I Tried to Stop Taking My Meds Again

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I'm trying to be more open about the complicated and difficult relationship I have to taking my psychiatric medications. My psychiatrist and I decided to try to very gradually taper down on my meds with the ultimate goal of reducing or even removing the need for them. Due to various stressors in my life right now, it did not go great. I will listen to my body and brain to figure out when might be a good time to try again.
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Опубликовано:

26 фев 2022

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Комментарии : 843

@LivingWellwithSchizophrenia Год назад

JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com General Mental Illness Peer Support Community: www.onlinepeersupport.com

@baneverything5580 2 года назад

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 года назад

I hope you stay

@vonjess9 2 года назад

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 года назад

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 года назад

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 года назад

Same here

@kitty_duckie 2 года назад

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

@zenseed75 2 года назад

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

@dyrefate 2 года назад

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

@HockeyVictory66 2 года назад

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 года назад

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

@terryabate9231 Год назад

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

@moxie433 2 года назад

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

@ggervasio1 2 года назад

My thoughts exactly!

@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe 4 месяца назад

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

@peternolan814 2 года назад

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 года назад

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

@peternolan814 2 года назад

@@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 года назад

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

@peternolan814 2 года назад

@@lucide9577 Hello Lucide, Lauren's channel Living Well With Schizophrenia is a great RU-vid 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 года назад

@@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....

@k.a.2241 2 года назад

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 года назад

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

@shieh.4743 2 года назад

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 года назад

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 года назад

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 года назад

I needed this reminder 😌

@4114715 9 месяцев назад

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

@4114715 7 дней назад

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

@AmyAndThePup 2 года назад

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.

@Anne_Onymous 2 года назад

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 года назад

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

@telena5042 Год назад

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 Год назад

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 Год назад

@@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 Год назад

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

@williamruse4438 2 года назад

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.

@filippo8189 2 года назад

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 года назад

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

@mzbuttercupofchicago 2 года назад

I agree

@codingwithcrystalhill1568 2 года назад

Most people don't like the meds.

@vonjess9 2 года назад

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

@Mytommyj22 2 года назад

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 8 месяцев назад

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

@JesusSaves77799 2 года назад

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)!! 🙏💖

@nadahmekhlef7948 2 года назад

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.

@catherinebooth9810 2 года назад

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 года назад

💚

@JerseyLynne 2 года назад

I agree!

@edward5247 2 года назад

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.

@terricrowe8944 2 года назад

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.

@CB-vt4ic 2 года назад

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 года назад

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 года назад

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 года назад

@@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.

@DihCastroList 2 года назад

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 💕

@feliciafreeman9102 2 года назад

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 года назад

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

@boinkadoinkk 2 года назад

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

@rachelmarie2313 2 года назад

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

@kathybowman7186 2 года назад

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

@cindyperez1085 2 года назад

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. 💕

@Twinkie989 2 года назад

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.

@junipersages 2 года назад

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.

@savingfelvkitties7424 2 года назад

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 Год назад

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💯

@sararivas803 2 года назад

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. ❤️

@pvrunner8 2 года назад

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 года назад

Well done you

@mariashaffer-gordon3561 Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@rocketmantheone 6 месяцев назад

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

@JackBrady 2 года назад

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

@mattbierwirth4629 2 года назад

These videos are incredible. This is peer education at it's finest. You are a fantastic role model.

@ElinneaG 2 года назад

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...)

@sheenagriffith2635 2 года назад

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.

@noreensirianni3135 2 года назад

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.

@ThatRainie Год назад

You are an amazing person. You’ve helped me so much with your videos and for sure a lot of other people. I’m so sad you are struggling but at the same time I look at your disease as a “gift” and because of it you were able to make a difference in so many pleople’s lives, mine included. I hope in the future you’ll be able to stop your medication and be free of symptoms all the rest of life and then tell your story from a different point of view: from a healed person and continue to give us hope. I can’t stop saying how an amazing human being you are…

@themorningmist99 2 года назад

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 года назад

Best wishes to you.

@PerceivedREALITY999 2 года назад

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 года назад

so many words and so little info. amazing.

@themorningmist99 2 года назад

@@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 Год назад

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

@nicholetravis748 2 года назад

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.

@gr8catsby 2 года назад

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.

@otisberlin 2 года назад

Thank you so much for the work that you do. Please know that you are helping people with your amazing channel.

