Thank you for sharing Alex! I just started watching, and hope to watch in its entirety this evening . (Also just subscribed:)
“Truth-speaking is seriously freeing and empowering, and from taking risks such as these, quantum changes can occur.” – I love what you said here. So so true. I’m encouraged by your truth-seeking approach. Do you have plans of making any more of these movies in the near future?
Thank you for your input, Steve.
I’m with you in that nutrition and supplements dont “solve” all the problems. We are complex beings and relying on just one approach won’t get us too far. We’ve got to focus on all pieces to the puzzle, and everyone’s “puzzle” looks different!
Thank you Alex for sharing –
I’m glad you were able to gain a victory in this – even if it was a “small” step. Its’ encouraging also to hear about your endeavors in the film industry and acting. This could also be one outlet for generating change on a larger scale.
Pacific Dawn,
I totally agree with you on promoting political support, activism, and legal support as needed. This was one reason why I entered social work; I appreciated the emphasis on social justice and activism.
I do believe that for many, therapy can be a healing tool, and there are ways to provide this intervention with out necessarily “labeling” people or pushing medications on every “depressive” symptom. For many, good, quality therapy could even be a tool for escaping long term medication use.
Bcharris,
Thanks for sharing,
My FM provider did tell me about the dream recognition piece with B6, but I didn’t know about this zinc test. Fascinating!
Pacific Dawn,
I hear you out on stopping the promotion of chemical mood alterants, but what do you propose as an alternative to practices associated mental health, psychotherapy, and/or recovery? I’m curious to hear your perspective on this.
Benjamin,
Thanks for adding to the discussion! I’m so happy that you found relief through the keto diet, which is somewhat similar to the Whole 30 – which provided me with much needed relief.
High amounts of sugar can definitely mess with you, and the way our food industry at large it set up, much of it is literally addicting. So glad you broke free from that! You’re right, in that this issue is missed within the mental health system at large. Its’ a shame, as this should be the first approach, rather than the “last.” I’d certainly encourage you to seek out some detailed blood work – even if you get it done yourself, and study up on how to interpret the tests. That may be able to save you money in the long run, but I’d always recommend a good FM practitioner to guide you along the way. Best of luck!
Thank you for reaching out and bringing up these important issues.
These are similar questions I have faced through this whole process myself. I don’t necessarily have all the answers, as I am still relatively new in this field of thought (as I once was a strict follower of that chemical imbalance “belief” system). I largely gravitate towards Dr. Caroline Leaf’s perspective – she is a brain specialist and a strong believer. She has written many books on the area of mental health and spirituality, and advocates against the use of psychotropic drugs. This is one Christian woman who does not shy away from the truth, and is bold in her approach. We need more people like her within the church community.
When I come across these situations similar to what you described, I am reminded that these individuals (nurse practitioners, psychiatrists) hold these viewpoints largely because this is what they were taught within their academic settings and by being immersed in the medical community at large. As we both know, new research is constantly coming out, defying these myths and proposing a different course of action. It may take time for these individuals to come to terms with this new mindset, as it is largely a mindset shift. Rather than becoming bitter or angry at these individuals themselves, I focus on the larger perspective, and how the system at large is to blame. For harboring resentment towards these individuals themselves won’t get me anywhere, nor will it generate many good solutions. So, if I haven’t already answered your question, my approach in these moments is to respectfully disagree, offer a different perspective, present the evidence, and hope for an open mind. All the while, continuing to educate and advocate on a larger scale.
Thanks for your time in reading and commenting! In response to your request, here is a link to find integrative medicine practitioners in your area: https://www.aihm.org/search/custom.asp?id=4620
I’m not sure exactly where you might go to find functional medicine providers, other than a google search. That’s how I found mine. Perhaps someone else might know a better way.
Regarding Boans comments, unfortunately I am unfamiliar with much of that area. I’d also be interested in reading a full post from Boans on his experiences. Perhaps other people could chime in as well.
