This is an akathisia recovery story. Shelly shares progress healing from antidepressant withdrawal, benzodiazepine injury, medication-induced akathisia, and severe medical trauma — after being repeatedly misdiagnosed with anxiety and panic disorder.

Angela Peacock sits down with Jess, a psychiatric drug injury survivor whose life was radically altered after a forced antipsychotic injection following a drug-induced psychotic episode and subsequent crisis. What followed was nearly a year of profound suffering—including akathisia, emotional blunting, and total loss of self—before a slow, nonlinear return to life.

In 2012, during a personal crisis connected to divorce and insomnia, Katinka Blackford Newman was prescribed an antidepressant which triggered a severe adverse reaction. The experience nearly cost her life and sparked her deep involvement in exploring medication safety.

Amanda, a registered nurse from the United States, shares her six-year journey on Lexapro after being prescribed the medication at 22 for situational anxiety during a difficult period of her life. She explains how the drug initially seemed harmless, but over time she began experiencing significant changes in her emotions, personality, physical health, and ability to cope with stress.

Angie sits down with ICU nurse and social media influencer, “That Functional Nurse,” Amanda, to share her 10-year journey with Lexapro—how she was prescribed it, the devastating symptoms she developed, how her rapid taper nearly destroyed her life, and the slow, micro-taper method that finally gave her stability.

This conversation was recorded live for members of Inner Compass Exchange, in June, 2023, as part of a series of interviews about people's experiences within and beyond the mental health system. We are sharing this conversation publicly in tribute to Steven and his wisdom and generosity of spirit. Thank you, Steven.

Mothering through psychiatric drug withdrawal is one of the hardest things a woman can experience. In this powerful conversation, Angela Peacock sits down with Joanna, a former client, mother of three, and therapist who went from postpartum despair and years on antidepressants to full recovery and freedom.

Celeste's personal experience of psychiatric medications.

Anthony was a healthy, outgoing husband and father of three who loved concerts, hiking, and coaching Special Olympics. After struggling with mild insomnia, he was prescribed 25 mg of sertraline (Zoloft) — just 11 pills in total. Within days, he experienced emotional numbness, suicidal thoughts, and genital anesthesia that never went away after stopping the drug.

The Tudor Dixon Podcast. Tudor sits down with Rosie Tilley to uncover the dark side of antidepressants—specifically SSRIs—and their devastating long-term side effects. Rosie shares her deeply personal story of life after taking Lexapro, including her battle with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), a condition that has upended her health and well-being.

In this conversation, Angela Peacock interviews Safa, who shares his harrowing journey of coming off psychiatric medications. Safa discusses the onset of his treatment, the adverse effects he experienced, and the realization that led him to stop taking medications.

She was a thriving young business owner and psychologist in Russia—until Lexapro (Cipralex) changed everything. Within days she developed severe insomnia and heat-dysregulation. Tapering unleashed tinnitus, restless legs, and neurological symptoms that lasted for years. Told it was “just anxiety,” she tried five different antidepressants before realizing she was living with protracted withdrawal.

In this interview, Snezhana shares how her life was altered, why repeat drug trials failed, what it’s like to lose sleep, travel, relationships, and spontaneity, and how she finally found answers through online communities. We also discuss the growing “meds-first” culture in Russia and why trusting your own experience is vital when doctors dismiss symptoms.

Nick Taber, a writer and advocate for healing from authoritarian systems, shares his powerful story of recovery after trauma in the troubled teen industry. His well-intentioned parents sought mental health help—but what he received instead was control, coercion, and emotional suppression. In this interview, Nick speaks candidly about the long-term impacts of institutionalization and how he began to heal by reconnecting with his inner compass. Together with interviewer Daniel, they explore hard but essential questions: What happens when systems meant to help us actually strip away our agency? Does regulation truly protect us? And what could real support for teens look like? This conversation shines a light on the dangers of coercive care—and the power of reclaiming your truth, your voice, and your freedom.

At 19, Andrea was prescribed Prozac after a rushed OB-GYN visit despite having no history of mental illness. That one prescription led to two decades on psychiatric drugs, failed withdrawals, and devastating symptoms: brain zaps, akathisia, insomnia, and even suicidal thoughts.

In this interview, Andrea shares how withdrawal attempts became progressively worse, why doctors misdiagnosed her suffering as relapse, and how she eventually developed protracted withdrawal. She also reflects on the grief of realizing her life had been chemically numbed, and the fight to feel alive again.