@danielled.6529 2 года назад

As always, thank you for sharing 💙 I understand your struggle and I hope you can find a balance that works for you.

@luongtam7662 2 года назад

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 года назад

Great suggestion.

@wildlifegardenssydney7492 2 года назад

You speak so well, with such intelligence and empathy. I relate to every facet you covered. As a mother of three those early years you are still in with a toddler and other children are so intense, such a balancing act. Loving and caring for yourself is such an important foundation, good nutrition, good sleep are also beneficial.

@jenny-lyngopaul878 2 года назад

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

@unclejay9205 Год назад

I love that you are trying and sharing your experience with the world because often i wonder what its like for my brother. I would just ask but i think its hard for him to explain it to me. I hope your journey is a good one, i hope someday it's one worth telling to the world that will help so many more. ❤

@jupitersgarden5097 2 года назад

So very excellent and helpful. I am grateful for your open honesty and vulnerability.

@tnvoljr 2 года назад

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.

@visionvixxen 2 года назад

Thank you for being brave enough to be honest!!!! There is a lot that has NOT been evaluated in the long term.

@kelseymariebell1357 Год назад

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

@ace.of.space. 2 года назад

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.

@johnmurfadevera 2 года назад

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.

@barbaraadelman2391 2 года назад

You have such courage, Lauren. And your videos are a comfort to all of those who struggle - no matter how severe or complex the illness. I find it terribly difficult to discuss meds (really of any kind) with others because often one camp says almost in an accusatory manner, "why are you taking xyz....your life will be better with nothing, just try harder (yeah, right...)", and those who push even more meds. So often a complete lack of understanding is at the at the heart of their beliefs, and it can be infuriating. I wish you well in doing what's right for you!

@meganlampa3293 2 года назад

Thanks for sharing. I'm currently supporting someone who is struggling with taking their meds at the moment ❤️

@jennifermetler2408 2 года назад

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! 😊🌹

@konstantinoschristofi7300 2 года назад

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!!

@kms3063 2 года назад

I’m so thankful your out here ! Thank you !

@stevencooper5132 2 года назад

Wishing you all the best with your journey in recovery!

@whiskeylinux 2 года назад

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 года назад

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 года назад

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.

@anaceja7075 2 года назад

Thank you for sharing. I always appreciate your input, as I continue to learn what my mother goes through.

@nurunurh3151 2 года назад

love your videos, im recovering from psychosis and it helps seeing that im not alone, stay strong ❤️

@majdk6483 2 года назад

I really admire your honesty ❤❤ thank you for sharing your experience ❤️ hope you all the best

@Psychobonnie1 2 года назад

You are so amazing and strong! Thank you for this

@Stephanie-us3bj 2 года назад

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.

@Bubinga28 2 года назад

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

@dyrefate 2 года назад

I think it's great that you're having an honest conversation about it. I've been lucky in that I've been able to manage my symptoms without meds for the most part. Now I use them only as needed as part of my wellness recovery plan.

@grahamhardie6853 Год назад

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 👍

@seannaceleste2787 2 года назад

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.

@myrmexi_mien 2 года назад

really feel this. i've had a lot of negative thoughts about medication in the past, and though i'm finally on an antidepressant that works, i find it difficult to make peace with entirely. much love, may your peace of mind be longlasting. 💙

@rpink8531 2 года назад

Lauren- thank you. We need your voice 🙏 Much courage 🤗

@xcrystalsunshine 2 года назад

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

@billylee5335 2 года назад

Thank you

@HJS17 Месяц назад

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

@colleenfleming8482 2 года назад

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.

@evecleroux8368 2 года назад

Love and support. Life and mental health is complicated. That sounds like platitudes but it isn't...roads become trails and side roads,...sometimes they become backstreets and side roads...sometimes they become whole new highways or they go back to familiar roads andntrails. No matter what its a journey and thank goodness you learn something new with every step. We grow in unexpected ways every day.

@brielleanyez7113 2 года назад

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

@tossed_about 2 года назад

Really feeling for you Lauren, it's a tough road to be on. In spite of how it feels to you, you come across as much more mature and confident in managing difficulties than when you first started posting videos. My best advice is still to have a good cry when it all gets too hard - being a parent to 3 kids is a lot in itself. You might note that most people I know who have to take any sort of medication for the rest of their lives hate it, even if it has no side-effects. I hope you and your team can successfully manage some (even if brief) holidays from your meds in the near future.

