How to Talk About Withdrawal

You might feel like, in withdrawal, no one understands what you’re going through—and honestly, a lot of people don’t. This is such a painful, isolating process, and it often falls completely outside most people’s experience.

Today, I want to share how I’ve learned to talk about withdrawal with others in a way that protects you and protects them, so your relationships have a better chance of surviving this season—and so do you.

Why You May Feel So Misunderstood

In withdrawal, you're likely suffering a lot. You're vulnerable and deeply in need of validation. But the hard truth is: many of your normal sources of support won’t be able to offer that.

Even people who love you might not understand what you’re going through. You might try to share—and feel worse afterward because they say something hurtful, or dismissive, or just wrong.

This doesn't mean they don’t care. It just means they may not be able to meet you in this particular experience. That’s okay. You can still protect those relationships while seeking the support you actually need.

Where to Find the Right Support

During acute withdrawal, your social life might look very different. That’s normal. You might need to lean more on:

• Online support groups
• Peer coaches or withdrawal buddies
• Unexpected connections (like someone who’s had a family member go through this)

Be open to support in new forms. I felt like God brought unexpected people into my life just when I needed them. I truly hope and pray the same for you.

What to Say Instead of "I'm in Withdrawal"

When people asked me to volunteer, attend meetings, or even join social events, I felt stuck. I couldn’t explain that I was in psychiatric drug withdrawal—it wouldn’t make sense to most people why I couldn’t come to a BBQ... for 9 months.

So I started saying this:

“I’m dealing with a chronic illness right now that comes with a lot of fatigue. I’m on a healing path and I’m getting better, but I’m limited in what I can do right now.”

People understand "chronic illness."
People understand "fatigue."
They may not understand akathisia or looping thoughts or neuro-emotions. That’s okay.

Use language that protects your peace and preserves the relationship.

How I Handled the "Outer Circle"

For people I wasn’t close to—coworkers, acquaintances, community groups—I used that chronic illness/fatigue framing. It gave me a way to:

• Be honest without overexplaining
• Decline things without burning bridges
• Avoid retraumatizing responses

Later, when I was feeling better, I could show up again. I didn’t need to go back and explain everything. I just said, “I’m doing better,” and we moved on.

What About Work?

In my case, I was finishing an internship and was able to be honest with my former supervisor, because she came from a mental health background and had some understanding of withdrawal.

But if she hadn’t? I probably would’ve gone with something like:

“I’ve had some chronic illness flare-ups. I’m recovering, and I’d love to reconnect when I’m well enough to give this my full energy.”

Gauge the situation. Not everyone will understand. Don’t waste your emotional energy on trying to explain to someone who can’t understand.

Give Yourself Permission to Live Differently

Your social life might look different. Your work life might be on pause. That’s okay.

You have permission to live differently right now.

If some relationships fall away, know that repair is possible. New relationships are possible. You’re not failing—you’re healing.

Be Gentle with Yourself

You don’t owe everyone full access to your story.

• Protect your peace.
• Communicate as clearly and simply as you can.
• Let go of relationships that aren’t safe right now.
• Lean into the support that is.

This is a season. It’s not forever.

You are valuable. Your healing matters. And the way you care for yourself during this process is an act of strength, not weakness.

You’re doing better than you think. ❤️‍🩹