Now free from medication, Andrea is thriving and offers hope to anyone struggling with the same journey.

Cael was a healthy, social teenager when he was prescribed antidepressants for mild anxiety. What followed was years of being cycled through multiple drugs — Lexapro, Effexor, Zoloft, Pristiq, Seroquel, Cymbalta — with no informed consent about the risks. Today, he lives with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD).

In this interview, Cooper Davis shares his 13-year journey on psychiatric medications: starting with Ritalin in high school, moving through nearly every stimulant, and eventually adding multiple other drugs. What began as a dramatic improvement in focus and grades slowly turned into tolerance, side effects, and a growing medication stack that hurt his health, relationships, and career.

He describes the moments that pushed him to quit, his withdrawal in a 12-step rehab, and the process of rebuilding life without medications. This is a candid look at both the benefits and costs of psychiatric drugs, and what life can look like after coming off.

Francis Levandowski III shares his nine-year nightmare with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) — a condition that has stolen his sexuality, blunted his emotions, and altered the course of his life forever. Speaking as both a harmed patient and a medical professional, he reveals the devastating human cost of a system that refuses to acknowledge the truth.

In this episode of Inner Compass Conversations, Daniel, Leela and Meredith share their personal experiences of the challenging process of psychiatric drug tapering and withdrawal. They discuss the intense physical and emotional experiences, the importance of community support, and the coping strategies that helped them navigate these difficult times. The conversation highlights the power of connection, the significance of small acts of self-care, and the hope that healing is possible even when it feels out of reach. Join them to explore the depths of withdrawal and how they found a path forward.

In this episode of Inner Compass Conversations, we delve into the realities of healing beyond the visible. Our speakers, Daniel, Leela, and Meredith, share personal stories and insights on the invisible work of healing, emphasizing the importance of letting go, embracing change, and finding connection. They explore the challenges of psychiatric drug withdrawal, the power of reframing progress, and the significance of small acts of self-care. This conversation offers a heartfelt look at how healing is not just about the absence of pain but about creating a meaningful life amidst challenges. Join them to uncover the layers of healing that often go unseen.

For years, Renée lived on a cocktail of medications — antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and more — prescribed to manage her anxiety, depression, and trauma. But instead of healing, she felt increasingly numb, disconnected, and trapped in a fog she couldn’t escape. Renée shares her journey through polypharmacy, medical gaslighting, and the moment she realized that real healing wouldn’t come from another prescription — but from within.

Tiffany was prescribed amitriptyline for nerve pain. When she tapered off, she faced emotional blunting, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts - leading to hospitalisation, misdiagnosis and failed treatments like Cymbalta, lithium, ECT, and ketamine. Her real recovery began when she stopped chasing chemical fixes and focused on managing anxiety through CBT, meditation, and lifestyle changes. Now, she's working full-time and emotionally stable. Her story shows how protracted withdrawal can be mistaken for mental illness - and how healing is possible.

In this gripping episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana sits down with Katinka Blackford Newman - best-selling author, investigative journalist, and founder of Antidepressantrisks.org. Together, they unpack the pharmaceutical myth of the 'chemical imbalance' behind depression and explore how one pill nearly cost Katinka everything. From personal psychosis to global data gaps, Katinka sheds light on the long-term effects, the overlooked risks, and the necessity for informed consent. This isn't a call to abandon medication - it's a call to question the status quo.

10 common gaps that are often overlooked in conversations when antidepressants are prescribed.

At 14, Amy was prescribed Pristiq during her parents' divorce. A decade later, with no symptoms and a stable life, she was told she could stop the medication in just a few weeks. What followed was a life-altering withdrawal injury that left her housebound, physically debilitated, and questioning everything she'd been told about 'safe' antidepressants.

Lisa Pratta was a sales rep for drug manufacturer Questcor - then she became a whistleblower. She witnessed bribes and was screamed at to illegally sell a multiple sclerosis drug. So she went after the pharma giant. Now, she wants to see the entire system to change.

Sheila was a therapist, leading a healthy lifestyle and tapering Lexapro under expert guidance. But when that guidance turned into a cold turkey stop, her life unraveled. What followed was protracted akathisia, hospitalization, and a desperate fight to survive.

Vincent and Yoko share the devastating story of their son Romain — a bright, gifted teenager whose life was cut short after being prescribed the SSRI paroxetine. What began as an effort to address obsessive thoughts turned into a nightmare of emotional instability, disinhibition, catatonia, and ultimately, suicide.

