This website was created to raise awareness about the community art book “Healing from Psychiatry: The Artist’s Perspective.” The book provides a space for people recovering from benzodiazepine-related harm, often referred to in community discussions as BIND (benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction), to share their artwork and lived experiences with benzodiazepines and their experiences within the institution of psychiatry.

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Benzodiazepines are medications commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and muscle-related conditions. The most commonly prescribed include Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam (Valium), Alprazolam (Xanax), and Clonazepam (Klonopin).

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“Z-drugs,” such as Zolpidem (Ambien), Eszopiclone (Lunesta), and Zaleplon (Sonata), are also prescribed for sleep and act on similar brain pathways. Some individuals report similar adverse reactions and prolonged recovery experiences.

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Similar to long COVID, some people tolerate benzodiazepines without long-term issues, while others experience significant symptoms during use and/or after discontinuation. It is estimated that millions of people worldwide may have been affected by benzodiazepine-related harm. This includes people who took benzodiazepines for anxiety and other mental health conditions and for physical conditions.

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The book includes contributions from people who were “good patients” and took these medications as prescribed by their doctors. They developed physiological dependence and had difficulty discontinuing them. While experiences vary widely, many individuals report persistent symptoms following discontinuation, including cognitive fog, insomnia, emotional dysregulation, sensory sensitivity, and physical discomfort that can last from months to years.​​

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The book also includes perspectives from people who were harmed by antidepressants and who received diagnostic labels that they felt did not reflect the fullness of their humanity. 

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The goal of this project is to support people in recovery from benzodiazepine-related harm and to create space for expression, validation, and connection. It also aims to reach family members, clinicians, and policymakers in order to encourage more comprehensive informed consent and greater awareness of potential risks associated with these medications.

 

This book includes a back-cover endorsement from the late Dr. Heather Ashton, a clinician and researcher known for her work on benzodiazepine harm, and a statement from Matt Samet, a survivor and author who has written about his recovery from psychiatric medications.