First, I want to thank you for taking the time to read my article and explore my site. I’m still getting things up and running over there and am grateful for your feedback and generation of discussion on these issues.
You’ve put a lot out on the table here, which I value, but I will likely not cover everything in this (relatively) short reply. If you’d like to flush things out a bit more, feel free to contact me at the link on my site, or comment on some of the posts you find interest in.
Regarding the philosophy behind functional medicine, I can see why you might associate it in some way with traditional psychiatry. You’re right, in that this approach can become incredibly expensive and does attribute many emotional symptoms/mental health challenges to some sort of deficit, imbalance or dysfunction within the body. But the difference for me, is that this approach actually targets many of the real underlying causes of these symptoms rather than merely covering them up through a band-aid approach. In this way, healing can occur on a deeper level as I am able to change and manipulate genetic factors and nutritional deficits. While yes, FM does pinpoint certain “broken” parts of the body, it also gives the body the freedom to heal itself through lifestyle changes, supplementation, etc. Again, you bring up a great point about the expenses of this approach – but I’m not sure how we might get around that. But, if we were able to talk major insurance companies into paying for this type of treatment, I believe it would drastically offset the cost, both for the individual and the insurance company at large long term. My hope moving forward is to advocate for more of an integrative approach to healthcare, where various tests and supplements would be covered by insurance. In my opinion, the low income population suffers the most in this regard, as they are nowhere close to being able to pay for this sort of care; yet, many of them need it most.
I thank you also for your questions and comments about faith. While I’m still wrestling with aspects of my faith, this has been a crucial part of my healing journey. In referencing John Piper at the end of that blog post, I was referring to his perspective on how one is to view the “will of God” in his/her life, as this was primarily the focus of the post. While I do love and respect John Piper dearly, I do not necessarily share his same perspective or theology on certain issues. While I do believe that dark spiritual forces, including Satan, can be at work in the lives of believers, contributing to symptoms of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, etc., it is a dangerous approach to attribute all forms of mental illness to the work of Satan.
I would also agree that the church can and does fail at times to provide a safe, nurturing place for those who are struggling, including trauma survivors. I myself have been there. Unfortunately many individuals are harmed by certain teachings and various church “cultures.” This does sadden me very deeply, and you’re right in that Religious Trauma Syndrome is a real thing. I tend to go back to the Gospels in these moments, and study the words and works of Jesus himself, and how he viewed the lost and broken. Many times, there is a drastic difference in what He taught and in the lives of many believers and church leaders today.
Thanks again for your willingness to bring up these big issues,
Thank you for this kind reply! I felt goosebumps as I read part of your story, as you’re right, it is strikingly similar. You’re right, too, in that we have to be careful in how we share. I’m happy to hear that you as well are doing much better. How long have you been off meds now? I’d agree that this functional medicine route to mental health is way more empowering and gives people more of a choice to take charge of their health and mental health. When the real underlying issues are dealt with, its much easier to work through daily stressors and the trauma itself. “I’m understanding and working through years of trauma and building the skill set to process the information my body is trying to tell me, instead of silencing it.” – Love that! Go you!
Thank you for your input! Especially as a a fellow (previous) social worker, sounds like you get the paperwork struggle 🙂
Its interesting how you mentioned that chemical intervention was only used after all therapeutic efforts were literally exhausted. I know of some agencies/clinicians who continue to follow this route, but its’ not consistent across the board.
I haven’t studied the history of social work enough to know about the cultural aspects – I’d be curious to know how these factors may have shaped the current system?
I’m hopeful and ready for change, but not quite sure how at this point, which can be discouraging. Within the profession, who’s going to listen (at least seriously) to a 27 year old still relatively fresh out of grad school? I’m hungry for change, but not quite sure where the table is. Alas, there is work to do, and I’m thankful to be apart of it in whatever way I can.