This is Cole's personal account of his experience with antidepressant withdrawal shared during an interview in January 2025.

Patrick, a long-time antidepressant user from Germany, shares his harrowing story of how Lexapro—and later, antipsychotics like Seroquel and Risperidone—led to a catastrophic decline in his mental and physical health. After years of stable use with no withdrawal issues, he decided to come off the medication during a high point in his life. But what followed was a nightmare: severe akathisia, emotional numbness, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, and full-body nerve damage after just a single dose upon reinstatement.

Emilie Jordao shares her personal story of taking and recovering from psychiatric medications with the Protracted Withdrawal Podcast. Emilie now works as a Psych Med Withdrawal Coach.

This is Kirsty's personal account of her experience with antidepressant withdrawal shared during an interview in January 2025.

This is Claire's personal account of her experience with antidepressant withdrawal shared during an interview in January 2025.

In engaging with the mental health industry, we can not only find ourselves acquiring psychiatric diagnoses and prescriptions, but also a whole new vocabulary to describe how and what we feel. Often those in our community talk of how this new vocabulary can overwrite the intuitive and natural way we would otherwise articulate our experiences. For example, where we might have once said, "I'm struggling to sleep at night for worrying about the bills", we might find ourselves saying "my anxiety is keeping me up at night". It's a subtle but powerful reframing of very real difficulties that can decontextualize and dehumanize our experiences, and so, in our forthcoming Inner Compass Conversations episode, we'll look at the power of language and how, in the process of moving on from psychiatry, we might reclaim our own vocabulary, and in turn the way we approach the challenges that come with being human. You can join us on the day or watch the recording when it suits you—and no matter what, we hope you find it interesting and useful.

Discover the inspiring journey of TaperClinic's coach Neseret as she breaks free from over a decade of psychiatric misdiagnoses and medications to reclaim her life against all odds.

How a prescribed drug changed everything. In this interview, David Carmichael shares his devastating experience with psychiatric medications, describing how Paxil triggered a drug-induced psychosis leading to unimaginable tragedy.

Thammika shares her deeply personal story of how Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) affected not just her partner — but their entire relationship, future, and family. Her ex-husband developed severe sexual dysfunction after taking Finasteride before they met, and while their love for each other remained, the loss of intimacy ultimately led to the end of their marriage.

In this eye-opening interview, Michael shares how a doctor prescribed him Paxil for situational anxiety, triggering a terrifying spiral of adverse effects. Instead of recognizing the drug reaction, the mental health system labeled him bipolar and placed him on heavy antipsychotic medication.

Chris Paige, a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience who is based in Kansas, USA, shares his deeply personal and unexpected journey through the psychiatric system.

Emily Grey, a former university student from British Columbia, Canada, shares her harrowing journey of experiencing a medical injury due to SSRI withdrawal.

Amanda Burnett had spent years as a nurse, confident in the medical knowledge she had been trained in - until she experienced firsthand the devastating effects of psych drug withdrawal.

In engaging with the mental health industry, we can not only find ourselves acquiring psychiatric diagnoses and prescriptions, but also a whole new vocabulary to describe how and what we feel. Often those in our community talk of how this new vocabulary can overwrite the intuitive and natural way we would otherwise articulate our experiences. For example, where we might have once said, "I'm struggling to sleep at night for worrying about the bills", we might find ourselves saying "my anxiety is keeping me up at night". It's a subtle but powerful reframing of very real difficulties that can decontextualize and dehumanize our experiences, and so, in our forthcoming Inner Compass Conversations episode, we'll look at the power of language and how, in the process of moving on from psychiatry, we might reclaim our own vocabulary, and in turn the way we approach the challenges that come with being human. You can join us on the day or watch the recording when it suits you—and no matter what, we hope you find it interesting and useful.

Peter Gordon, a retired psychiatrist from Bridge of Allan, Scotland, never imagined he would find himself on the other side of the system he once worked within

Jorge shares the terrifying consequences of restarting SSRIs like Sertraline and Escitalopram. After multiple attempts to restart these medications in hopes of alleviating his symptoms, he now lives with permanent side effects, including debilitating brain fog, sexual dysfunction, body numbness, and more. His powerful story exposes the hidden dangers of these commonly prescribed drugs.

