Millions of people are put on psychiatric drugs each year. For some, these drugs are desired and effective, but for many, whether taken willingly or by force, they create multiple harmful side effects, long-term health complications, and are incredibly challenging to taper off of. Users of psychiatric drugs also rarely find professional or even peer support for tapering off due to the stigma and discrimination and a false narrative that implies users must remain on them for life. Chaya Grossberg, psychiatric survivor and ally, has supported people for over 15 years in finding alternatives and maintaining their agency, a role that is much needed. After becoming ill and nearly dying from the multiple psychiatric drugs she was prescribed, she decided to slowly taper off with support from the Freedom Center (a peer support organization) and heal the damage done to her body. Now, an activist, community organizer and writer of her book: “Freedom from Psychiatric Drugs”, Chaya shares her wisdom.
In this episode we discuss:
- what it was like to take 7 different psychiatric medications
- how to change and reclaim your narrative
- crisis as a retrieval of life purpose
- what we want young people to know today
- how pharmaceutical companies use non-profits and peer organization to perpetuate propaganda
- why nutrition matters when coming off psych meds
- case studies of successful tapering off
- withdrawal symptoms and the false narratives told about them
- the risk of SI due to being on or coming off psych meds
- taking a basic needs framework
Bio
Author Chaya Grossberg discusses her book Freedom from Psychiatric Drugs about what people go through coming off psychiatric drugs and what helps them. Freedom From Psychiatric Drugs is a manual and workbook for psychiatric survivors and their allies, friends and families. Chaya is not a medical practitioner, does not give medical advice, and supports the autonomy of each individual to make their own decisions on when or whether to come off psychiatric drugs. She advocates for increased options, support and safe spaces for people seeking alternatives to psychiatric drugs.
website: http://www.chayagrossberg.com
Book: Freedom From Psychiatric Drugs: First edition
Resources
the freedom center - https://www.freedom-center.willhall.net/node/463.html
Links
Institute for the Development of Human Arts (mental health training institute) - www.IDHA-NYC.org
Sessions & Information about the host: JazmineRussell.com
Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.
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