Thank you for your feedback! I certainly agree with the mandated law. In the social work profession, clinicians are taught to rule out any medical factors that could be at play first, and make necessary referrals as needed. Why are metabolic panels, or extensive blood work excluded from this list of “medical issues”? In your opinion, what do you think it would take to enact this sort of thing?
And I’ve wondered the same in regards to the lawsuits…my intention is not to bash the psychiatrists themselves, for they are only doing what they are taught. This is a larger, more systemic issue within the field of psychiatry and Big Pharma itself that needs to be exposed. Hopefully with more sharing their stories we can get to that point.
I hate that this was your experience with social work. I’ve had similar feelings, and have questioned and doubted my career choice at times. Amd while yes, I think that this can certainly be the case with many clinical social workers and their viewpoints, but not all, thankfully. And from my experience, the social work field at large doesn’t seem as tied down to the DSM 5 as other mental health professions. It’s a broader field, with different areas and options, which I like. I love the jello analogy though – Hah, I certainly do hope to “melt the jello” in some way or another.
Hi there – totally get the need to find a good practitioner… fortunately I found a super good one who identified just about everything possible in my blood work. You’re right though, it can get incredibly expensive.
To answer your question, I initially saw a gynecologist, who tested me for lupus (???)…they did standard blood work , but nothing significant came back. Its was the minimal amount, nothing like a thorough hormone or thyroid panel or anything detailed like that. From there, I saw another medical professional who diagnosed the eating disorder, and sent me on my way , no more tests were done.
Thank you Fiachra! I appreciate your feedback. It’s true, antipsychotics are being handed out like candy these days when the antidepressants dont seem to “work.” In my work I’ve seen youngsters, some 10-12 years old with multiple prescriptions, including Abilify and benzos to treat aggression… hmmm…somethings not right here.
Furies, totally get that. We have a deeper seated issue here with managed care and insurance companies. I’ll bet that if we get insurance companies to start paying for integrative/functional treatments, there will be a major shift in health care , likely improving outcomes and decreasing overall medical/psychiatric costs. Perhaps then all this madness will finally be exposed and handled on a larger scale. One can only hope!
Stephen, YES! Its crazy to me too! How can this even be possible?! Where does this “standard” weaning protocol from? Too often than not , these withdrawal symptoms are misinterpreted as a relapse, thus reinforcing the “need” for the drug. Geesh. A never ending cycle.
Thanks for sharing these articles! Oh my gosh, “brain shivers” YES. Thats exactly what those dang things were. It’s good to know others have experienced the same sensations. I searched all over the internet and couldn’t seem to find exactly what described this. But that article you included really seems to nail it. And yes, I’ve only started seeing the role that Big Pharma plays in this whole process, and, in my opinion, we’ve got a public health issue on our hands.
While this whole process was downright dreadful, I’m thankful for how its shaped my view within my profession. There are too few of us though who share this perspective. Hopefully that will change. Thank you again for your support.
Rosalee, thank you for this feedback and your support! I truly appreciate this. Sounds like we did have some similar experiences with the insomnia… it’s so freaking brutal. I was amazed that after 10 years no one had proposed a functional approach to all of this. It’s such a cycle. And I probably would have stayed on these meds (and more) lifelong, if it wasn’t for these discoveries along the way. It angers, yet also inspires me to take action. Again, thanks so much for your support. Truly means alot!
Bcharris, thanks so much for this feedback and input. I’ve never heard of the orthomolecular practitioner, that’s new to me. I’ll have to look into that. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing Alex! I just started watching, and hope to watch in its entirety this evening . (Also just subscribed:)
“Truth-speaking is seriously freeing and empowering, and from taking risks such as these, quantum changes can occur.” – I love what you said here. So so true. I’m encouraged by your truth-seeking approach. Do you have plans of making any more of these movies in the near future?
Report comment
I hate that was your experience Rachel. Hope you in a better place these days!
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Thank you for your input, Steve.
