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I wait sometimes several days to take my meds. I start feeling horrible then take them. They`ve damaged my brain and changed my personality. I`m a musician and the meds have seriously affected my memory. Sometimes all I think about is leaving the planet. I suffer so much. I`m gonna try my best to stay here and help others.

@SLYCoopaEatsChicken

2 жыл бұрын

I hope you stay

@vonjess9

2 жыл бұрын

Please keep being here! We need YOU! It's the illness that has changed your brain. The meds blunt emotions but hallucinations and other symptoms are worse. Reach out and understand that it is a medical problem. Xoxo

@ameliavelasco8602

2 жыл бұрын

If you’re taking antidepressants, they won’t work unless you take them consistently, every day, and you won’t feel good for many weeks in most cases. Don’t give up.

@Weld24_CosmicKat

2 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry You are suffering so much. I feel the same way, and know how painful it can be. I too, hope You will stick around.

@Nancy-pc6sf

2 жыл бұрын

Same here

I'm so glad you seem to have a psychiatrist who listens to you and respects your wishes.

@gigi_enItalie

2 жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly!

@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe

6 ай бұрын

Vision quest last year. Most of psych life have had some excellent providers County and Private practice. Great video on onerous process.

Each time you destabilize, it becomes more difficult to stabilize. That's why I stay on my meds.

@zenseed75

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, thank you. Lesson I learned the hard way.

@dyrefate

2 жыл бұрын

Not necessarily. I've learned from each of my episodes so my recovery gets easier every time.

@HockeyVictory66

2 жыл бұрын

Me too. I went off them for a week once and it was a disaster. I was very young though and was able to get stabilized.

@olive_99

2 жыл бұрын

@@HockeyVictory66 you also shouldn’t just stop without tapering so that may have added to why your symptoms were so bad

@terryabate9231

Жыл бұрын

I was on 200 mg Zoloft about two weeks ago I lowered my medication to 150mg At first it was tough and now I’m doing OK I wanted to leave room in case I become depressed in the room to move up

Hello Lauren and Rob, I'm 68 and the last time I was hospitalised was in late 2007 and I know for certain if I stop taking Dolmatil(sulpiride) I will have a fourth psychotic episode. All the best and many thanks, Peter Nolan. Ph.D.(physics). Dublin. Ireland.

@dazcaz8205

2 жыл бұрын

I am also a schitzophrenic dubliner! No PhD though :/

@peternolan814

2 жыл бұрын

@@dazcaz8205 Hello, So nice to hear from you. I got my doctorate in November 1986 and was hospitalised in St. Loman's hospital where I was injected with a massive overdose of Largactil(chlorpromazine) in early May 1987. My life ended as soon as the psychiatrist withdrew the hypodermic needs from my right buttock that first night in Loman's. However healing came into my life in February 2011 and 11 years later I have never felt as well as I do today. I send you best wishes and I hope and pray that everything will work out for you. If you are a young person, and I'm guessing you are, you may be getting better treatment today. It's just possible that Largactil(chlorpromazine) is not being prescribed as much nowadays. I certainly hope so. All the best and many thanks, Peter.

@lucide9577

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Peter Nolan! I am new to this chanel on youtube and I find the content very interesting and educational.

@peternolan814

2 жыл бұрын

@@lucide9577 Hello Lucide, Lauren's channel Living Well With Schizophrenia is a great KZread channel. I have learned a lot from Lauren and I give her my full support. You can trust her and her husband Rob 100%. They have a had a baby together. Lauren is so blessed to have this baby Theo. You are completely safe here. All the best and many thanks, Peter.

@aaymathebest4705

2 жыл бұрын

@@peternolan814 hi Peter,I always read comments,...How are you?...we regular come here,I was thinking from few days,I didn't read any Peter comment,first I was thinking,maybe you're old,may be you can be ill.....we're happy,you came in the comments,happy to see you....

I know your frustration, but I'm telling you that even with MDD getting off meds is a no no for me. As soon as I have tried it becomes MUCH HARDER to re-stabilize. People think depression and anxiety are not as serious as psychotic disorders, and it's easier to go med free. Sometimes its not. Good luck. I wish you well 💖

@dmgsoultogetherness6667

2 жыл бұрын

💯 twice in the past iv ended up in hospital(3mnths) due to failed reductions or failed new drugs

@shieh.4743

2 жыл бұрын

I've tried to taper off my medicine for MDD twice. I've found my lowest dose that works for me and on 1, rather than the 2 or 3 I was initially prescribed.

@zenseed75

2 жыл бұрын

MDD here as well. Going off my meds has helped ruin my life. I've not been able to get back to where I was before.

@meredithfriday7798

2 жыл бұрын

I have GAD and if I stop my meds I get thoughts of hurting myself because the anxiety is unbearable. Agree with you 100 percent that some people think depression and anxiety are not as severe as psychotic disorders and that you’re ok if you go off meds. It’s because of an antidepressant I can function every day

@heidifredeen583

2 жыл бұрын

I needed this reminder 😌

I used to stop taking my meds because I felt better. I definitely had to learn the hard way that the reason I felt better was literally because I was taking them. Side effects, etc CAN be annoying; but I'm so grateful that I live in a time that even has meds that can help.

@halo8783

2 жыл бұрын

Agree but what helped me also was getting the correct medication. I tried alot and none worked except for rexulti.

@telena5042

2 жыл бұрын

This is what happens to me. I start feeling better, the voices & delusions subside to barely noticeable and I'll stop taking them. Then BOOM they hit hard and I start taking them again.

@praveenvasistha247

2 жыл бұрын

Its hard for me to imagine that 50 Years ago there was no medication for Schizophrenia. Yes it has side effects but its better than being a destitute or thrown into a cell or chained in an Asylum !

@mariashaffer-gordon3561

Жыл бұрын

@@telena5042 In epidemiology, what you did was a double crossover experiment. This is a good way to prove that you need the medication to keep the disease under control.

@Fargosportsmassage

Жыл бұрын

@@telena5042 that is exactly that happen to my son who is schizophrenic

I had a conversation once with my therapist. I said I was struggling with how many psych meds i was on. She said (paraphrasing) that if people have a heart condition or cancer, it doesn't matter if they need meds, it's just accepted. Her point was that society accepts physical illness and the medications needed for those far, far more than it accepts medications to help our minds function in daily life. In short, I'm on several medications. I tried going down on one of my meds last year or the year before, and it didn't work. I've tried several times over the years to see if I could come down on one or the other of them, with mostly negative results. I've accepted that, for now, I need them to function and live well. If someday I decide to try again, I can always do that. But right now, life is stressful enough without playing with medication dosages. I hear you about the longterm effects, and not knowing what they might be. But the question we have to ask ourselves--you, me, anyone else watching this, strugglign with this same dilemma--is this: With life stress, work, financial issues, relationships, and everything else, is it the best time? And if not, that's okay. You aren't a failure because you need the meds to function. I have the brain fog from antidepressants. I struggle to remember things, and often need bits of either TV shows or conversation connected and explained by others. I struggle with song lyrics to newer songs. I used to memorize them with great ease. My fiance said he thinks it's just part of the aging process. I'm not sure. It's maddening. I used to pride myself on having a good, sharp memory. It's a little terrifying to not have that, or to not feel like I have that. Hang in there. Keep your head up, and do what's best for you. Remember: You are not a failure.

What about only focusing on lowering the dosage for now? You don’t necessarily have to set the goal to cut out medications completely. You may need to find the minimum dose that’s still effective against symptoms, but allows you to experience less side effects. I had to do this with my antidepressant with which, like you, I have a complicated love/hate relationship. The goal of treatment should be to maximize quality of life, not keeping you “stable” at all costs. Who cares if you’re a “stable” zombie? That’s something some doctors still struggle understanding unfortunately. I’ve come to the conclusion that for me personally life is neither good with too little nor too much medication 😌. Keep trying to find the right balance at your own pace and at the right time :)

@genevievem4899

2 жыл бұрын

That is good advice. The goal could be to take only one medication instead of many. No need to stop completely.

