Reassure yourself that having cognitive difficulties in the midst of psychiatric drug withdrawal is incredibly common. The more you find a way to accept that these challenges are here, however frustrating and concerning they may be, the easier you might find you’ll be able to coexist with them until they subside.
While in the midst of healing, some people try to set realistic goals for what they’re able to expect of themselves in order to avoid overdoing it. And when they think back to who they were before withdrawal, rather than get discouraged or even terrified that that person is gone, they remind themselves, “I am still that person—I’m just temporarily injured right now.”
Some people find it helpful to break tasks down into smaller, more manageable parts.
Reading out loud can be helpful for some.
Others find they’re able to read short stories, or children’s and young adult books, and that this can help them keep their brain active.
Some people say that doing jigsaw puzzles, word games, Sudoku puzzles, and other activities that stimulate the brain can help facilitate healing.
Perhaps most importantly, stay patient with the process and be gentle with yourself. Your brain is working hard to heal. Remind yourself that people reclaim their cognitive function in the wake of psychiatric drug withdrawal every day!
Withdrawal-induced reading/comprehension problems: quick tips