At a young age, Cooper Davis was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed a low dose of Ritalin, which helped his ability to focus but caused unwanted side effects. To counteract them, he was prescribed other medications. By age 30, Davis was dependent on six different psychiatric drugs at any given time, what’s commonly known in the mental health community as a “prescription cascade.”

Opressor reveals the devastating, long-lasting impact of taking SSRIs like Citalopram, which he was prescribed for ADHD without proper diagnosis or warning about potential side effects. After starting the medication, he experienced severe emotional numbness and sexual dysfunction, symptoms that worsened even after discontinuing the drugs.

Eight individuals from Australia each with lived experience of antidepressant withdrawal share their personal stories and valuable educational insights. These interviews took place in January 2025.

Today, we're sitting down with Gloria, who went from treating patients to becoming a patient herself, trapped in a battle against a drug that wouldn't let go. What happens when the very thing meant to help you becomes your worst nightmare? Let's dive into Gloria's harrowing journey.

Hugo shares his personal story of living with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) after taking Zoloft. He discusses his experiences, the symptoms, and how they have impacted his daily life. Hugo talks about emotional numbness, personality changes, sexual dysfunction, and the challenges he faces while trying to lead a normal life.

Tomasz Starczewski, Cognitive Neuroscientist and Neurobiologist specializing in psychiatric drug withdrawal discusses tapering Lexapro with Amanda.

Laura, a registered mental health nurse, shares her personal journey with antidepressants, detailing her struggles with protracted withdrawal and the challenges of coming off medication.

Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring speaks with Benjamin about his personal experience with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), a devastating condition marked by enduring sexual dysfunction and emotional blunting that can occur after discontinuing antidepressants.

Cornelia discusses how her life has been completely ruined after taking Mirtazapine for just three weeks in 2020. She now deals with persistent sexual dysfunction, anhedonia, insomnia and myriad of other life altering symptoms that has left her unemployed and socially isolated.

Jess shares her shocking story of a severe adverse reaction to Abilify Sustenna. Part 2 of 2.

Adam discusses his life with PSSD after coming off his SSRIs seven years ago. Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) is the current term for a rare syndrome characterized by devastating physical, neurological, and sexual side effects that persist and progress even after stopping SSRIs.

Kassie shares her profound journey through childhood trauma, poly drugging, and the long-term effects of psychiatric medications. She discusses her early experiences with mental health issues, the overwhelming cocktail of medications prescribed to her, and the impact these had on her self-esteem, social development, and family dynamics. Kassie reflects on her struggles with withdrawal and the challenges of recovery, ultimately expressing a desire to help others who have faced similar experiences.

Daryl shares his experience of living with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) for the past 13 years. He discusses the devastation this has had on his life, his experience with medical gaslighting, and the little support he's received from the medical system as a whole.

Andy shares his harrowing experience of living with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) after being prescribed Citalopram at the age of 23. He opens up about the severe and persistent side effects (which go far beyond just sexual dysfunction) he has endured for over the last 13 years, the challenges of getting proper medical acknowledgment, and the emotional toll it has taken on his life.

Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring interviews Erik, a 25-year-old who developed Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) after increasing his Lexapro dose. Despite over 12 years on SSRI antidepressants, Erik experienced severe symptoms and details many lesser-known symptoms beyond sexual dysfunction, highlighting the unpredictable nature of PSSD.

Malissa shares her experience taking SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines, and the profoundly tragic impact these drugs have had on her life. Dealing with Protractive Withdrawal Syndrome (PWS), Malissa discusses the challenges of finding medical validation, the loss of her physical abilities, and the mental and emotional toll of living with this damage.

Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring interviews Marchello and his mother Lisa. Marchello developed akathisia after starting psychiatric medications. Marchello and Lisa share invaluable insights into the caregiver-drug-injured person relationship, offering advice for other loved ones navigating similar challenges.

Derek Blumke, the Veteran Impact Fellow for the Grunt Style Foundation, discusses the growing issue of overprescribing in the United States, particularly to those that wear and wore the uniform of our Armed Forces.

Louise Carter joins TaperClinic to share the heartbreaking story of her daughter Madi, who passed away after starting Lyrica (pregabalin), a medication prescribed off-label for anxiety. This interview explores the detailed journey Louise undertook to understand the psychiatric care Madi received before her death.

Benjamin shares his journey, the onset of his symptoms after taking Cymbalta, and the profound impact it has had on his life. He discusses the challenges of finding medical validation, the loss of libido, and the mental and emotional toll of living with PSSD.