@Athena124 2 года назад

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.

@samanthachristinafusco1334 2 года назад

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.

@taracmonroe 2 года назад

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 года назад

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.

@timd8912 2 года назад

We love you Lauren. God bless you.....

@fit4u679 2 года назад

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.

@jfv8144 2 года назад

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

@sandy4923 2 года назад

It is very helpful to talk about this topic's thanks for sharing, Lauren!

@hiimpercy Год назад

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.

@brittneyx3 2 года назад

it's truly relatable. thank you for sharing. 💗💗

@Irishrose777 2 года назад

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

@beautifulbunny10 2 года назад

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

@user-dx6ub9go6s Год назад

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.

@AA_AA_111 2 года назад

You made me cry.. your eyes telling us how this frustrated you Love you ❤️

@brookehawkins5764 2 года назад

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 года назад

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 Год назад

Amen

@HJS17 Месяц назад

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 Месяц назад

@@BeingBetter Hi Hope you are well.

@shieh.4743 2 года назад

I wish you wellness, now and always.

@nemetnun 2 года назад

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 Месяц назад

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

@magicalfluffybunny 2 года назад

I appreciate your honesty.

@ainomugishapenlope4439 2 года назад

Thank you so much for this, I now feel relieved. I am taking care of a loved one with Schizophrenia and sometimes he refuses to take his medication and this sometimes makes me get mad at them but watching this,I understand his struggles. Will trryy best to teach him the benefits of taking his medication

@lillianlamantia9605 2 года назад

This was very useful to me as I have a close relative with schizophrenia so it was great to hear your (very clear and rational) experience and thoughts. I have had a number of friends with schizophrenia and have understood over the years that there are varying degrees or types of the disorder and having seen those who accept their illness and seek treatment when necessary in open and honest consultation with their care providers, they seem to have the best quality of life. It seems like you are doing well in finding that balance. Sadly my loved one has a very serious form of schizophrenia and spends much of their time resisting help, but recently they sounded much more stable and positive so I am hoping that with time they can find the right balance and right meds for their needs.

@auladeingles373 2 года назад

Hi Lauren, great to watch your videos, I appreciate your effort at making and sharing them. I don't suffer any major mental health issues, but read quite a lot about them. One of the most lasting messages I got out of reading The Center Cannot Hold, the best-selling memoir by Elyn Saks, over 10 years ago was that the fight against medication is basically a fruitless and self-defeating one. In the book, she describes her schizophrenia since onset in her teen years, and several treatments and hospitalizations she underwent in the US and the UK, always with ups and downs that were mostly caused by numerous attempts at ceasing her dependency on meds. She tried to quit meds several times, always with grave consequences. And yet I understand why you'd want to lower the dose and, if possible, eliminate meds altogether. Side effects suck, dependency sucks, costs and insurance issues suck, the list of evils goes on and on. It's a big struggle between knowing the medication is essential and wanting to get rid of them. I wish you are fortunate to be able to reduce your medication dosage and consequently the side effects it causes, and meanwhile I appreciate you sharing and promoting the debate on this issue.

@taniahoque9525 2 года назад

So sorry to hear my dear! God bless you for going through all these!! My mom is going through schizophrenia, don’t know what to do!Meds made her feel worse! But only took 2 days!! But Hearing u say- so much stress, I thought of Abraham hicks on RU-vid ! Basically it says how to feel better no matter what!! She helps me a lot! Sk much heart ❤️ there!!

@jenjencannon3224 2 года назад

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

@layotheleprechaun 2 года назад

Best of luck Lauren 🙏🏻 be careful

@amirkar3552 2 года назад

Thank you Thank you, your courageous video helps us to deal with my son's schizophrenia condition. God Bless you and keep these videos comiong.

@johnanddenisemarsh7708 2 года назад

You are such a sweetheart. Thank you so much for sharing..

@ericgutierrez337 2 года назад

You talked me into taking 1 tonight. I hope I connected your mind completely. Opening that 3rd eye up

@username58482 2 года назад

Please please please keep us updating on how your are feeling! I wish you all the luck in the world and hope that you’ll be able to do want you want to do without risk. But I’m a little scared. In your past videos you shared your experience with trying to take off your meds and how it never ended well, and you were telling that in the end you realized that you HAVE to take them for yourself and for your family. And now your are trying again. But I know how horrible side effects can be sometimes and I know this desire to be free from them. So once again, good luck! And be safe.