@mzbuttercupofchicago

2 жыл бұрын

I agree

I tapered off one my meds strictly for the purpose of lessening a disabling side effect and it was successful 🙌 I wish you the best in your future trials with meds.

Hi Lauren, I don’t have schizophrenia but I have a complicated relationship with anti-seizure medication I take for epilepsy and mitochondrial disease. I wish more people understood that medications don’t cure us, they manage symptoms. It’s understandable to want them to do more, or to wish for the condition to go away without medication. It can be hard to manage expectations a lot of the time. And as an educated person you know enough to drive yourself to distraction with all of the possibilities. I am glad you are able to talk to family and your psychiatrist about this. Sending love.

@ReineDeLaSeine14

2 жыл бұрын

💚

@JerseyLynne

2 жыл бұрын

I agree!

TWO of my love ones are dealing with this issue. I appreciate All of your work you do for yourself, your family and education to the world. I pray for you and all who have this. Xoxo

Hi Lauren, Please don’t be so hard on yourself! Look at all of the major things you have accomplished thus far in your life! You don’t seem “different” to me in any way whatsoever when you are on your medication. The only difference I have noticed is the past couple of months (and maybe that was when you were tapering off)? Look at how much you have accomplished! Finishing school, finding a great partner, being a co-parent to 2 children and having a brand new baby with your partner, running this amazing channel, having a beautiful place to live, looking so pleasant, being able to run the way you do - you have so many beautiful gifts and have achieved so much. Please do think any lower of yourself for taking your medication. I am not an expert, but I think it’s helping you to be able to contribute so much to the world and have a wonderful family! I’m praying for you Lauren and I believe you will be just great! And yes, you are so right. The past couple of years must have been incredibly stressful with Co-Vid, homeschooling and a new baby, so I wouldn’t personally change anything now (but that’s just my opinion)!! 🙏💖

Oh, Lauren, I completely get this. For my own medication struggles, I finally got to the point that I realize that just like someone needs insulin to correct a wonky pancreas, I need medication to correct a wonky brain. The struggle with that is on-so real, and I wish you the very best of luck as you continue on the journey. Hugs.

Keep talking about your truth. Giving a voice to it is vital to one’s soul. I value your openness and honesty. I am so glad you have people you trust in your life. Much love and respect flow from my corner of the world to you. 💕

Thanks for educating people. Unfortunately many people need to stay on their meds. Glad you are doing this with talking to your doctor keep doing that.

@benedict_spores

Жыл бұрын

Look up ☝️☝️that handle on Instagram she’s got the best tips and stuffs for microdosing, psych meds, dmt trips, psilocybin, mescaline and ships too💯

This is such an incredibly common theme for all of us who struggle with mental health issues! I and everyone else I talk to about being on medication for mental health reasons wishes to not be on pills. But I know now from experience that it's just not an option for me. The only way I can rationalize and feel at ease about my meds is to think of it like this... if I had a disease or illness of any other part of my body, like my heart or my lungs for example, I would 100% take the medication prescribed to me and I would never even consider to stop taking them because I know I need them. So why should it be any different for a disease or illness of my brain?! Is my brain not part of my body? It's possibly the most important part of my body. So if my brain has an illness why would I not take the medication that is going to help it? Anyways that's just my way of dealing with the feeling of wanting to stop medication or living med free or whatnot. Take care, and know you are not alone ❤️

@mygirldarby

2 жыл бұрын

It may be a little more complicated than that. Mental illness is not referred to as a brain illness or vice versa. When the brain is injured or an illness causes physical harm to the brain, like a stroke or encephalitis, that is considered a brain illness, not a mental illness. A "mental" illness is a sickness of the mind. The best treatment we have for most mental illness is talk therapy, which can be augmented by medicines. Talk therapy can't treat encephalitis, for example, because it is a brain condition. Someone with a stroke will not recover by dealing with unresolved childhood trauma, but depression, etc. does respond to this therapy. Medicine for mental illnesses is relatively new and it hasn't been wildly successful in and of itself. Medicine helps, but it's not a cure. I view medicines like SSRI's as emotional pain relievers, a temporary treatment for the patient while they are being treated with talk therapy. If a person with depression just takes the medicine for it, but never deals with the emotional pain behind it, they will most likely need the medicine for life. Psychotherapy is hard, painful, can take a long time, and people will often have to deal with things they would rather not dredge up, which is why a lot of people would rather just take the medicine.

@AmyAndThePup

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly the same feelings here. Thank you for what you said. If I need meds for health conditions, I take them and don't think about whether I should or not. I need to do the same for my mind as well.

@Sofi-jc6up

2 жыл бұрын

@@mygirldarby Estoy totalmente de acuerdo. Yo tengo ansiedad y tuve una época en la que pensaba que el universo me hablaba. Todo esto era síntoma de dolor emocional reprimido. Lo se después de 10 años y de mucho trabajo interior. Durante un tiempo me creí la gran mentira de que las enfermedades mentales son enfermedades del cerebro. Eso no me ayudó en nada, porque te hace pensar que no hay solución. Cuando empecé a cuestionar esta falta creencia, pude mejorar. Yo tomaba 100 mg de Clozapina y ahora tomo 25 y esto mil veces mejor, disfruto de la vida, y mis síntomas ya casi no aparecen. Eso es porque pude conectar con el dolor emocional del pasado. Lo logré gracias a un trabajo muy profundo, también me ayudo el yoga y la meditación. Y si, lleva mucho tiempo, muchos años de tu vida, pero vale la pena Sorry! English is not my first language Google translation here: I totally agree. I have anxiety and I had a time when I thought the universe was speaking to me. All of this was a symptom of repressed emotional pain. I know after 10 years and a lot of inner work. For a time I believed the big lie that mental illnesses are diseases of the brain. That did not help me at all, because it makes you think that there is no solution. When I began to question this belief, I was able to improve. I used to take 100 mg of Clozapine and now I take 25 and I am a thousand times better, I enjoy life, and my symptoms hardly appear anymore. That's because I was able to connect with the emotional pain of the past. I achieved it thanks to a very deep work, talk teraphy, yoga and meditation also helped me. And yes, it takes a long time, many years of your life, but it's worth it.

Be safe. Please don't get to the point where you try to harm yourself or others. I take a daily antidepressant and a week off of it and I make plans to end it all. Sending you love and light.

@sunny4lady

10 ай бұрын

psychosis does not mean you will harm others, thats a very small minority that do!

I can definitely relate. I have bipolar II disorder and I've been taking medications for it for over 8 years now. The first medication I was on, a mood stabilizer, worked and brought me down from hypomania within a matter of weeks. But then I became depressed. And then I had an allergic reaction to that medication with painfully, itchy hives all over my body. So I had to ditch that medication. And over the last 8+ years, I've been on 26 different psychiatric medications in various combinations including atypical antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, stimulants, and benzodiazepines among others. The side effects from these medications have ranged from mild to intolerable. And there was one medication, an atypical antipsychotic, that seemed to be the most effective at treating my depression that I was on but kept trying to get off, because while its side effects (mainly somnolence and weight gain) were tolerable, they were very frustrating. I know how tough it can be weighing the pro's and con's of various medications and dealing with bad side effects. Over the last 2 years I did transcranial magnetic stimulation, ketamine, and ECT. I'm with the best psychiatrist I've ever had and I'm now on the only mood stabilizer that seemed plausible for me to try at this point, a high dose of an MAOI, and Xanax. This MAOI has been more effective than any other treatment for my depression. And thankfully the side effects all seem fairly mild. After 8 years of serious, incapacitating depression with ups and downs, I feel more optimistic about my future than at any point in the last 8 years, though I'm still coming out of this depression/period of severe anxiety. I wish you luck in finding the best treatment regimen for you.