Rosie, President of the PSSD Network, shares her harrowing journey with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) after being prescribed Lexapro. She opens up about the severe and persistent side effects she has endured for over four years, the challenges of getting proper medical acknowledgment, and the emotional toll it has taken on her life. Join us as Rosie provides insight into her fight for awareness and support for those affected by PSSD.

Jevin, 26, has been battling Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) for 15 years. From his initial prescription at age 11 to the myriad of debilitating symptoms he endures today, Jevin opens up about his journey through emotional blunting, anhedonia, and neurological disturbances.

In this video, Grant shares his personal story of living with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) after taking Lexapro. He discusses his experiences, the symptoms, and how they have impacted his daily life. Grant talks about emotional numbness, lack of libido, and the challenges he faces while trying to lead a normal life.

Jess shares her shocking story of a severe adverse reaction to Abilify Sustenna. Part 1 of 2.

Jay's daughter died by suicide when she was 28. Here, he details the impact that psychiatric force had on her life and the alternatives that may have saved her.

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A subset of people experience a debilitating condition known as Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) following the use of SSRI and SNRI medication. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to: genital numbness, a complete loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, anhedonia and emotional blunting.

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Bryn, Simon, and Roy discuss their realization of the enduring impact of PSSD over time.

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Rosie, Sean, Carlton, and Emily share their experiences with Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), a condition where individuals face persistent sexual side effects and other side effects after taking or discontinuing certain antidepressants.

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Check out the PSSD Network here: https://www.pssdnetwork.org

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On March 16, 2023, at the Oberndorf Central Library in Virginia Beach, The Richard Scott Fee Foundation hosted an educational event: "What the Public Should Know About Deprescribing Psychiatric Drugs" This video is an excerpt from that event. In this video, an audience member asks the question: "What are 'windows' and 'waves' in benzodiazepine withdrawal?". Michael Bohan, M.D., an addiction medicine specialist (retired), who was Carla's deprescribing physician, moderates the conversation.

On March 16, 2023, at the Oberndorf Central Library in Virginia Beach, The Richard Scott Fee Foundation hosted an educational event: "What the Public Should Know About Deprescribing Psychiatric Drugs" This video is an excerpt from that event. In this video, an audience member asks the question: "How many doctors in the area are aware of deprescribing and actually practice it?". Michael Bohan, M.D., an addiction medicine specialist (retired), moderates the conversation.

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On March 16, 2023, at the Oberndorf Central Library in Virginia Beach, The Richard Scott Fee Foundation hosted an educational event: "What the Public Should Know About Deprescribing Psychiatric Drugs" This video is an excerpt from that event. In this video, Carla and her son, Thomas, detail her experience withdrawing from benzodiazepines and Effexor. Michael Bohan, M.D., a (retired) addiction medicine specialist, who was Carla's deprescribing physician, moderates the conversation.

On March 16, 2023, at the Oberndorf Central Library in Virginia Beach, The Richard Scott Fee Foundation hosted an educational event: "What the Public Should Know About Deprescribing Psychiatric Drugs" This video is an excerpt from that event. In this video, Ricky and Kathy Fee (of the Richard Scott Fee Foundation) tell their son Richard's story, including how Adderall prescriptions led to their son's suicide.

Katinka Blackford Newman is an award-winning documentary film director and writer with countless hours of high-end broadcast TV to her name. She has worked in television for over 25 years and has made films for major international broadcasters and streamers including Discovery, National Geographic, HBO Max, BBC TV, ITV, and Channel 4.

On January 26, 2023, The Richard Scott Fee Foundation (RFF) and Periscope Foundation co-hosted a screening of "Medicating Normal" at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A.

The following morning, on January 27, 2023, a roundtable discussion was held at the Tidewater Community College Library. A local emergency room physician participated, in addition to panelists from the Sandler Event. Topics addressed include: response to the Sandler Event (screening of “Medicating Normal”), the overmedication of youth in Hampton Roads, Virginia, next steps for implementing positive change in the way distressed individuals are treated, etc. [see timestamps for more topics]. This video is a recording of that roundtable discussion.

On March 16, 2023, at the Oberndorf Central Library in Virginia Beach, The Richard Scott Fee Foundation hosted an educational event: "What the Public Should Know About Deprescribing Psychiatric Drugs" This video is an excerpt from that event. In this video, Brenda shares her story of polypharmacy and subsequent withdrawal from antidepressants, benzodiazepines & stimulants. Michael Bohan, M.D., an addiction medicine specialist (retired), who was Carla's deprescribing physician, moderates the conversation.

