Hi Linda, I’m sorry about the withdrawal. Been there. You might not be able to go back and change anything or get those years back, but you can enjoy today and the rest of your life. You can make the most of what you have and find more joy in the present. I don’t want to disregard your losses. You are not alone in that. The damage these drugs do to our nervous systems can also prohibit enjoyment and empowerment to create the life you want. However, it’s still possible! If I can be drug free after 20+ years, I believe it’s possible for anyone.
I don’t take any psychiatric medications, but I can relate. I was prescribed a variety of cocktails at different times, but the last combo I tapered off from was Lithium and Trazadone. I still have some Trazadone handy, but typically go to benedryl or Gaia – Sound Sleep if my sleep gets disrupted. I’m learning more about herbs and homeopathy, and currently take Motherwort for sleep. My body doesn’t seem to need as much of the hardcore stuff that it use to.
The explanation you just shared about Depakote is extremely helpful because you pretty much shared how these medications create gut imbalances and create a greater need for more healthy bacteria. I personally experienced this over the 20+ years of being medicated. Severe gut issues to the point of leaky gut when I got off.
This also explains why the Keto Diet can be so effective for individuals when they decide to taper. Cutting out excess sugar from your diet supports brain and gut health. Focusing on more veggies and fiber support the gut and brain.
Hi Linda! Thank you so much for sharing! I am geeking out about homeopathy and western herbs these days. I recently took Coffee Cruda for about a week and a half before the Eclipse when the shift into Spring started. My mind gets busy and I can sense the change. I likely could benefit from some flower essences as well. Walnut is great for change.
I’m making my own Motherwort tincture to help me with sleep. I’m excited to check out your resources! Considering doing more training in homeopathy and herbalism when the time is right, but for now I just research and learn from my friends. It seems us herbal/somatic/homeopathic people find each other! 🙂
Yaaaay! I’m so glad you are doing well and had the opportunity to process your trauma with a somatic therapist! Isn’t it amazing? It sounds like you have a community and so much support, and that makes me happy too.
Thank you for sharing your story of hope and healing. It’s encouraging to me that there are more people out there who are naming trauma in relation to bipolar/psychosis diagnosis. If I had been able to make that connection after my diagnosis, I could have prevented 10+ years of suffering at the hands of the system.
Oh dear, that’s a good point. However, Americans are smart. We need research to back up everything we do. My dad tried to convince me that stretching was bad for you because of a research study he found on it… I’d rather stretch and feel good than consume endless information…
Yay! I feel like this research came out like 10 years ago… When I started teaching yoga there was a ton of research starting to come out, as that was the beginning of the yoga trend in the US 🙂 Kripalu has offered many programs and trainings specifically around Yoga for Trauma and other mental health related yoga trainings.
Read my article! I just wrote about how yoga helped me in the personal story section of MIA. Glad you are sharing this info now. We need reminders sometimes to simply move our bodies to feel better.
This is such a well written piece, I hope you keep writing. You sound empowered, incredibly strong and brave. The way you talk about your experiences within the hospital system articulates exactly how I felt about it. Are you still dealing with TD symptoms?
“The only new thing would be if anybody was prepared finally to do something about it.” I agree 100%. I now know that my experience of altered states was rooted in my childhood trauma that I denied for many years. It is sad that this information comes out and it seems there really is nothing that can be done about it on a larger, systemic scale. As long as there is big pharma and marketing campaigns, and as long as our society operates in such a way that does not support an individual’s rest, grieving, or healing, and the time it takes to go through that process, I don’t see anything changing, unless it is on a case by case basis with practitioners.
Hey Grace! Sorry for the delay in response. My coach was originally trained in somatic experiencing: https://traumahealing.org/
She has since added many other modalities, and she talks a lot about brain retraining and retraining the nervous system. I felt safe with her because she believes in healing the nervous system, and takes an approach of empowering clients with tools for self-regulation, which ultimately gives a person more choice in their life. Less reactivity = more autonomy over choosing a life, relationships, and responses to stress that are life giving. You may also be interested in people who are trained by Richard Strozzi: https://strozziinstitute.com/coaching-directory/ – I’d love to do his training! Reach out if you have more questions or want to connect! <3
Charnell – I love that you are recognizing the power and agency you have over your life. I hope you continue to show love and compassion for yourself as you heal and experience life without medication. I had a very unrealistic picture of who I would be and what my life would be like when I became drug free. I am still working on reclaiming my identity and discovering my true self. Trust yourself. Trust your body. And keep listening to your body. I had no idea what it meant to nurture myself, but I feel like that is a very important element of healing and recovering from these kinds of experiences. Feel free to reach out if you want to connect and keep doing what you’re doing! <3
Hi Jess! To clarify, since I was tapering too quickly, I experienced severe withdrawal symptoms. Before getting to this point, it would have been advisable to increase my dosage of lithium back to a level where my body was stable before continuing to decrease my dose. It was not about the mood stabilizing benefits, it was about my nervous system being dependent in order to function properly. Does that make sense?