@elizabethconroy7665

2 жыл бұрын

Well done you

@mariashaffer-gordon3561

Жыл бұрын

If you don't mind answering a personal question, did you find transcranial magnetic stimulation to be helpful? I've seen contradictory information on its helpfulness for auditory hallucinations.

@pvrunner8

Жыл бұрын

@@mariashaffer-gordon3561 TMS was ultimately not effective for me. I haven't heard about its use for auditory hallucinations.

@rocketmantheone

8 ай бұрын

Keep getting better! Just know that you matter, you’re not alone and we love you!

i take zoloft so i can't imagine the sides of antipsychotics, but i know for sure meds are life saving, they saved me from a future suicide i had planned.

As a schizoaffective bipolar person I once tried 4 dried grams of magic mushrooms and went off my meds successfully for 3 months after that dose. The paranoia and manic episodes returned and I had to get back on my meds. It sucks my friend, I feel ya, but hang in there! You're awesome and I love your content. Keep taking care of yourself! :)

@JerseyLynne

2 жыл бұрын

I micro-dosed till they were gone, and I never again looked for my reading glasses a constant hassle. It's been almost four years. Go figure! Wouldn't you think it'd be news? Lose your glasses for good?

@Saka_Mulia

2 жыл бұрын

There's a great podcast called "Drug Science", I think. A bunch of doctors and advocates that are raising awareness of psychedelics in research and medicine. Worth lending your support to overcome the drug stigma.

I can really empathize with the medication issues. My daughter always stops her meds cold turkey. Refuses to talk to her psychiatrist, and refuses all of our efforts to get her to take her meds. I hate watching her progress through psychosis. She's 46, but under the circumstances, she's so vulnerable.

@JerseyLynne

2 жыл бұрын

Same think, daughter same age, choosing to quit, I guess it is very common.

@boinkadoinkk

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheJoyLoveShow was the biofeedback therapy expensive?? Is it even covered by insurance?

I wish you and your family all the best in this world ❤️

Each time my mother forced my sister to - not to take her medication she gets worse . She told my sister this is kind of magic or evil eyes... This is from her culture in middle east country. I think on of the best achievements in scientific studies they discovered medication 💊 for schizophrenia to let people live in peace.

Thank you for making this video. A lot of times, when I see you taking your meds and seeming to do so well, I feel guilty because I can't do the same. It is nice to see the reality of your struggle- just to know it is normal.

Wonderful insight and analysis and sharing Lauren! I understand everything you are saying about side effects and potential long term effects...its scary. I was also listening when you said about being a parent of a new babe and the pandemic. This is probably the the busiest and most stress filled time of life that you will ever experience. You have been through so much... and learned so much about recovery... you know the rewards of staying close to a team that cares about you and telling the truth about what you are feeling. I work at a community mental health agency in Ontario and I have been supporting and educating caregivers for almost 15 years. I do see people who are able to gradually reduce med dosages and stay well... but TRUTH? They are a little older than you. What I mean is people in their 20s and 30s who have found some stability with a treatment plan... do best if they stick to it untill closer to 40. You are still in the early adult years and you have recently (in the last 5 years) created such a wonderful stable base from which you can thrive and live and engage with so many joys of life. YOU have the support of an amazing partner, a rewarding career and a beautiful family!!! More love and happiness than some people EVER find, nevermind with the tricky complication of Schizoeffective Disorder onboard! My hope is that you can stay committed to the current treatment plan for at least a few more yeras before tempting FATE and risking it all. There will be time to try other options... there will be new treatments and discoveries coming at us all the time. Just hold abit longer... hold onto those kids and Rob and your work and stay the course for now. Too much to lose right now... and I promise you there will be time. My experience is that decisions to move away from meds have better outcomes for adults who are a little older and a little further along in the progression of their recovery story. Xoxo

Hi Lauren, can you do a video that differentiate between having one or two psychotic episodes (episodic type) and living with schizoaffective disorder (chronic type)? Thank you! I wish you and your family all of the best.

@taracmonroe

2 жыл бұрын

Great suggestion.

Hello I'm from Brazil and you really help us to think about difficult questions in a very open way. Thanks a lot and don't give up if it's something you want to try. Why not when you feel better? A lots of love to youuuu 💕

Most people don't like the meds.

I really like how you described needing to view this more flexibly. Yes meds aren’t the best for our physical healthy. But they might be the best for our mental health. I get obsessed about what I am doing to my body with my meds quite a bit. So much so that I fail to recognize that when I’m not mentally well, my physical health really suffers. I tend to lose sight of the fact that we need our mental health to be decent in order to be able to care for our physical health. I go back and forth about stopping meds as well. I needed this video today as I’ve been thinking about weaning off. Also at a time where I have A TON of stressors that I would really struggle to handle without meds. Sending you peace.

Second year psychiatry resident here! Thank you for all the good work you do on reducing the stigma and informing shizophrenia/psychosis patients and everyday people alike. Also I will admit that a couple of your videos have been quite educational and useful regarding my own training as well and have been using them in my everyday practise. Thank you!!

I identify so much with everything you've said. Those medications are no joke, but at least you're managing your speech very well, I struggle with that. I'm hopeful to God for a relief in the near future. Wishing you well also.

My son has schizophrenia. Took the holistic approach. He is doing awesome with the vitamins. Without terrible side effects. Ashwagandha 600 mg twice a day. Has changed his life and mine to. When his dr prescribed him abilify he read about it. Said nope. So I did my homework about different herbs that may help. Best wishes to u in your journey.

I am a mental health care provider and I just wanted to say that it is so, SO common for people with schizophrenia specifically to want to stop taking their meds--this usually happens when they start to feel better. Then they think they are cured or don't need medication anymore and go off, then have another psychotic episode. It becomes a cycle. I have sympathy however as I know that the side effects for anti psychotics can be significant.

I wish for You the Best ! You have Love and Support that your Life Partner Gives you and You Family and All of Us !!!

I take 3 different anti-depressants. I made it to 28 years old refusing to take any. I'm almost 40 now, so been taking for about a decade. Sometimes I think I want to stop, but for the most part, I've accepted this may be for the rest of my life. I know that I don't hurt the people I love when I stick to my current routine.

Proud of you for hanging in there and trying my daughter suffers with psychosis and I’m thankful for your transparency! She looks up to you! I’m bank you for being brave enough to make this channel!

@JerseyLynne

2 жыл бұрын

mee too !!! ditto !!!!

Lauren, I so appreciate your videos!!! I have a family member who went off his meds completely several months ago and has been on the psych ward since Feb 3. He's got schizoaffective disorder, and also anosognosia - no insight into his illness and how much it disrupts his life. When he gets out of the hospital I want to try to share your videos with him, especially this one.

Thanks!

I came off of meds after severe mental illness postpartum. (Psychosis and OCD). I am doing well now. It took some time for me to completely get back to normal. But here I am. Most of all I thank Jesus for this. I really do believe he healed me. God bless you and don’t give up.

@BeingBetter

2 жыл бұрын

Your story sounds similar to mine I also had postpartum psychosis had to be hospitalized and forced to take antipsychotics for a short time and quickly went off them. Just cold turkey dropped them. Found progesterone treatments a healthy diet and lots of supplements and I've been holding together and overcome agoraphobia as well. I'm healthy and happy and my kids appreciate it.

