horror stories whilst you are vulnerable, there will be a time for rallying about the injustices. It’s just hard when you stumble across them unbeknownst!

53 minutes ago, The Dust said:

Yes, it's interesting that your ability to cry came back immediately after quitting, but mine is awaken very rarely. On the other hand you have severe insomnia, but I, in general, can sleep pretty well, although I wake up in the middle of the night sometimes and my sleep is not as deep as it should be. Now we can trade..

It has to be something to due with individual brain chemistry, time on drugs and type. That’s the only thing that makes sense now, but I imagine (hopefully) that there will be more research and awareness around WD in the future. I would also gladly swap symptoms with you for a time, if I could. Honestly, I found it easier to function when I didn’t feel much. I had a schedule and stuck to it, but now emotions get in the way. Regardless, I’m sorry you’re experiencing that. The drugs truly are poison.

57 minutes ago, The Dust said:

Like what? What would bother you less? PSSD?

I do actually have PSSD, it’s actually another reason that I wanted off the drugs, since they impacted my sexuality greatly. I had a brief period immediately after discontinuing that things felt normal in that department, but then it went away two bad waves ago and never came back. It’s a concern, but when you don’t sleep and have young kids, that desire often gets put on the back burner. Fortunately, I’m a woman with an understanding husband so it’s not been an issue for our marriage. As for what would bother me less than insomnia, anything that didn’t prohibit me functioning for my family. If my basic needs like nutrition and sleep were met, I could handle just about anything. I notice when I have particularly bad insomnia that the rest of my WD symptoms worsen, so it’s tied to my sleep quality. When I feel like I get a mental “rest” or reset before a new day with new problems, I can find patience and happiness through the struggles. Now, I’m working on doing that regardless of how much sleep I get and it’s taking a whole lot of trust in God and patience with myself,

1 hour ago, SparklingG said:

Hi Sara,

I was reading about your spiral and can totally relate. I have had this happen a few times before, there are some stories that haunt me in my mind but I try to rationalise it. Sometimes these stories haunt me because deep down I worry that this could be me one day. But many of us have these thoughts and don’t act on them, it doesn’t mean that we ever will, we don’t know what other things were going on in a persons life at that time either. It doesn’t make it any less sad, it’s devastating. Any loss to the community, but especially so young.

I spent some time talking with someone on SA who I believe lost their life very recently. It has sent me into a big wave that I haven’t had for a long time. I just wanted you to know you are not alone, there are complex feelings around losses in the community. Grief, anger, upset, and fear. But we are all different individuals with different circumstances, bodies, minds, life experiences. It’s important to try and stay away from the horror stories whilst you are vulnerable, there will be a time for rallying about the injustices. It’s just hard when you stumble across them unbeknownst!

@SparklingG thank you for this response! I definitely needed these reminders. I saw your signature and sent you a private message.

9/16/26

Thought I’d drop in and write a post-vacation update. I promised I wouldn’t log in to this forum, watch videos, or look up endless stories while away, and I 98% stuck to it. The exception was during an evening where I’d eaten late and was feeling weird and looked up info about sugar and the CNS. Lesson learned, no sugar close to bedtime or else I get heart palpitations and feel wired. Besides that, all I have to say is positive! I immensely enjoyed my time away from home, even with the extra stress it entailed with travel and dealing with 3 tired and over-stimulated kids.

Honestly, I had the most fun I’ve had in years and I felt it all, so much so that I cried when we left. Some of that was because we vacation in my home state, but the rest was because I felt more like me.

I napped.

I slept.

My emotions were stable and I didn’t feel overwhelmed beyond what I could handle.

I ate lots of good food, even when I didn’t feel like it and was often nauseated, but I did it!

Were there issues? Yes. Sleep still sucks, and I imagine it will for a long time yet, but it’s better than no sleep at all. And sugar obviously stimulates me similarly to caffeine so I’ll have to cut that back to normal levels. But that is all manageable.

I know another wave is coming. There will probably be many, many more, but knowing that a week like this is possible, especially this early in to my recovery, is encouraging. Imagining every future day even being like it was this week, albeit imperfect is unimaginable. But in that there is hope. I want to remember that fact so in the dark times, I can remember the light times.

I hope one day I can say, “I am healed.” That all this will be in the past and a distant memory. Until then, guess I’ll just keep on healing.

Thanks to all who read this update and gave me encouragement before my trip.

Glad you were able to enjoy vacation :)

Thanks for the update @Sara and really glad you were able to enjoy a lovely vacation with your family ☺️

9/23/26 Update:

This last week has been tough, but in a different way than usual. I’ve been trying to taper my long-term Unisom usage, and I made too big of a drop. Some of my histamine receptors came back online and made themselves known. The first few days after the switch I was filled with such agitation, chemical anxiety, and hyper-arousal. Some of It’s settling, but I’ve still been awakening from sleep with a jump, my heart usually pounding.

