Detoxing
Many of the stories in Beyond Diagnosis tell of how they were put on medications as a first line of help. I hear this all the time from my clients when a simple understanding could have saved them from years of distress and painful side effects.
Doctors often reach for the prescription pad because there is a long wait for therapy or because they believe this is the best solution. What is heartbreaking is that your family doctor is not fully trained in prescribing psychiatric medications and so rarely tells the patient all the side effects and how hard it can be to come off the medications. This is not full consent. If you aren't given all the information you need and are entitled to then you are not able to make fully informed decisions.
Patients are still being told they have a chemical imbalance even though the top psychiatrists at the NIMH, FDA, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists are admitting there has never been any scientific proof to back this up. Others are being told that they have a lifelong disease that can only be managed with medications.
Do we get distressed and caught up in delusions, yes but it's not a disease. Let's think about this for a moment. If the top psychiatrists are finally admitting brain chemicals are not the cause of mental distress, then why would we need medication to balance them?
Let's think about this for a moment. If the top psychiatrists are finally admitting that brain chemicals are not the cause of mental distress, then why would we need medication to balance them?
About one in 10 Americans aged 12 and over takes antidepressant medications and a total of 8.6 million patients in England were prescribed antidepressants in 2022-23 .........
Are you ready to detox?
When we understand that we all have access to good mental health and that we have just gotten caught up in some distressing and intrusive thinking, everyone can come back to their innate wellbeing. Eveyone! You may need help but it is always there, it's innate.
That is what Beyond Diagnosis and my work is all about.
I have been helping people detox from psych meds for many years. I have a diploma in pharmacology and psychology and 30 years of experience as a trauma coach and mental health counselor. I will support you every step of the way from finding a medical professional to give you an individual detox plan, to resources, and a community of others who are going through the same things. This can be 1:1 coaching and mentoring via WhatsApp where you can text me any time with questions and for more support. Stepping down a dose can be very bumpy so having the right experienced support is crucial. For more details please email me at chanastudley@gmail.com
Withdrawal effects can be misdiagnosed as a relapse so it's very important to know the difference and know that you can get through this. You are not alone.
You can hear more examples in the New Stories section, just click to see a drop-down menu above.
This clip is from an extraordinary and award-winning documentary called Medicating Normal. "For over three years, we documented the journey of five individuals whose lives were profoundly impacted by the medication they were taking. Understanding the harm that has befallen them – especially in the context of the misleading science and marketing behind these drugs – compelled us to make this film.
To watch Medicating Normal - the film, where this clip originates from, visit: www.medicatingnormal.com/watch
If you are thinking about medication please be sure to get all the information you need and if you would like a fresh new perspective please reach out to me.
I have produced a free eBook that tells you some of the truths about medication, the dirty secrets about research and tips for detoxing. Please click on the picture below if you would like a copy.
Never stop psychiatric meds abruptly!!
The most extreme reactions to antidepressants, including suicide and violence, are more common when the dosage of an antidepressant changes or when starting or discontinuing the medication.
Sometimes these reactions are caused by switching from one type of antidepressant to another. Anyone considering altering the dosage of their medication or withdrawing from it should take medical advice first from a doctor or suitably qualified practitioner. Some doctors are unaware of these issues so you may need to find one who recognises the problems and can support you. Please email me for more info and support at chanastudley @gmail.com