@Nancy-ow9wy

Жыл бұрын

Amen

@HJS17

2 ай бұрын

Hi Hope you are doing well. Would you care to share how long you took medicine for n what dosage n hope you are doing really well now. Will be grateful for your response.

@HJS17

2 ай бұрын

​@@BeingBetter Hi Hope you are well.

Thank you for talking so openly about this. I struggle with anxiety and I have been debating going back on medication for a while now. My anxiety has been so bad for the past few months - debilitating most days and causing frequent insomnia. I've been in therapy for years and I was doing well for a while. I am also studying to become a therapist myself so I cannot help feeling like a complete failure for not being able to manage my symptoms on my own and "practice what I preach". I know I should not be so hard on myself, especially given the past few years and the heaviness of the world right now. I truly feel like I don't need to suffer as much as I am and that medication would help me get out of the constant "frozen" or angry states I am in 90% of the time, and allow me to be in a more stable place where I can actually benefit from therapy, practice my healthy coping mechanisms, and practice self-care. It's not an easy decision to make either way and I truly feel for you and hope you find a solution that works for you. I appreciate your honesty and admire your strength and self-awareness.

@TaliaNassau

2 жыл бұрын

You’ll be a great therapist, that experience will help you :)

I ve been taking several kinds of psychiatric meds since 1996 : teeth problems in a long term approach unfortunatly strike me as a very important issue. Best wishes from Brittany, France

I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time with this. Thank you for being open about the nuances of medications. I personally react negatively to the idea of tapering off my antidepressants because multiple members of my family have told me I "should" be trying to stop being on psychiatric medication. So my policy is a bit of the oversimplified "am I stable on meds? check" that you mentioned. I did have to lower one medication because of a side effect and it fortunately worked out okay, though I was dealing with extra fatigue and it seems to be that I still just need more sleep than I did on the higher dose. So that's the compromise I have to live with now. Overall, I'm very grateful to have the medications and to be stable.

I’m 9 months off medication and still going.❤

@4114715

Ай бұрын

Okay I relapsed after 12 months and I’m back on medication ❤. Stay on your meds!!

Thank you so much for your videos. Your tone and personality is beautiful. My son is 24 and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. He has been hospitalized 4 times in the last year and half and it is due to him not wanting to take them meds when he starts to feel better. Thank god when he does go into the hospital it is for a short period of time. I just pray for him and his mental health and your videos have helped me so much! I thank you for putting out the videos that you do. This is so new to me and I can’t thank you enough for your videos. ❤️

Would you consider sharing your side effects? Thanks for being so open and candid. You are inspiring!

As someone who stopped taking their meds, cold turkey, I'll give this unsolicited advice: make sure to have a foundation when you decide to take that first step out. Note that the foundation you'll be stepping out on is neither visible nor tangible by ordinary standards. If you just take a step and all you have is, "I hope I don't sink," you will sink. What is your hope built on? That's a very important consideration, because you will need a reason for your hope when the winds starts blowing, the rain starts pouring, the lightning strikes begin and sea starts rage; what is going to keep your ship from getting tossed around and carried away in the sea? It's more than just trying this or trying that, but you've got to be certain. You will be tested and tried, and the pressure will make you want to flee for your life. Without a solid conviction enabling you to stand before these giants of psychosis that will come for you, and to overcome them, you might as well just stay on the meds. You need an anchor during the storms, and faith to not only stand before, but to overcome these enemies of the mind. So ask yourselves, what is your hope? And why are you certain this is the way? If you don't have these answers firmly planted within, you'll get pulled under and drown....metaphorically speaking of course. Many folks trying to stop their meds don't understand this, and so they get swept away at sea and land right back in the hospitals. That was me too until I came to the realization that I needed more than I was presently carrying. After that, I stopped my meds, things became hot, got hotter, and got even hotter that hotter before it got any better. But what kept me from sinking? There was an unshakable resolve that schizophrenia could not take from me, and believe me it did try. And if you're able penetrate this deep into the mist that is psychosis, just beyond that lies freedom. I've never looked back, and it has been about 15 years now. There are rules to this, and if you don't walk accordingly, then you'll get lost in there, spending the rest of your lives wandering around in a circle. Good luck

@RaysDad

2 жыл бұрын

Best wishes to you.

@PerceivedREALITY999

2 жыл бұрын

My heart goes out to anyone living with schizophrenia. I believe that each case is unique and what works for some might not work for others. Keep a diary of events. Try to work out what your triggers are. Write down your emotions. Write down what you ate and what you did leading up to the episode. Once you figure out the possible causes. Narrow it down to the root cause. Find out what diet works best for you. Think of activities that reduce stress (meditation, joga, tai chi etc.). Always remember, fear is unnecessary. Fear adds to stress, and can lead to the decay in mental health. Replace fear with positivity and you will notice a monumental change in your life. Share ideas with each other, communication is key. Best of luck to you all 💖

@Burevestnik9M730

2 жыл бұрын

so many words and so little info. amazing.

@themorningmist99

2 жыл бұрын

@@Burevestnik9M730 What's amazing is that we live in a world where so many people will say they want the good and right things, but don't know how act the good and right way. If you've a question, you could just ask instead of making snide remarks. There's actually a lot of info in those words. But as in the case with getting beyond schizophrenia, the way is so simple that most would trip over it believing it's higher up. My words pointed towards that simplicity, and you missed it. That's all this is.

@nancyshawki3030

2 жыл бұрын

What helped you wean off the meds even when it was so bad?

I tapered off anti psychotic medication I had been on for 30 years between February 2020 and April 2021. I had the support of my GP and a councillor as well as using supplements from The Road Back Program. I managed to do it but by August 2021 I became unwell and was very relieved to be back on them. I wish you luck 👍

You have a lot on your plate. Just remember to be kind to yourself. Give yourself some grace. Best wishes 😌

I've been on medication for depression and a handful of anxiety disorders for 11 years (actually exactly 11 years as of two days ago... hah how odd) and I've kind of come to accept I will probably be on some form forever. It hasn't been as hard for me to accept as it is for most because my dad has also been for nearly 30 years, so I've been able to see that sometimes people need that, and that the scary stories people tell about long term use making you a zombie aren't true. I don't like that fact, I wish I didn't need them. But then I have to think about why I wish that, when if I had high blood pressure or something I wouldn't question needing the medication. If you have a good doctor to work with, there's always room to try things - lower dose, drugs with fewer side effects. I think I've also gained perspective from the recent death of my grandmother. She definitely had anxiety issues all her life, but never sought treatment - her generation just didn't unless you needed to be hospitalized. And in her old age, her anxiety just consumed her as she developed dementia. I wonder if things would have got so bad if she had been treated, I feel so horrible for how scared she was the last few months. It's hard and there are no clear cut answers. But as usual I appreciate your candid conversations about these issues.

@mariashaffer-gordon3561

Жыл бұрын

I've been on an antidepressant for about as long as you have. Many of my friends are also on psychotropic drugs for depression or anxiety, so I don't feel like I'm abnormal for needing it. Like you, I consider that my depression is a disease just like a physical disease, and that if I need medication, that's perfectly acceptable.

I was diagnosed with agoraphobia in high school and got on medication. Once I reached a stable point in my adult life, I slowly tried tapering off. It was good for… a few months? And then it was bad. Very bad. Tacked on a few more diagnosis’s onto my original one at that point. It’s always a challenge to accept you may spend your entire life reliant on medication but the fear I have over re-experiencing a full mental break is far greater now than my fear of being reliant on medication now. Sending love to everyone in these very tricky journeys.

@BeingBetter

2 жыл бұрын

Have you recovered from agoraphobia?