I’ve also been hyper fixating on a current no-WD related health problem. I had some routine preventative dental work done in May and it didn’t go well. For months I was in pain until it led to a root canal. I did it 9 weeks ago and I’m still in pain, with a phone call to my endo confirming the worst yesterday. I can give it a little more time to settle down, but I’m most likely looking at an extraction and an expensive implant. I’m so angry as everything was fine before my dentist started messing with things. All day yesterday I was praying, crying off and on. I do not want to lose a tooth, go through implant surgery, or spend 5,000 dollars.

Because of my stress, my mom offered to take 2/3 kids for a sleep over last night. Usually after dropping them off, I ride home in silence but I turned on the radio instead. Sometimes it’s just too hard being alone with your thoughts. What came on the radio was a song many of us need to hear.

“Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth.”

How often do we listen to the lies inside our heads during WD? Often I think we believe them because of our own logic. What we’re experiencing feels like the truth, and how could it be anything else? As a practicing Christian, I’m not supposed to lean on my own understanding, as tempting as it may be. I will fail every time. But I can believe in something greater and not focus so harshly on every problem. Yes, I may lose a tooth, but I have my life, my family. It’s not as big as a problem as my body wants me to believe. I truly hope a miracle happens and it turns out another way, but even if it doesn’t, I still have to believe there’s better coming.

Thank you for listening to my thoughts. For those of you that are religious, I’m praying for you. Those who aren’t, I’m still praying for you. We will make it through this.

Your post was absolutely beautiful, and I loved the words in the song, ooh how they resignat @Sara on such a level of what we go through. I just not to long ago as I was enduring one of the strongest waves since January, I myself had to dig deep and once again ask for Gods guidance and ask him give me the strength to push through the unpleasantness, to not let these thoughts take over, to clear my mind with peace and comfort. My faith has truly helped me get through the darkest moments just to see the light that is to be bestowed upon me and led me to calm. I enjoy my inspirational quotes which give me hope and strength to never give up. I thought you might like this one.

My Testimony

Everything I've been through has taught me one thing: God has never left me. I thank Him for caring me through every storm, for holding me together. When I felt like I was falling apart, and for giving me strength when I had none left.

There were times I didn't know how I would make it through, but God made a way. He lifted me up and placed my feet upon a rock. Through every tear, every struggle, and every battle. His hands were upon me.

I'm still standing today,

not because life has been easy,

but because God carried me.

This is my testimony

God brought me through,

and I will forever

give Him all the glory. Amen🙏

@Sara Dental pain is the worst. I’m sorry you’re going through that.

Hey @Sara I am sorry to read about your dental issues, I know how painful they can be. Hope things settle down soon for you. As I say often, one day at a time, helps find some peace xxxx

On 9/23/2026 at 5:15 PM, Bernadette said:

Your post was absolutely beautiful, and I loved the words in the song, ooh how they resignat @Sara on such a level of what we go through. I just not to long ago as I was enduring one of the strongest waves since January, I myself had to dig deep and once again ask for Gods guidance and ask him give me the strength to push through the unpleasantness, to not let these thoughts take over, to clear my mind with peace and comfort. My faith has truly helped me get through the darkest moments just to see the light that is to be bestowed upon me and led me to calm. I enjoy my inspirational quotes which give me hope and strength to never give up. I thought you might like this one.

My Testimony

Everything I've been through has taught me one thing: God has never left me. I thank Him for caring me through every storm, for holding me together. When I felt like I was falling apart, and for giving me strength when I had none left.

There were times I didn't know how I would make it through, but God made a way. He lifted me up and placed my feet upon a rock. Through every tear, every struggle, and every battle. His hands were upon me.

I'm still standing today,

not because life has been easy,

but because God carried me.

This is my testimony

God brought me through,

and I will forever

give Him all the glory. Amen🙏

@Bernadette your testimony is truly beautiful! Thank you for sharing it with me. As dark as it sounds, I truly don’t believe I would be here, almost celebrating one year off without God and my family. But isn’t that how God works? Using the dark to bring forth light? Last night when I couldn’t sleep, I pushed away the normal thoughts of what I’m going through and I named off every wonderful thing that I could think of that God has done for me. I truly believe being positive when our Neuro emotions allow it, helps with healing. I imagine the story I will have one day, maybe for my kids or my grandkids, maybe for a random person on the street, for another person struggling in our church, and how God will use that for His glory. It’s so tempting to fall into dismay, believing that He won’t help me, then all it takes is a moment looking around my home and family, even my body, to realize he already has. Thank you for sharing with me. I truly love your writing style and it is very inspirational.