Will I Ever Feel Normal Again?

Hi friends,
Today I want to talk about something that shows up so strongly in psychiatric drug withdrawal: fear. I’m going to share some of the horrible, horrible fears that come up—and I want to talk through them with you so you know you’re not alone. I’ll share some from my own experience, and some from others I’ve connected with.

Fear is a huge part of withdrawal. It often comes with terror, panic, and a total body fight-or-flight experience. But the truth is: you’re healing. Even if it doesn’t feel like it. You’re healing every single day.

Will My Racing Thoughts Ever Calm Down?

"Will I ever think clearly again?"

The thoughts might be looping, racing, or just stuck. You might wonder if you’ll ever feel peace in your mind again. The answer is yes—you will. It’s part of the healing trajectory, even if your brain doesn’t feel like yours right now.

Will I Ever Be Able to Enjoy Life Again?

"Will I ever have joy again?"

Yes. Absolutely.

Right now, your brain chemistry may be affected, and the simplest things may feel flat or unreal. But your capacity for joy is not gone. It’s healing. And when it comes back, it often returns with a deeper sense of gratitude.

I enjoy my kids more now than I ever did before. I treasure simple things. And you will too.

Will I Ever Sleep Again?

"Will I ever be able to sleep again?"

Insomnia is brutal. But your body will regulate again.

Even if you can’t sleep now, choose rest. Lie down. Breathe. Don’t judge yourself for not sleeping. Sleep will return. Your nervous system just needs time.

We can’t control when or how the symptoms lift, but we can make healing choices. We can rest, even when relief hasn’t come yet.

Will I Ever Be Able to Work Again?

"How could I ever handle a job again?"

So many people go back to work after withdrawal. I’ve seen it again and again in success stories and in my own life.

I’m becoming more productive, more focused, and more present. You will too. Your brain and energy are recovering, even if right now it feels like you’re barely functioning.

Will I Ever Be Able to Think Clearly Again?

During withdrawal, I couldn’t organize my thoughts. My house felt chaotic. I couldn’t finish tasks. My brain felt foggy, circular, like it was waterlogged or stuffed with cotton.

"Will I ever be able to focus again?"

Yes, you will. I'm back to making lists. I'm checking things off. I’m thinking clearly again—and it’s a joy to regain that ability.

Adjusting Expectations

Instead of trying to be who I used to be, I started where I was. Some days my to-do list looked like:

• Listen to an encouraging podcast
• Take a short walk
• Call a friend

That was enough. And that was productive—because healing is productive.

Be gentle. Adjust your expectations. And trust that your capacity will return.

Will I Ever Stop Hurting?

Physical pain can be terrifying. Head pressure, joint pain, flu-like exhaustion...

"Will this pain ever end?"

Yes. It fades. It comes and goes. One day you’ll notice: “Hey… I haven’t felt that symptom in a while.”

It’s a slow fade, not a light switch. But it fades.

Will I Ever Be Able to Be Social Again?

"Will I ever be able to go back to church? The gym? To dinner with friends?"

Yes. Right now you may feel fragile or totally unable to socialize. But your ability to connect and enjoy others will return. It’s just not your fault that it’s hard right now.

You will rejoin life. You will laugh again. You will feel normal again.

Understanding Windows and Waves

• Windows = relief, moments or days where you feel better
• Waves = flare-ups of symptoms that feel like setbacks

Some people experience lots of windows. Others go months without any. I had long periods with no windows—just little glimmers of relief.

But eventually, windows came. They grew longer and stronger. The waves became smaller. That’s how healing often looks: uneven but real.

Your Healing Is Happening, Even Now

Think of your body like a garden. You can’t speed up the growing season, but the healing is happening.

I’m sitting outside right now, enjoying coffee, enjoying nature. Things that once felt unreachable are now real again.

Even if you feel numb, disconnected, or mechanical—you are healing.

What Are Your Fears?

Here are some of the fears I’ve heard and experienced:

• Will I ever go back to work?
• Will I ever sleep again?
• Will I ever be able to focus?
• Will my head pressure go away?
• Will I ever enjoy life again?

These are normal fears in withdrawal. And the answer to each one is: Yes, healing will come.

Final Encouragement

You’re doing the hardest thing. You’re walking through something most people don’t understand—but you’re not alone.

You are healing.
Your body is doing the work.
Your story isn’t over.

Adjust expectations. Make healing choices. And keep going.

Want to Stay Connected?

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I'm walking this journey too—and I’d be honored to walk it with you.

Thanks for being here, friends. We’ll talk again soon. 💛