@theNihilisticEngineer

2 жыл бұрын

@@BeingBetter mmm I don’t think it’s really something you full recover from per se… but with therapy, medication and practice I’ve been able to have a nearly normal life. Something that pre-medication I had thought was impossible

@BeingBetter

2 жыл бұрын

@@theNihilisticEngineer do you go out now? I had agoraphobia and couldn't leave the house at all for nearly four years. I think it's important to use self affirming language, and to believe that full recovery is possible. If you mean, will someone who has agoraphobia once always have situations that they want to avoid, and will they always feel panicky when far fry home, then yes, but I have found that it's better for my recovery to own my recovery. Taking daily walks was the foundation of my treatment. Exposure therapy, self led, because I personally don't have any good experiences with therepists. I'm glad you're doing better.

@Sukishana

2 жыл бұрын

Im have major depression and take antidepressant. I felt guilty about this.. bcz ppl around me talk badly about ppl that takes this meds ... its hard but when im off med im suicidal, not able to sleep, in a deep depression.. so I deserve to live too .. I dont want to feel that again.. being stable again its more Harder everytime that I tapper off.

I think you hit the nail on the head with "nuance" regarding taking medications and also with not taking drastic steps especially in stressful times. The medications have bad side effects and may even lead to chronic illnesses like diabetes and more which is highly concerning (and should be!), but taking incremental/baby steps just pays way more in the end. Keep being strategic.I also am considering tapering off my 10mg of Abilify I am currently on (down from 20mg). I will mull over this decision for quite some time though and really consider what will create the best outcome. I will be strategic in terms of making sure my daily activities are managed well as well as diet/sleep patterns/support network etc. Your concerns are valid. Just take your time, the time needed, to really consider if/how to do it. It's a marathon, not a sprint. I'm rooting for you!

@taracmonroe

2 жыл бұрын

With this said, I may never go off of my current dosage of Abilify. I am very happy that I reduced it to 10mg as it works better than 20mg for me, but this may be what I settle on. What I've gained in my life means a lot and I don't want to throw it away. Time will tell.

Thank you for sharing this! It's nice to know I'm not alone struggling from side effects from my medication! I think it's ok to try different things under a doctor's care. The goal is to be stable, have minimal side effects, and feel as alive and full of life as possible. I think a person's needs could change over time too. For myself, I believe I will always need some amount of medication. Everytime I wean off too much...months later, I have a problem. I think with trial and error though you can find the best medications at the proper amounts. So far this has been my experience. It is NOT easy though.

Wow. Thank you for sharing, and what a great psychiatrist you have, relationship with, too, and big hug

For anyone who may not understand the urge to get off your meds, it's very rough to be in extreme pain constantly. When the meds aren't helping, there's an idea that maybe changing them would help, and that desperation is fueled by an animal-like urge to get out of the cage of pain. It isn't always logical, so empathy and kindness are key. I have severe ptsd and am highly resistant to antidepressants, so I've tried a lot of meds. Every time I went to the hospital I just got even more added on. I wanted to know what was actually working, so I've tried going off or cutting down a few times. I learned the hard way recently that one of my meds is one I do desperately need, but I'm still taking meds that I don't know if they help. It's a really hard spot to be in. I know for a fact that one or several of my meds causes me to have flu-like symptoms around my period. I'd love for that to stop. Is it coming from the ones I need? Do the ones I'm not sure about help more than I think they do? It's rough. No one really wants to take meds, and I can't get a migraine med because of the array of drugs I'm on. Being in constant pain leads me quickly to a point of very unsafe ideation, so it's like walking on a tight rope when you can't see either side and you don't even know if it's the right rope.

@mariashaffer-gordon3561

Жыл бұрын

I have a friend who had PTSD for many years. Her psychiatrist was afraid for her to have PTSD therapy (I think it was some type of cognitive behavior therapy) because it could increase her suicidal thoughts, but finally agreed to it. It was rough while she was going through the therapy, but she's been much less depressed in the couple of years after the therapy compared to before. If you haven't tried this kind of therapy before, it might be worth a try. Good luck.

@PrincessDalathiel

Жыл бұрын

@@mariashaffer-gordon3561 thank you. I've gotten a lot better recently, and it's great. I just stopped taking an ssrn and it's been pretty nasty. I've had awesome therapists over the years, and I've done every standard therapy type, and even gone through treatments like medical botox and electroshock therapy. It took me reaching the end of treatment options to accept the severity of what happened to me, in a sense. There's no handbook for getting better from extreme trauma, and some of us may never recover. It's sad, and I'm going to keep trying forever, but I've reached the point where the pain is manageable most days. It means I'm about to start the process of applying for disability, because I can't hold a job. I'm limited from what I survived, but I did survive and every day I'm so grateful I'm still here. I fought through the darkness, and I'm appreciating the twilight.

@mariashaffer-gordon3561

Жыл бұрын

@@PrincessDalathiel I'm sorry to hear that nothing got rid of the pain entirely, but glad that you've got it under better control and wish you luck getting disability. I hope you get to the light on day. Take care.

Lauren, you’ll know when the time is right. I was on anti-depressants for nearly 20yrs. I went off of them 3 yes ago, the time was right for me. I’m older, with a calmer life, not always, but my life is more manageable these days. So I handle my depression/anxiety with more natural supplements, and for me it has been working. Best to you my friend, you are in my thoughts, and prayers!🤗🙏🏻🥰

@BeingBetter

2 жыл бұрын

I manage all my mental disorders (bipolar, skin picking, agoraphobia) with natural supplements and diet. Gaba, 5HTP, lithium orotate, magnesium, NAC, rhodiola, etc.

Thank you for your incredible insight. I understand there are different levels of mental disability and I hope you’ll make it. It’s my wishful thinking that you get to define “stability”, and you get to enjoy it and have a healthy sort of fun life.

Thank you for talking about this. Meds are so important but taking them doesn't just 'fix' a person. Hearing you express some of the things you specifically struggle with has helped me think about it in a new way. Wishing you all the best. (And everybody else here in the comments too...)

My mum tapered down from one tablet to zero in 2 years... she used a nail file to reduce the amount slowly. I got off of Benzos and did it in a similar mannor. I got worse from benzos.... feel so much better without them. Some people do water tapering to do it very gradually over months. Some people can get off easier after starting Neurofeedback training. As this is training the brain to regulate itself. Neurofeedback helped me. All the best for you!!!!

Trust your gut. My son says the medications make him worse. They also cause so many terrible side affects. Not to mention, my nephew took medication and he became a shell of a man who was never the same. You can do this, but do it extremely slowly! Everyone has stressors in life. Sleep and business is essential. When I had babies I wasn't allowed to go "crazy" and it was difficult, but the worst thing I did was get ON medication. I am 100% off medication and have been for five years. It took about a year to be whole again, but I SWEAR the best pill I ever took was exercise -- walking four miles a day and weight lifting saved me.

@HJS17

2 ай бұрын

very inspiring indeed۔ How are you feeling now ? Hope you are doing well۔ Would you care to share how long you took meds and which ones and are you taking any therapy to help any stressors or symptoms ?

Thank you for making this video. I take psychiatric meds, too, and I worry about things like brain damage from the meds. I’ve tried to taper off of them, with the help of my psychiatrist, but I ended up back in the hospital again. It didn’t work for me, but I hope you’re able to achieve whatever you want from this process.

I recommend that you read Kelly Brogan and her books A Mind of Your Own & Own Your Self

Thank you so much for sharing, this has helped me too see a different point with medication. I thought it was simple as taking painkillers but I guess psychotic meds are strong drugs to take and I can't really understand what it's really like. My mum has always struggled taking her meds and it results often in hospital admission. It has happened so many times the authorities have tried to put her in a home just so it makes it easier/cheaper for them but assessments carried out independently have said she doesn't qualify to be in a home and I agree with it. I just feel like her social workers are really letting her down and trust has gone.