I’m with you in that nutrition and supplements dont “solve” all the problems. We are complex beings and relying on just one approach won’t get us too far. We’ve got to focus on all pieces to the puzzle, and everyone’s “puzzle” looks different!
Report comment
Thank you Alex for sharing –
I’m glad you were able to gain a victory in this – even if it was a “small” step. Its’ encouraging also to hear about your endeavors in the film industry and acting. This could also be one outlet for generating change on a larger scale.
Report comment
Pacific Dawn,
I totally agree with you on promoting political support, activism, and legal support as needed. This was one reason why I entered social work; I appreciated the emphasis on social justice and activism.
I do believe that for many, therapy can be a healing tool, and there are ways to provide this intervention with out necessarily “labeling” people or pushing medications on every “depressive” symptom. For many, good, quality therapy could even be a tool for escaping long term medication use.
Report comment
Thank you Miranda for this input!
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Bcharris,
Thanks for sharing,
My FM provider did tell me about the dream recognition piece with B6, but I didn’t know about this zinc test. Fascinating!
Report comment
I’d agree, like button needed! Thanks ds ghoste. I like how you emphasized the imagination
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Pacific Dawn,
I hear you out on stopping the promotion of chemical mood alterants, but what do you propose as an alternative to practices associated mental health, psychotherapy, and/or recovery? I’m curious to hear your perspective on this.
Report comment
Benjamin,
Thanks for adding to the discussion! I’m so happy that you found relief through the keto diet, which is somewhat similar to the Whole 30 – which provided me with much needed relief.
High amounts of sugar can definitely mess with you, and the way our food industry at large it set up, much of it is literally addicting. So glad you broke free from that! You’re right, in that this issue is missed within the mental health system at large. Its’ a shame, as this should be the first approach, rather than the “last.” I’d certainly encourage you to seek out some detailed blood work – even if you get it done yourself, and study up on how to interpret the tests. That may be able to save you money in the long run, but I’d always recommend a good FM practitioner to guide you along the way. Best of luck!
Report comment
Hi Rachel,
Thank you for reaching out and bringing up these important issues.
These are similar questions I have faced through this whole process myself. I don’t necessarily have all the answers, as I am still relatively new in this field of thought (as I once was a strict follower of that chemical imbalance “belief” system). I largely gravitate towards Dr. Caroline Leaf’s perspective – she is a brain specialist and a strong believer. She has written many books on the area of mental health and spirituality, and advocates against the use of psychotropic drugs. This is one Christian woman who does not shy away from the truth, and is bold in her approach. We need more people like her within the church community.
When I come across these situations similar to what you described, I am reminded that these individuals (nurse practitioners, psychiatrists) hold these viewpoints largely because this is what they were taught within their academic settings and by being immersed in the medical community at large. As we both know, new research is constantly coming out, defying these myths and proposing a different course of action. It may take time for these individuals to come to terms with this new mindset, as it is largely a mindset shift. Rather than becoming bitter or angry at these individuals themselves, I focus on the larger perspective, and how the system at large is to blame. For harboring resentment towards these individuals themselves won’t get me anywhere, nor will it generate many good solutions. So, if I haven’t already answered your question, my approach in these moments is to respectfully disagree, offer a different perspective, present the evidence, and hope for an open mind. All the while, continuing to educate and advocate on a larger scale.
Hope that helps,
Elizabeth
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Hi Zendogbreath,
Thanks for your time in reading and commenting! In response to your request, here is a link to find integrative medicine practitioners in your area: https://www.aihm.org/search/custom.asp?id=4620
I’m not sure exactly where you might go to find functional medicine providers, other than a google search. That’s how I found mine. Perhaps someone else might know a better way.
Regarding Boans comments, unfortunately I am unfamiliar with much of that area. I’d also be interested in reading a full post from Boans on his experiences. Perhaps other people could chime in as well.
Best of luck to you!
