Parker Posey's Benzo Habit in the White Lotus: I've Been There

Freaking Out Issue 005

Watching Parker Posey’s character in this season of The White Lotus—with her occasional slurred words and ability to nod off mid-conversation—has felt like watching 25-year-old me.

In Issue 003 of Freaking Out I shared my journey into anti-anxiety medications and how they helped relieve a panic disorder that was causing me daily panic attacks. Today I want to go futher into that period of my life--the messiness of the anxiety medications, why they’re so easy to fall in love with, and perhaps a word of caution to anyone looking for an easy way out of the prison of their overstimulated mind.

I’ll also be sharing a story from one of my first times overdoing the medication, which left me wobbling through the Chicago O’Hare International Airport. It’s mostly very sad but also kind of funny--like most things in life.