Why do we think we should/could/want to stop taking medication when we have a mental illness but if we had a physical illness we would take the medication willingly?

@taracmonroe

2 жыл бұрын

These medications do cause chronic illnesses in the long-term plus all of the effects are still unknown-- there could be more. Additionally, there are personality changes, dull affect side effects, tardive dyskinesia etc.Any person who cares for their health would question whether they had to take these. Also, mental health seems different, than let's say, diabetes which has a more definite, scientifically-measured diagnosis.

@Sawyer228

2 жыл бұрын

Because it’s not the same . Psychiatry is almost completely subjective . This is just an undermining minimizing question that’s doesn’t involve critical thinking , empathy , or consideration . Also most Medications especially antipsychotics are actually NOT meant to be used long term & there are many many resources and research that supports this . & you don’t know the full experience of people who take medication for physical illness and the struggles they have with taking their medication . I can bet on it being a very similar experience wrestling with it all . & I can say as for someone who takes both . Listen more .. instead of posing empty questions built to keep people from coming to sound conclusions and solutions ..

I recently had my anti-depressant switched to try and address different symptoms that I am dealing with. We cut my original meds in HALF for 10 days before starting the new one and stopping the other and WOW that was a struggle. When you’re on a medicine for so long that keeps you stable, you forget how bad your mental disorder really is and it always snaps me back to the reality of “damn I really do need these meds just to survive.” I’ve talked about it with my doctor, asking him how long I will need to be on meds and what he recommends and he says that if I have no symptoms of my disorder for a year while on meds then we could consider stopping them altogether. Unfortunately I don’t see that happening any time soon as I still do have breakthrough symptoms and when switching meds it’s REALLY fucked me up. I’m with you in these struggles. Hang in there ❤️

Thanks for sharing; I have also tried going off of my depression med without discussing it with my doctor, and after about 3 weeks, I was so manic my 19 yr old daughter said she was worried. My brother is a LCSW so I called him (it was a Sunday) and he said it has to do with the half-life of the med. The rest of it was over my head, but I learned my lesson. Always talk to your doctor first. I'm glad you did; it's important. Hang in there sweetie. I believe in YOU! 😊🌹

I have Schizoaffective disorder. Anytime i have gone off my medicine it didnt end well

@billylee5335

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@HJS17

2 ай бұрын

Hi .Its an old thread but wd like to know if you r still taking meds and how are you managing the side affects n of you wd care to share which meds are you taking and for how long. Will be grateful. Regards

Trying to improve your life is kind of the goal here. No shame in taking meds. They work wonders for me. However I am still finding the right cocktail to use. Good luck and keep us posted!

@HJS17

2 ай бұрын

Wd you mind sharing how you deal with the side affects they have? as I am petrified to take an anti psychotic because of its side affects.. n tying to manage with an SSRI only but my psychiatrist insists I add an anti psychotic. Will b grateful for your insight. Regards

Lesson I learned from this.. I took a year to taper off and was off 11 months. The last 3 months of that 11 we're horrible. Was on 11 years prior and thought I needed to know how I was without it. The results: Now I'm claustrophobic, which was never a struggle before. I couldn't get a much needed root canal this week because of it. My MRIs are terrifying without being knocked out. Terrified of being out of control of my body by a reason I can't control, whether it be by police, medical condition, or another human being. Hell, I freak out if I can't move my leg for a second because it's stuck under a sheet. Wish I never did it. Never ever. Please, stay strong. Oh, also, I'm now on more meds than I ever needed before I went off and still can't get back to where I was then. 🥺

Changing deeply your diet, going out of substances of abuse (also legal like cigarettes alcohol and caffeine) having enough sleep, physical activity and stay away from unnecessary stress. Then you can think to take off medication.

My son has drastically improved on medication. But he doesn't credit the medication for his improvement. I am terrified that he will go off it.

@MegaBadhorsie

2 жыл бұрын

I hope he does as the side effects are wicked. Change his diet. No sugar, no gluten. Add magnesium, b6, b12 and choline supplements. Look into the GAPS diet.

@kristina4272

2 жыл бұрын

@@MegaBadhorsie My son has severe symptoms of schizophrenia without his medications, and purchased multiple assault weapons to defend himself. He needs his medications, and with them is functional and free of fear.

@MegaBadhorsie

2 жыл бұрын

@@kristina4272 okay? A lot of people buy weapons here in America to defend themselves as is their right. Ukraine is really wishing they had armed themselves right now. Armed people do not live in fear. So forgive me if I do not understand the point you are making. Are you saying he is normal? Or are you the one living in fear? Because many of the people that are out shooting up churches, etc are all on similar meds.

@kareendeveraux1847

2 жыл бұрын

I absolutely agree with Jon. Those neuroleptics deplete the vitamin b storages, and vit b 12 deficiency also can lead to psychosis. I'd also add omega 3 to the diet to counter the damage they do to the brain. Of course your son doesn't credit the medication, they are neurotoxines and as harmful as chemotherapy. They should be used just in extreme cases when everything else has failed to kick so. out of acute psychosis. Soteria has a 85% success rate, they generally don't use drugs outside of those extreme cases, while psychiatry has below 20%. So, yes, there's something not quite right with the "medication". There is withdrawal psychosis and also break-through-psychosis. I've been misdiagnosed and put on those drugs, too. First, I was completely overdosed, then was on the lowest dose of another drug and those months were a nightmare. (I have Asperger Autism.) I absolutely understand the struggle with the "medication". In case your son wants to come off, try and support him, going down 5-10% all 5-6 weeks. That's from a general guideline. It's better to offer some way out than having the risk of going cold turkey and sending people into withdrawal psychosis.

@kristina4272

2 жыл бұрын

@@MegaBadhorsie My son was very paranoid, hearing threatening voices and thought that someone was trying to drug him by gassing his apartment. He was afraid to go home, bought a broken down jeep that wasn't "bugged" and was living in it armed to the teeth. Yes he was afraid.He thought that I was part of the conspiracy. I was afraid that he might shoot us, it was so bad. I myself am on medication, and it has stopped my chronic suicidal thoughts. I also worked as an RN for 40 years. Meds are not for everyone, but are needed in some cases. Respectfully.

Medications and conversations are so difficult to navigate! I’ve definitely struggled with it, I’ve had significantly bad reactions to new meds, but there have been times when I’ve felt incredibly stable while on meds, and the added component of self-sabotaging or delusional thoughts might conflict, as well as pressures from outside sources for or against. Ultimately though, it is a decision unique to everyone’s circumstances. Some of my friends need their meds to survive, but I found that I could manage without them, and still feel healthy. I struggle at times, but it works for me. it took years to reach this point, and it was really difficult the first year without my meds. Everyone is different, I’m glad you’ve made a decision you feel is best.

