Benzo tapering not going well.. Could use some kind words...

So as I have mentioned before I started tapering my clonazapam 8 days ago. I reduced my dose by 10% because I wanted to do a slow taper and my doctor had no issues with it. For the past week I've had the same nagging anxiety that I use to have, just at a lower level. Ive had one panic attack and two almost panic attacks. I've started noticing that my worry thought patterns are returning and I feel afraid all the time again. Tonight I was laying in bed watching tv and suddenly I felt like I was falling or something weird like that and I jumped up in a panic and scared the heck out of my husband lol. I got upset and overwhelmed and ended up taking an extra half a pill so I could feel okay again. I barely started my taper and I already want to stop. I don't know how people do this. My doctor wants me to taper over the course of 3-4 months and I can't imagine feeling like that for any extended period of time. I just can't stand it.

Anyone here been through it that can offer some advice? I feel like I need a support group, or a sponsor, or just anyone who understands and can help me stay strong through this I don't want to keep giving up and taking extra but I don't feel strong enough to cope with the withdrawals.

Hi

Tapering of a benzo is hard and I am pleased to read that you are doing it slowly over 3-4 months that sounds a good plan to me and do keep in close contact with your doctor and keep us updated with your progress.

Hibee

The only way I know how to deal with my anxiety is distraction. It can be helpful, but it doesn't actually change anything or make anything easier. I just recently start reading a book on mindfulness, and another called Fear, both by the same author, Thich Nhat Hahn. I'm really enjoying both books and mindfulness is something I have a lot of interest in. Unfortunately I have so far been unable to really be mindful, because whenever I try I just can't stop my mind from wandering, and I can't stop myself from thinking and just be present.

I go to therapy weekly but have only recently begun discussing my anxiety at length because while on clonazapam I was anxiety free, and so we discussed other things. I'm not sure how well this therapist will be able to help with my anxiety. He says the he does not take a preventative approach, and he hasn't really discussed any coping methods with me. I suppose time will tell.