An Open Letter to My Fellow Sufferers

Dear Sufferer, I’m sorry for the position you have found yourself in. Please know it’s not your fault. You have every right to be angry - especially if you’ve lost so much - but try to focus on healing. If you feel gaslit and misunderstood because your family and doctor don’t believe what you’re experiencing, please know that those of us who have been harmed believe you and stand with you. You are never alone. Please understand that what you are experiencing is an injury that takes time to heal. There are no quick fixes or magic pills that will offer an immediate solution. The best solutions are time and patience. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to help yourself. There are tons of non-drug coping skills that you can implement to assist you with whatever symptoms you are dealing with. This site offers many suggestions. Although what you’re experiencing can be frightening, it reflects a nervous system that is under stress as the brain gradually works toward homeostasis. Take your time with your taper and really listen to your body. It’s okay if you need to hold your dose for long periods of time. Holding is part of healing too. Even if you have cold-turkeyed, many people go on to heal, although it may take longer and require some extra patience and self-care. If you feel like you can’t go on anymore, please know that many others have felt the same way. It’s normal to feel this way sometimes. If you find yourself at this point, it means that your pain has become greater than the resources you have to deal with it. Instead of giving up, try to increase your resources. Reach out to someone who understands and will listen in a non-judgmental way, even if it means calling a crisis hotline. Please don’t make any impulsive decisions. Give yourself another day. Chances are you just might feel differently tomorrow. Your life is precious. One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to reach out and help others. “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” There is so much wisdom in these words. When we assist others who are suffering it not only encourages them, but it also helps us since we’re not focusing on our own problems. It gives us a sense of purpose and a reason to keep going. We all need one another on this crazy journey, so take the time to offer a kind word to a fellow sufferer. Assist them in any way you can. The words we express may take only a moment to say, but it may be just what someone needs to hear. The effects can last a lifetime. In fact, our words can even save a life. So, my dear fellow sufferer, please keep going. We will all get there eventually at our own pace. Don’t compare your healing journey to someone else’s. Some may heal faster, others much slower. The important thing to keep in mind is that healing is possible for all of us. Thousands have healed before you, thus demonstrating that you too can heal. If you view your symptoms as a necessary part of the healing process, it will help you to accept your situation and endure. You will get there eventually - one step at a time. One day the clouds will part and the sun will begin to shine through. When that time comes, you’ll be so glad you held on. Love, Catina ❤️