I had the same notion and came to the same conclusion. I have fantasies everyday of being med free but now is not the time!❤

Hello, Lauren, thanks for sharing. I’m a psychiatrist and I have severe bipolar disorder. I think many of us struggle with this. I know I think about it every day. Side effects are difficult and medications don't solve all my symptoms or difficulties, but every single time I walk past the bathroom where those bottles are, I think about my kid. And then I back up and take the medication quickly. Some of the reason I don't like the medication is I feel I want to be "me" and see where my mind goes, even experience extremes of emotion and be closer to God. But then I think about my kid. I decided to bring a child into the world, with a surrogate (due to my medication), and now I have to make her the center of my universe. I want to do that. I know for a fact that being off medication would disrupt her life. I base this knowledge on the fact that every single time I have not been on medication, I have relapsed, often within weeks. I have had even more symptom dysregulation. I can't sleep. I get manic, depressed, mixed, and have to leave my job. And sometimes I have been in hospital. Off medications, sanctioned by my doctor, I had my worst manic psychotic episode ever. It changed my life. I recovered, but that experience, and all that came with it, and that hospital stay, and the impact on my career, was massive. I also think that my idea of what things would be like, how much better they would be if I was medication-free, is my fantasy and wishful thinking. I'd like to think that it would change all the things I struggle with related to this illness, including chronic symptoms (but so much more than symptoms), but I know that it would not. It wouldn't make a better me. It wouldn't make a me who can function better in life and achieve my goals. Maybe it would be a more "real" me but if I am conceptualizing this as an illness, I think about my best friend with cancer. She took chemo, had a mastectomy, awaits radiation, will endure premature menopause, and then will take hormone treatment with side effects for the rest of her life. If she stopped any of this, she'd likely die. She'd be her true self if she let the cancer live. But she wouldn't think about that for a second. She had it cut out and now will be on chronic treatment to keep it at bay forever. It sucks but that's the deal. I’ll admit that there are many times I’m not sure where “I” end and “illness” begins and at this point in my life the impact of the illness and it’s intersection with my background, personality, life experience is so great…it can feel like I should just embrace it. I choose to put those thoughts on hold when I can and think about my kid and taking her to ballet class. So I think about the evidence and I think about my kid. I do this risk-benefit analysis. I often tell myself if I skip a couple of days and see how things go, or talk to my doctor about that, then I can just see...but then I tell myself that if I did get very ill, I would feel incredibly guilty that I did that to my kid. I want to be responsible and I don't feel I can do an experiment now that I have her, even if I am very careful, and even if it could be okay. I can't take the risk. I also hate side effects. I’ve gained fifty pounds, I have diabetes, I can’t hold my hands still, I am always thirsty. I’ve experienced so many ill effects and I do agree with taking these into consideration when finding an optimal regimen. I am a doctor. I treat people with serious mental illness all day. Currently all I do is admissions. Almost every single person I admit to hospital has stopped taking their medication. Sometimes they have also used illegal drugs, but generally stopping medication is a part of the story. I see people who are delusional, disorganized, depressed, manic, catatonic, and sometimes aggressive. It is so hard. I have admitted hundreds of patients. They have unique stories and are unique, beautiful people, but this common theme is stopping medication and gradually disconnecting from providers (I am really impressed you did this with your doctor). In hospital, when people are so ill and symptomatic, after being out of treatment, their ability to make decisions is so compromised. They can't advocate for their wishes the way they can when they are doing better. I hate watching this. That has been me too. Many people do get better with medications, though the ones we have are NOT good enough and have TOO many side effects, I agree. Medications aren't enough. There are MANY evidence-based interventions out there that include peer support, WRAP plans, ACT teams, supported employment...housing....therapy....that need to be in place as well. When these things are not available, it is so much harder to stay on medications. Like you said, you also have people in your life to discuss this with, support of people. I talk to my psychiatrist and therapist a billion times about this medication itch, and they listen, and remind me of all of the above. I see it at work every day and yet I want to stop my medication every day. It's a challenge. I focus on my kid. I’m so grateful for your willingness to be vulnerable. You help so many people. You are a great person and I know you’ll make the decisions that are right for you. Take care.

@nancyshawki3030

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Mona Smith, I’m a therapist and have a question for you about this and wanted to know if we can connect on a personal level.

@HJS17

2 ай бұрын

​@@nancyshawki3030Hi just read your comment n was wondering if I cd connect with you at a personal level as i have ocd n ocpd n have been in and out of therapy along with managing a high pressure job and hv had issues with my therapist abt which your opinion may b insightful۔ Will be grateful۔ Regards

You could have an unbelieveably bad relapse, so make sure you stay in touch with the psych professionals. Maybe set up a remote video assessment with some doctor or therapist one or twice per week. Make sure you have daily contact with friend or family member.

Even as someone with mild/moderate anxiety and mild depression I deeply relate to this, I've tried to go off SSRIs multiple times and still wonder if experiencing relapses of symptoms is because my body has gotten used to the medications. Thanks for the super honest video.

@boinkadoinkk

2 жыл бұрын

Honestly, withdrawal symptoms are pretty much always a thing with SSRIs (and every other psych med) - the withdrawal symptoms mimick a worsening of your original illness, but they also involve other physical symptoms like brain zaps, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, etc - however they 100% go away with time. What feels like your depression/anxiety coming back immediately after tapering down or stopping is 90% of the time just withdrawal syndrome. I became suicidal for a short period after coming off of an antidepressant (it didn't even help my depression for the 7 months I was on it) but I knew that was par for the course for many and that it would pass - I managed to push through it and now I've been off that antidepressant for almost a year. I'm so happy I quit, even though it was difficult at the time. My withdrawal symptoms passed in less than 2 months and since then I've been good. I haven't had a relapse of my depression since. It disturbs me how so many people aren't informed by their prescribers that coming off your meds *will* lead to a TEMPORARY worsening of symptoms, and that this is NOT a relapse unless your mood/anxiety issues continue to worsen beyond the point where your physical withdrawal symptoms have passed. It is actually impossible to say that someone needs antidepressants for life, and there have actually been multiple long term scientific studies that have observed some very harmful effects of staying on antidepressants long term - including far worse, far longer withdrawal periods, and oftentimes your original illness becoming chronic and treatment resistant which rarely happens to those who aren't on those meds long term. The condition is called tardive dysphoria. It's also been observed in some research studies that people on antidepressants vs not (with the same original severity of symptoms) have far more relapses and a longer course of illness than those who haven't taken meds long term. Even people who were originally prescribed them for anxiety without any history of depression often develop depression after spending years on meds. It's actually recommended in official prescribing guidelines that antidepressants should only be taken for a couple years at most after the resolution of your original symptoms. Their are only meant for short term treatment, because it's been demonstrated that they don't prevent relapses, they are only effective at relieving acute sypmtoms. Any medical professional that claims someone needs to be on antidepressants for life is frankly super irresponsible and far behind on current research.

Thank you for this video. I am sorry for the difficulties you face with your psych meds. My boyfriend takes an antipsych med and a mood stabilizer to help combat his Bipolar 1 mania/psychosis. The Abilify injection he gets monthly has really seemed to work great, aside from the fact that he is EXTREMELY tired, and sleeps sooo much. I have been learning a lot about how healthy diet, regular excercise/sleep, and a healthy lifestyle can help, and I am hopeful that someday he will consider changing his habits and potentially cut down his need for some meds. Not sure if it works this way, but hopeful. Best of luck to you ❤

@rubycalvario190

2 жыл бұрын

Hi, Im happy to hear that your boyfriend has benefitted from the medication. May I ask, how long it took for the medication to help treat his psychosis episode? My mom is currently suffering from one and she just now began to take antypsych med. I don't know if its helping

@ashleyzielke3072

2 жыл бұрын

@@rubycalvario190 they gave him an Abilify injection when he was in the hospital- it only took about a week for him to start thinking more clearly. However, it did take about a month to be at a really good spot. I will say, without a doubt, had he not had that antipsych med, he would have stayed in his mania for longer (it was a rough 3 months of mania). The only thing he was taking before was Lithium. But that is not enough to combat mania alone for him. I hope the antipsych med helps your mom recover quickly ❤

I always cry during and after watching your videos. You are doing great dear inspite of antipsychotics..