This video is an excerpt from that event.

In this video, Brenda shares her story of polypharmacy and subsequent withdrawal from antidepressants, benzodiazepines & stimulants. Michael Bohan, M.D., an addiction medicine specialist (retired), who was Carla's deprescribing physician, moderates the conversation.

Mark Horowitz and Louise Bundock are interviewed Nicole Lamberson, giving their perspective on tapering and the way tapering is influenced by external circumstances beyond our control. Both Mark, a trainee psychiatrist and Louise (psychiatrist) have personal experience with tapering and prescribed harm. The same goes for Nicole, who is very well known for her activties in the field of tapering.

Post screening panel discussion of the film Medicating Normal with Luke Montagu, Dr. Anne Guy UKCP (Reg), MBACP (Accred), Katinka Blackford Newman and Rachel Kelly. The panel discussion and Q&A was moderated by Angela Peacock, MSW, subject of the film, Medicating Normal.

Cheryl Meads was a top-ranking official at GlaxoSmithKline, a giant pharmaceutical company, when she discovered prescription drugs were being produced in unsafe conditions at a manufacturing plant in Puerto Rico.

On Fraud in America, Cheryl shares how she blew the whistle to protect patient safety. Also joining is Lesley Skillen of Getnick & Getnick LLP, Cheryl’s lawyer to given further insight into the case.

This panel is focused on the experiences of four medical providers who were also patients and were harmed by prescribed psychiatric medication.

A group of our supporters and survivors recently gathered to watch the film together. Watch as they share their stories of overdiagnosis and overmedication.

Film maker and author Katinka Blackford Newman tells the story of how a one off dose of the antidepressant escitalopram (lexapro) caused her to go into a four day toxic delirium.

This event was presented in conjunction with the Council for Evidence-based Psychiatry (CEP-UK), the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Panelists: Professor Joanna Moncrieff; Professor Rosemary Rizq; Dr. Anne Guy; Professor Peter Kinderman; Angela Peacock; Dr. James Davies and Nicole Lamberson.

Community Discussion Panelists - Altostrata: Survivor of prolonged paroxetine withdrawal syndrome; Ed White: experienced severe venlafaxine withdrawal, co-administrated the Facebook group Effexor (Venlafaxine) Tapering, Discontinuation Syndrome and Protracted W/D; Ashli Hein: Co-administrator of the Facebook group Cymbalta Hurts Worst; Christy Huff, MD: benzo survivor, and Director of Benzodiazepine Information Coalition; Angela Peacock, MSW: former Army Sergeant.

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Akathisia Alliance for Education and Research

Family members talk about how the mental health system failed them and the stigma associated with being a family member of someone with a so-called "mental illness".

Narrated by Tilda Swinton, Netherworld reveals the dark story of how prescription pills fragmented a bright and creative young mind. This powerful short film from award-winning director Kevin P Miller exposes the tragic story of one girl's experience with psychiatric drugs such as Prozac and Zoloft.

Stevie Lewis, Campaigner, presents 'Campaigning for better recognition and support of prescribed drug dependence' at The All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre's Best Practice Day 2019.

Katinka Blackford Newman describes the hallucinations she experienced as a side effect of taking antidepressants.

This is the story of Gwen Olsen. Once a very successful pharmaceutical sales rep., now her mission is to stop the over-medication of our children. Gwen is the author of Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher and travels around the United States speaking to groups www.GwenOlsen.com

Melanie Ritz recounts the story of how her son Grant, after a night out partying with his buddies, was involuntary committed under Florida's Baker Act. Medical records show that Grant was not a danger to himself or others, yet he was held at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center under the Baker Act and drugged involuntarily.

Anthony Kowalczyk tells the story of how Florida public school officials and the Florida Department of Children and Families coerced him to place his son Tyler back on dangerous stimulant medication, despite the multiple side effects Tyler had already suffered. Shortly thereafter, Tyler died with an enlarged heart, a symptom of stimulant use.

Mary had a bad reaction to nitreous oxide which was given to her during the birth of her daughter. This led to multiple drugs and a series of electroshock treatments. After many years Mary decided to come off all her drugs and is overjoyed with her ability to feel and to think clearly once again.

