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Depression
Depression is very common both while using benzodiazepines long term and as a withdrawal symptom.
It is useful to ascertain whether the depression was present before commencing benzodiazepines. If the depression is a benzodiazepine withdrawal symptom it will subside as the other symptoms of withdrawal improve.
People experiencing depression have one or more of the following:
- Lack of interest and care
- Tiredness
- Difficulty sleeping or alternatively, over-sleeping
- Crying
- Low motivation
- Guilt
- Feeling unworthy
- Suicidal thoughts
What can I do about it?
Depression during withdrawal can be present all the time, or appear and then disappear for periods of time. It is usually easier to cope when the depression is not present all the time.
- Set some small tasks each day which bring you satisfaction.
- Make an effort to see people you are close to. Talk to your family and/or friends about how the depression is affecting you, but be careful not to spend too much time talking about depression.
- Your diet will impact on your mood and energy levels, so eat lots of vegetables and wholegrains and try to avoid refined and/or fatty foods like sugar and junk food.
- Light has been known to effect mood, so let some light into your living area, and put fresh colourful flowers in your home.
- Do one purely pleasurable thing each day.
- Try to do some exercise everyday. You might like to go for a walk, or do some gardening, gradually building this up to more strenuous exercise if possible.
- If the depression does not improve, or is constant, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or anti-depressant medication can be very helpful.
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