Because my brain has experienced manic states in the past, I could experience it again. Bipolar or not, my brain has gone into those altered states before… this may not be accurate, but the way I see it is like a neural pathway that has been well worn and used so many times that it’s just easier for the brain to go there. I personally feel better knowing I have it available. Does that make sense?
This is my personal experience, that’s why it was posted as a personal story. I have no agenda. I’m not encouraging anyone to get off of any medications, ESPECIALLY if what they are taking is helping. Everyone has the right to question and seek out information. Everyone has the right to be informed.
Hi Edgar, I feel like, aside from tapering slowly (there are suggested protocols, i.e: https://willhall.net/comingoffmeds/) learning how to listen to your body is key. If I had tapered slower, I may not have developed all the health issues or damaged my nervous system. Symptoms typically mean you are going too quickly. Ideally the taper is slow enough (sometimes several years if needed) that you don’t notice any withdrawal symptoms. So yes, it is possible, but going through the process. Definitely share your story! It was helpful for me to go through the writing process. And reach out if you would like me to share more resources or connect <3
Hi there, just to clarify, the ACA group I’m involved in is actually open to everyone, and there is no cost to be a part of it. You can find meetings all over the world, online and in person. Just visit: https://adultchildren.org/
I’d love to connect regardless. I have yet to set up a website, but I do have instagram: @wildmoonfeather. You can send me a message there <3
Hi Susan. I’m so sorry for what you’re dealing with!!! That sounds awful. Most of the treatments I was able to access were donated to me by a very generous doctor (after I was hit by a car and diagnosed with autoimmune). It sounds like you have also experienced quite a bit of trauma. I wish that the therapies people need were available to a wider audience… not just the privileged. I’m happy to be a resource, even just someone to talk to while you navigate these challenges. Feel free to reach out <3
Thanks so much Rich! I’m sorry for your experience, but I’m learning that it happens to a lot of people. How were you able to find stability? I can imagine you have been on a journey yourself. Glad you are doing well now.
Hi Linda, I’m sorry about the withdrawal. Been there. You might not be able to go back and change anything or get those years back, but you can enjoy today and the rest of your life. You can make the most of what you have and find more joy in the present. I don’t want to disregard your losses. You are not alone in that. The damage these drugs do to our nervous systems can also prohibit enjoyment and empowerment to create the life you want. However, it’s still possible! If I can be drug free after 20+ years, I believe it’s possible for anyone.
Feel free to email me if you’d like to connect: [email protected].
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I love this so much. I’m going to apply to work for y’all 🙂
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Hi Maggie! Check out my other article:
https://www.madinamerica.com/2023/11/letting-go-of-lithium/
I don’t take any psychiatric medications, but I can relate. I was prescribed a variety of cocktails at different times, but the last combo I tapered off from was Lithium and Trazadone. I still have some Trazadone handy, but typically go to benedryl or Gaia – Sound Sleep if my sleep gets disrupted. I’m learning more about herbs and homeopathy, and currently take Motherwort for sleep. My body doesn’t seem to need as much of the hardcore stuff that it use to.
Happy to chat with you sometime. My email is [email protected].
Report comment
The explanation you just shared about Depakote is extremely helpful because you pretty much shared how these medications create gut imbalances and create a greater need for more healthy bacteria. I personally experienced this over the 20+ years of being medicated. Severe gut issues to the point of leaky gut when I got off.
This also explains why the Keto Diet can be so effective for individuals when they decide to taper. Cutting out excess sugar from your diet supports brain and gut health. Focusing on more veggies and fiber support the gut and brain.
Report comment
Thank you Carol! I’m excited for what’s next and looking forward to supporting more individuals on their healing journey.
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Thanks so much Peter! I’ll listen to it this week.
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Hi Linda! Thank you so much for sharing! I am geeking out about homeopathy and western herbs these days. I recently took Coffee Cruda for about a week and a half before the Eclipse when the shift into Spring started. My mind gets busy and I can sense the change. I likely could benefit from some flower essences as well. Walnut is great for change.
I’m making my own Motherwort tincture to help me with sleep. I’m excited to check out your resources! Considering doing more training in homeopathy and herbalism when the time is right, but for now I just research and learn from my friends. It seems us herbal/somatic/homeopathic people find each other! 🙂
Report comment
Yaaaay! I’m so glad you are doing well and had the opportunity to process your trauma with a somatic therapist! Isn’t it amazing? It sounds like you have a community and so much support, and that makes me happy too.
Thank you for sharing your story of hope and healing. It’s encouraging to me that there are more people out there who are naming trauma in relation to bipolar/psychosis diagnosis. If I had been able to make that connection after my diagnosis, I could have prevented 10+ years of suffering at the hands of the system.