Report comment
Scary Black Kitten,
First, I want to thank you for taking the time to read my article and explore my site. I’m still getting things up and running over there and am grateful for your feedback and generation of discussion on these issues.
You’ve put a lot out on the table here, which I value, but I will likely not cover everything in this (relatively) short reply. If you’d like to flush things out a bit more, feel free to contact me at the link on my site, or comment on some of the posts you find interest in.
Regarding the philosophy behind functional medicine, I can see why you might associate it in some way with traditional psychiatry. You’re right, in that this approach can become incredibly expensive and does attribute many emotional symptoms/mental health challenges to some sort of deficit, imbalance or dysfunction within the body. But the difference for me, is that this approach actually targets many of the real underlying causes of these symptoms rather than merely covering them up through a band-aid approach. In this way, healing can occur on a deeper level as I am able to change and manipulate genetic factors and nutritional deficits. While yes, FM does pinpoint certain “broken” parts of the body, it also gives the body the freedom to heal itself through lifestyle changes, supplementation, etc. Again, you bring up a great point about the expenses of this approach – but I’m not sure how we might get around that. But, if we were able to talk major insurance companies into paying for this type of treatment, I believe it would drastically offset the cost, both for the individual and the insurance company at large long term. My hope moving forward is to advocate for more of an integrative approach to healthcare, where various tests and supplements would be covered by insurance. In my opinion, the low income population suffers the most in this regard, as they are nowhere close to being able to pay for this sort of care; yet, many of them need it most.
I thank you also for your questions and comments about faith. While I’m still wrestling with aspects of my faith, this has been a crucial part of my healing journey. In referencing John Piper at the end of that blog post, I was referring to his perspective on how one is to view the “will of God” in his/her life, as this was primarily the focus of the post. While I do love and respect John Piper dearly, I do not necessarily share his same perspective or theology on certain issues. While I do believe that dark spiritual forces, including Satan, can be at work in the lives of believers, contributing to symptoms of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, etc., it is a dangerous approach to attribute all forms of mental illness to the work of Satan.
I would also agree that the church can and does fail at times to provide a safe, nurturing place for those who are struggling, including trauma survivors. I myself have been there. Unfortunately many individuals are harmed by certain teachings and various church “cultures.” This does sadden me very deeply, and you’re right in that Religious Trauma Syndrome is a real thing. I tend to go back to the Gospels in these moments, and study the words and works of Jesus himself, and how he viewed the lost and broken. Many times, there is a drastic difference in what He taught and in the lives of many believers and church leaders today.
Thanks again for your willingness to bring up these big issues,
Elizabeth
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Hidden In Hindsight,
Thank you for this kind reply! I felt goosebumps as I read part of your story, as you’re right, it is strikingly similar. You’re right, too, in that we have to be careful in how we share. I’m happy to hear that you as well are doing much better. How long have you been off meds now? I’d agree that this functional medicine route to mental health is way more empowering and gives people more of a choice to take charge of their health and mental health. When the real underlying issues are dealt with, its much easier to work through daily stressors and the trauma itself. “I’m understanding and working through years of trauma and building the skill set to process the information my body is trying to tell me, instead of silencing it.” – Love that! Go you!
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Bcharris,
Thanks for that! Will have to look into this.
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CatNight,
Thank you for your input! Especially as a a fellow (previous) social worker, sounds like you get the paperwork struggle 🙂
Its interesting how you mentioned that chemical intervention was only used after all therapeutic efforts were literally exhausted. I know of some agencies/clinicians who continue to follow this route, but its’ not consistent across the board.
I haven’t studied the history of social work enough to know about the cultural aspects – I’d be curious to know how these factors may have shaped the current system?
I’m hopeful and ready for change, but not quite sure how at this point, which can be discouraging. Within the profession, who’s going to listen (at least seriously) to a 27 year old still relatively fresh out of grad school? I’m hungry for change, but not quite sure where the table is. Alas, there is work to do, and I’m thankful to be apart of it in whatever way I can.