After suffering abuse as a child Rachel began to hear voices while a teenager and went to a psychiatrist for help. Years of hospital and drug treatment followed. However Rachel only recovered once she rejected psychiatry and began to embrace her 'symptoms' as a meaningful response to childhood trauma.

Jo suffered from exam stress at university, which led to insomnia and a prescription for lorazepam from her doctor. After having a bad reaction she was switched to diazepam, and eventually came off 60mg 'cold turkey'. She went through a horrendous withdrawal experience and still suffers from some symptoms two years later.

Ian describes how work stress led to a prescription for lorazepam, which he stopped cold turkey in the late 80s. His withdrawal caused many symptoms, including crippling anxiety which lasted over 18 months. He only discovered what was wrong when he visited the Bristol Tranquilliser Project, and has now worked for this organisation for over 20 years, helping thousands of people successfully withdraw from benzodiazepines and antidepressants.

Paul describes how a virus led to a prescription for Prozac and other antidepressants. He ended up on Effexor and has spent over four years in horrific withdrawal from the drugs, leading to the loss of his career and the disruption of almost every other aspect of his life.

Ted Chabasinski speaking at a rally against psychiatric deception and abuse in front of San Francisco's Moscone Center, where the American Psychiatric Association was holding its annual meeting, May 19, 2013.

Sarah speaking at a rally against psychiatric deception and abuse about how psychiatry murdered her daughter in front of San Francisco's Moscone Center, where the American Psychiatric Association was holding its annual meeting, May 19, 2013.

Chaya Grossberg speaking at a rally against psychiatric deception and abuse in front of San Francisco's Moscone Center, where the American Psychiatric Association was holding its annual meeting, May 19, 2013.

Roland Angle speaking at a rally against psychiatric deception and abuse in front of San Francisco's Moscone Center, where the American Psychiatric Association was holding its annual meeting, May 19, 2013.

Leonard Roy Frank speaking at a rally against psychiatric deception and abuse in front of San Francisco's Moscone Center, where the American Psychiatric Association was holding its annual meeting, May 19, 2013.

Melody speaking at a rally against psychiatric deception and abuse in front of San Francisco's Moscone Center, where the American Psychiatric Association was holding its annual meeting, May 19, 2013.

Yvette speaking at a rally against psychiatric deception and abuse in front of San Francisco's Moscone Center, where the American Psychiatric Association was holding its annual meeting, May 19, 2013.

Dorrit Cato Christensen's daughter Luise died in 2005, while in treatment on a locked ward of a Danish psychiatric institution. Luise had four times the recommended dosage of antipsychotics in her bloodstream.
Dorrit wrote "Dear Lusie" about her daughter's life and their experiences with psychiatric care in Denmark. "Dear Lusie" is now available in English.

The makers of the film 'Who Cares in Sweden,' interviewed Michael Baum, the senior managing partner of Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, about the rampant use of SSRI (selective serotonin repute inhibitors) antidepressants in Sweden and the rest of the western world. The Swedish documentary shows that antidepressants are not only making people 'care less,' they are exposing those who take them, to a long list of dangerous side effects.

This personal story of how Prozac led to seizures for a young woman who was prescribed the antidepressant when her fiance suddenly died. I recorded it with my mobile phone during a presentation for non medical prescribers in Manchester.

Laurie Yorke, a NJ nurse, shares her family's experience at one of the ISEPP (formerly ICSPP) conferences.

Shahram Ahari, a former pharmaceutical company representative, tells how he sold Zyprexa (olanzapine), an antipsychotic drug approved by the FDA to treat
schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Nearly a decade after its introduction, a drug once hailed as a breakthrough treatment is being assailed for its negative side effects.
Antipsychotic drugs are not risk-free, but doctors and patients have long complained that Zyprexa causes obesity and diabetes. This week, the New York Times reported that studies on the frequency of weight gain were underreported by the manufacturer.

Michael Moore obtained a copy of Dr. Ann Blake Tracy's book, "Prozac: Panacea or Pandora? - Our Serotonin Nightmare" at the premier of "Bowling for Columbine" in Denver, CO.

16-year-old Corey Baadsgaard took a rifle to his high school and held 23 classmates hostage.

LEEZA GIBBONS SHOW - ANTIDEPRESSANTS: MOTHERS KILLING THEIR CHILDREN - Christina Riggs.

Episode of the The Phil Donahue Show discussing homicidal and suicidal behavior in people taking Prozac.