Keep sharing! <3
Elisabeth
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Oh dear, that’s a good point. However, Americans are smart. We need research to back up everything we do. My dad tried to convince me that stretching was bad for you because of a research study he found on it… I’d rather stretch and feel good than consume endless information…
Report comment
Yay! I feel like this research came out like 10 years ago… When I started teaching yoga there was a ton of research starting to come out, as that was the beginning of the yoga trend in the US 🙂 Kripalu has offered many programs and trainings specifically around Yoga for Trauma and other mental health related yoga trainings.
Read my article! I just wrote about how yoga helped me in the personal story section of MIA. Glad you are sharing this info now. We need reminders sometimes to simply move our bodies to feel better.
Report comment
This is such a well written piece, I hope you keep writing. You sound empowered, incredibly strong and brave. The way you talk about your experiences within the hospital system articulates exactly how I felt about it. Are you still dealing with TD symptoms?
Report comment
“The only new thing would be if anybody was prepared finally to do something about it.” I agree 100%. I now know that my experience of altered states was rooted in my childhood trauma that I denied for many years. It is sad that this information comes out and it seems there really is nothing that can be done about it on a larger, systemic scale. As long as there is big pharma and marketing campaigns, and as long as our society operates in such a way that does not support an individual’s rest, grieving, or healing, and the time it takes to go through that process, I don’t see anything changing, unless it is on a case by case basis with practitioners.
Report comment
Hey Grace! Sorry for the delay in response. My coach was originally trained in somatic experiencing: https://traumahealing.org/
She has since added many other modalities, and she talks a lot about brain retraining and retraining the nervous system. I felt safe with her because she believes in healing the nervous system, and takes an approach of empowering clients with tools for self-regulation, which ultimately gives a person more choice in their life. Less reactivity = more autonomy over choosing a life, relationships, and responses to stress that are life giving. You may also be interested in people who are trained by Richard Strozzi: https://strozziinstitute.com/coaching-directory/ – I’d love to do his training! Reach out if you have more questions or want to connect! <3
Report comment
Charnell – I love that you are recognizing the power and agency you have over your life. I hope you continue to show love and compassion for yourself as you heal and experience life without medication. I had a very unrealistic picture of who I would be and what my life would be like when I became drug free. I am still working on reclaiming my identity and discovering my true self. Trust yourself. Trust your body. And keep listening to your body. I had no idea what it meant to nurture myself, but I feel like that is a very important element of healing and recovering from these kinds of experiences. Feel free to reach out if you want to connect and keep doing what you’re doing! <3
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Noreen! Send me a message if you’re feeling alone and want to connect <3 instagram: @wildmoonfeather or find me on Linkedin!
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Hi Jess! To clarify, since I was tapering too quickly, I experienced severe withdrawal symptoms. Before getting to this point, it would have been advisable to increase my dosage of lithium back to a level where my body was stable before continuing to decrease my dose. It was not about the mood stabilizing benefits, it was about my nervous system being dependent in order to function properly. Does that make sense?
Because my brain has experienced manic states in the past, I could experience it again. Bipolar or not, my brain has gone into those altered states before… this may not be accurate, but the way I see it is like a neural pathway that has been well worn and used so many times that it’s just easier for the brain to go there. I personally feel better knowing I have it available. Does that make sense?
Report comment
Hi Anonymous, I am quoting Joanna Moncrief on this: https://joannamoncrieff.com/2015/07/01/reasons-not-to-believe-in-lithium/
This is my personal experience, that’s why it was posted as a personal story. I have no agenda. I’m not encouraging anyone to get off of any medications, ESPECIALLY if what they are taking is helping. Everyone has the right to question and seek out information. Everyone has the right to be informed.
Report comment
Hi Edgar, I feel like, aside from tapering slowly (there are suggested protocols, i.e: https://willhall.net/comingoffmeds/) learning how to listen to your body is key. If I had tapered slower, I may not have developed all the health issues or damaged my nervous system. Symptoms typically mean you are going too quickly. Ideally the taper is slow enough (sometimes several years if needed) that you don’t notice any withdrawal symptoms. So yes, it is possible, but going through the process. Definitely share your story! It was helpful for me to go through the writing process. And reach out if you would like me to share more resources or connect <3
Report comment
Hi there, just to clarify, the ACA group I’m involved in is actually open to everyone, and there is no cost to be a part of it. You can find meetings all over the world, online and in person. Just visit: https://adultchildren.org/
I’d love to connect regardless. I have yet to set up a website, but I do have instagram: @wildmoonfeather. You can send me a message there <3
Report comment
Hi Susan. I’m so sorry for what you’re dealing with!!! That sounds awful. Most of the treatments I was able to access were donated to me by a very generous doctor (after I was hit by a car and diagnosed with autoimmune). It sounds like you have also experienced quite a bit of trauma. I wish that the therapies people need were available to a wider audience… not just the privileged. I’m happy to be a resource, even just someone to talk to while you navigate these challenges. Feel free to reach out <3
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Thanks so much Rich! I’m sorry for your experience, but I’m learning that it happens to a lot of people. How were you able to find stability? I can imagine you have been on a journey yourself. Glad you are doing well now.
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