Report comment
Plebtocracy,
Thank you for your feedback! I certainly agree with the mandated law. In the social work profession, clinicians are taught to rule out any medical factors that could be at play first, and make necessary referrals as needed. Why are metabolic panels, or extensive blood work excluded from this list of “medical issues”? In your opinion, what do you think it would take to enact this sort of thing?
And I’ve wondered the same in regards to the lawsuits…my intention is not to bash the psychiatrists themselves, for they are only doing what they are taught. This is a larger, more systemic issue within the field of psychiatry and Big Pharma itself that needs to be exposed. Hopefully with more sharing their stories we can get to that point.
Report comment
Hi Lavender Sage,
I hate that this was your experience with social work. I’ve had similar feelings, and have questioned and doubted my career choice at times. Amd while yes, I think that this can certainly be the case with many clinical social workers and their viewpoints, but not all, thankfully. And from my experience, the social work field at large doesn’t seem as tied down to the DSM 5 as other mental health professions. It’s a broader field, with different areas and options, which I like. I love the jello analogy though – Hah, I certainly do hope to “melt the jello” in some way or another.
Report comment
Hi there – totally get the need to find a good practitioner… fortunately I found a super good one who identified just about everything possible in my blood work. You’re right though, it can get incredibly expensive.
To answer your question, I initially saw a gynecologist, who tested me for lupus (???)…they did standard blood work , but nothing significant came back. Its was the minimal amount, nothing like a thorough hormone or thyroid panel or anything detailed like that. From there, I saw another medical professional who diagnosed the eating disorder, and sent me on my way , no more tests were done.
Report comment
I realize now that all this can become a dreadful cycle, but didn’t associate it as something designed.. what are your thoughts on this?
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Thank you Fiachra! I appreciate your feedback. It’s true, antipsychotics are being handed out like candy these days when the antidepressants dont seem to “work.” In my work I’ve seen youngsters, some 10-12 years old with multiple prescriptions, including Abilify and benzos to treat aggression… hmmm…somethings not right here.
Report comment
Furies, totally get that. We have a deeper seated issue here with managed care and insurance companies. I’ll bet that if we get insurance companies to start paying for integrative/functional treatments, there will be a major shift in health care , likely improving outcomes and decreasing overall medical/psychiatric costs. Perhaps then all this madness will finally be exposed and handled on a larger scale. One can only hope!
Report comment
Stephen, YES! Its crazy to me too! How can this even be possible?! Where does this “standard” weaning protocol from? Too often than not , these withdrawal symptoms are misinterpreted as a relapse, thus reinforcing the “need” for the drug. Geesh. A never ending cycle.
Report comment
Oh man! Boas! You definitely have a story to share. Sounds like it’s quite a mess over there. Have you ever posted a story on MIA?
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Thanks for sharing these articles! Oh my gosh, “brain shivers” YES. Thats exactly what those dang things were. It’s good to know others have experienced the same sensations. I searched all over the internet and couldn’t seem to find exactly what described this. But that article you included really seems to nail it. And yes, I’ve only started seeing the role that Big Pharma plays in this whole process, and, in my opinion, we’ve got a public health issue on our hands.
While this whole process was downright dreadful, I’m thankful for how its shaped my view within my profession. There are too few of us though who share this perspective. Hopefully that will change. Thank you again for your support.
Report comment
Rosalee, thank you for this feedback and your support! I truly appreciate this. Sounds like we did have some similar experiences with the insomnia… it’s so freaking brutal. I was amazed that after 10 years no one had proposed a functional approach to all of this. It’s such a cycle. And I probably would have stayed on these meds (and more) lifelong, if it wasn’t for these discoveries along the way. It angers, yet also inspires me to take action. Again, thanks so much for your support. Truly means alot!
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Bcharris, thanks so much for this feedback and input. I’ve never heard of the orthomolecular practitioner, that’s new to me. I’ll have to look into that. Thank you!
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