I have successfully weaned off all my meds at year 8 now..... unfortunately, at the expense of some previous personal relationships and my current social status. There is a good side though in that you get your "alertness" and most of your memory functions back... You also feel yourself more and can follow your line of thought. I am able to hold consistent online work (work from home) now but must not be that stressful. I am also able to do my daily chores consistently (I still live with my parents). I am still taking Clonazepam occasionally though as there are times I need it. What I see is that it's probably possible to continue if you're mostly at home (I'm with my parents) and single. But to have a relationship and un-medicated,..probably difficult. To have a job outside of your house... also difficult. And so our situation is the opposite..... There are times I actually want to get medicated again because I get jealous of my past friends who have a family now... I was wondering if I can get to that status if I medicate again... It's a complex situation I agree.

I found Robert Whitakers books to be enlightening, as well as Peter breggin, Kelly brogan, Peter gotzsche, will hall, and others like them helpful. I don't know if I will be able to remain medication free but it us my hope. I have gained a lot of progress through clean eating and cutting out certain foods. There is a documentary called when the voices fell silent that you might enjoy. I wish you peace, love, and recovery!

@BeingBetter

2 жыл бұрын

I was fortunate to be raised with parents who are very health conscious and knew many alternative remedies and avoided unnecessary doctor visits. With their support and some research from them I've been able to live med-free for many years with severe bipolar 1 rapid cycling.

Please see Dr. Breggin, MD ( psychiatrist) about weaning off of psych meds. It took my boyfriend one year and three months to get off of 40 mg of fluoxetine ( Prozac)! He takes a total of 5 psych meds. Only one at a time. Blessings to you❤️

I also made the decision of going off meds. My diagnosis isn’t the same as yours, but meds included mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anti anxieties. Your life your decision, but I will say my quality of life has been positive. With the help and supervision from my therapist I’ve been able to gain a better hold on my condition, all while no longer dealing with the soul crushing side effects. I hope the best for you, and your family. I’m proud of you

@HJS17

2 ай бұрын

hi ۔۔Very inspiring۔ how are you feeling now ? Hope you are managing your symptoms well without medication۔ will be grateful for updates۔ Prayers۔

I’m so sorry to hear you’re having these struggles Lauren. It sounds really tough and I hope self care and all the support around you can help get you to where you want to be with time. At the moment, due to different circumstances, I’m currently in the position of having gone cold turkey from mine for the last week. Lots of unknowns and worries but at least for the moment I feel very lucky that the changes are manageable. Sending lots of best wishes and thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences

Excellent thanks for sharing I’m with you and I definitely know what it’s like to come off medicine it’s more than what you can take going without rest etc.

You can do this!!!!💪 God bless you. I admire you!!! And I agree with everything you said about the medication. My dear follow your gut. I know your reality is what it is and we can't change that. You are powerful beyond means. I believe in you!! God bless you.

This is my favorite topic you cover. I too have soooo much experience with that. Blessings. I have never believed but it is a sign of health to keep taking them and slowly, extremely slowly tapering...

@HJS17

2 ай бұрын

Hi Hope this reaches you in the best of health and happiness. How are you feeling now n wd you care to share how you manage the side affects of the meds n which ones you take. I am really scared to take some which my psychiatrist had suggested for fear of side affects as have read so many horror stories esp about anti psychotics which he wishes to add in small dose to Prozac. Your views will be insightful and I wd b able to reflect and share those with my doctor. Regards

Hi - I'm using a simple method that calms me down a lot. From a 1.5 volt AAA battery, I hold one hand to one side and the other to the other for about a minute, 5 times a day. The electricity is very weak but it gives me a lot of peace. It was very useful for me.

Thank you so much for sharing this. I am a pharmacist with a practice interest in mental health. I will show this video to my students to help them understand that 'just taking the meds' isn't easy or fun and doesn't automatically mean the person's life should now be straightforward.

I’ve tried to get off of antipsychotics for schizoaffective disorder a few times, but it never worked any time. It’s a bit sad that I have to accept that I absolutely need them, but I don’t see myself trying again because of how severe those episodes/drawbacks are. But I am wishing you well on your medication journey, Lauren. I’m curious to see how it goes for you.

@alkalinebs5571

2 жыл бұрын

How are you able to get back on the antipsychotics when is an episode?? I exposed people on my channel that advised my brother to stop taking his meds. He is now back in the psych ward….

@therese5236

2 жыл бұрын

@@alkalinebs5571 I don't. I am usually hospitalized as a result. If I had the correct medication, I probably would have started to take them again at the advisement of my family. But at the time, the medications I had did not work for me.

Aww I hope it's getting easier. But Caplyta is what my lovely psychiatrist just prescribed me and it's amazing. It's new. It doesn't take your pleasure away it actually gives you more pleasure while keeping down all the things you take to heart from the voices etc. You should look into it and give it a try sweetheart. We love you and care about you! 😊

I personally have just digested and processed the fact of the matter which is I will always be one medication. Thank God. I don't really do this with other situations but for medications I've closed that chapter and accepted. Not really sure how, but that's where I'm at. Thank God!!!

@alkalinebs5571

2 жыл бұрын

I agree 🙏🏽 I exposed people on my channel that advised my brother to stop taking his meds. He is now back in the psych ward…. How did you learn to accept it? What changed?

Really appreciate this video. I’m trying to (while working with my doctor) lower my antipsychotics. My wife isn’t for it because she is scared I will break down again. I am worried about it is too, but I have to see if I can live with just the tools I learned in therapy. I wish you lots of positivity on your journey and for anyone else on a similar path.

@yaxtayeendu2258

7 ай бұрын

Slippery slope…

Thanks so much for always sharing such information, it really helps. I am glad I'm not alone in my condition.

I did it! Totally free of medication. It's hard work, but it can be done. I have had a steep learning curve. Crisis after crisis. And I needed them all to learn to express my emotions. That's what we have to learn. We have to learn what are needs are and then how to fulfill them. I'm very very needy. And that's ok. There are so many people that want to help. Also when I'm well I can be there for a lot of people. If you try again, know that when you do, crisis is part of the healing.

@BeingBetter

2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations! In my opinion a drug-free life is the only real choice. I don't mean to shame or hurt anyone who uses medications but it's just my opinion.

I quit taking mine and was doing nutrient therapy. I lasted 6 months! I was put back on after a suicide attempt but a diagnosis of did was exposed and I feel more connected with myself. Best of luck to everyone stay safe.

I can completely understand your thoughts! All of them justified because of the unknown long term effects. Bless you for sharing you thoughts. You have works wide friends to chat with. How that helps you to know. You are not the only one with these thoughts, you are just the one going through it; CURRENTLY. 💓💐💞😘💖 You have a plan. When you again feel the need to go of, start talking about it BEFORE you start going off. Talk with your partner, you Dr & you Psychiatrist. 👍🏻 Let them hold your hand through it because they want to do what is best for you too & might quite agree & can plan to be ready and available if things get rocky. That way the unexpected surprises might be less traumatic. 🙏😘🥰💐

I’m pulling for you and will include you in my daily prayers. Our son is struggling and has cycled on an off for 3 years. The journey back keeps getting longer. You help me.

I’ve been on meds for 25 years and I have more diagnosis than in the beginning, sometimes I think they make me sicker. I’m always stopping my meds, I hate being controlled by them and always wonder what am I like without meds. I struggle off or on meds. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, it helps to know I am not alone.

My tapering off experiences: 1) Sleep Antihistamine to half-tab dose = Success w/ no more dry mouth; 2) SSRI (fluox.) fr. 80 mg to 40 mg, done by alternate days of the lesser dose, then Success w/ lesser dose daily; 3) Calming Benzodiazepine: fr. t.i.d. to b.i.d., maintain bedtime dose(!), trouble w/tics after 15 hrs., but Success. No caffeine; no alcohol, and definitely no cannabis for me.

Thank you for sharing your struggles and prayers for you and yours. It's not DELUSIONAL you're getting stronger with your Hope's and aspirations. Stay strong and rest when you can, especially with little Teddy.