The Gaslit Truth

What if the root of mental illness isn't just in your brain, but in how your entire body processes energy? Dr. Ruth Dottin, a board-certified psychiatrist, takes us on a journey that challenges everything we've been told about psychiatric care.

After years of practicing traditional psychiatry, Dr. Dottin confronted an uncomfortable truth: many of her patients weren't getting better despite medication, and some seemed to be getting worse. This realization led her to explore metabolic psychiatry, a revolutionary approach examining how our body's metabolism directly impacts our mental health.

What happens when the medication meant to help you becomes the very thing that steals your life? In this episode of The Gaslit Truth Podcast, we dive into the powerful story of Katinka Blackford Newman, author of The Pill That Steals Lives.

Katinka went from successful documentary filmmaker to psychiatric patient after being prescribed an antidepressant for stress-induced insomnia. Just one pill triggered a nightmare of akathisia, psychosis, and cascading misdiagnoses — from “psychotic depression” to bipolar disorder — that led to years of unnecessary prescriptions.

Her turning point came only after a forced medication washout, revealing she had a genetic intolerance to psychiatric drugs — the same sensitivity that may have contributed to her father’s suicide. Now an outspoken advocate, Katinka exposes the hidden dangers of antidepressants, challenges the myths of “inherited mental illness,” and reminds us that emotions are not symptoms to be suppressed, but signals to be respected.

Psychiatry's dark patterns know no borders. In this eye-opening conversation, Safa Asgari reveals his three-year journey through psychiatric treatment in Iran that mirrors the experiences of countless patients worldwide.

What begins as a straightforward OCD diagnosis quickly spirals into a nightmare of polypharmacy and cascading misdiagnoses. After severe side effects from Prozac, Safa is labeled with bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and ADHD—each new label bringing more drugs instead of recognizing adverse reactions. At one point, he was on ten psychiatric medications at once.

Despite heavy sedation, Safa describes moments of clarity where he “knew something was wrong.” His concerns were dismissed, and he was even threatened with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) if he refused meds. This testimony exposes the global nature of psychiatric gaslighting—side effects are rebranded as new illnesses, creating a cycle that’s nearly impossible to escape.

The turning point came when Safa discovered survivor communities and resources like Robert Whitaker’s Anatomy of an Epidemic. Armed with validation and knowledge, he began reclaiming his agency. Though symptoms remain, he now understands his journey through the lens of resilience, not brokenness.

What happens when psychiatric systems designed to "help" actually hurt the most vulnerable among us? Minister Fred Shaw Jr., a powerhouse advocate with decades of experience fighting for children's rights, pulls back the curtain on psychiatry's troubling relationship with minority communities.

Shaw's journey began when his own son was diagnosed with dyslexia and recommended for psychiatric intervention. Rather than accepting the prescribed path of medication, Shaw chose alternative educational approaches that ultimately helped his son overcome his reading challenges. This personal experience sparked a lifelong mission to protect children from unnecessary psychiatric labeling and drugging.

"How to Safely Get Off Psychiatric Medication | Anders Sørensen on Myths, SERT Occupancy & Hyperbolic Tapering"

If you’ve been told your brain chemistry is permanently broken, coming off psychiatric medication can feel terrifying—or even impossible. But what if much of what you’ve been told about these drugs is based on an outdated chemical imbalance theory?

In this episode, psychologist Anders Sørensen, PhD—author of Crossing Zero: The Art and Science of Coming Off and Staying Off Psychiatric Drugs—breaks down the myths surrounding antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other psychiatric medications.

What happens when the medications meant to help actually take away your ability to feel joy, love, and connection in what was supposed to be your sexual prime? In this raw and eye-opening episode of The Gaslit Truth Podcast, we sit down with Kale, a brave 22-year-old who sought help for anxiety at 19—only to be caught in a devastating cycle of overmedication, misdiagnosis, and permanent side effects.

How can a seemingly harmless prescription for a sleep aid turn fatal? Kim Witczak's life was shattered when her husband Woody died by suicide just five weeks after starting Zoloft—prescribed for sleep, not depression. This devastating loss propelled Kim into a role as a pharmaceutical safety advocate, uncovering shocking truths about how pharmaceutical companies prioritize profits over patient safety.

A Psychiatric Nurse Speaks Out: The Truth About Antidepressants, PSSD & the Chemical Imbalance Myth. What happens when a decorated psychiatric nurse uncovers the truth about the medications he’s spent over a decade administering? In this eye-opening episode, David Wayne, RN—winner of the Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award—shares how reading Robert Whitaker’s Anatomy of an Epidemic in 2017 changed everything he believed about psychiatric care.

She asked for help — and nearly didn’t survive.
What happens when the healthcare system meant to help you becomes the source of your trauma?

At just 39, Sarah Trueb sought support for PTSD and ended up with a misdiagnosis, overmedication, and a stroke — all within the confines of a broken psychiatric system. In this gripping episode of The Gaslit Truth Podcast, Dr. Teralyn Sell and Therapist Jenn uncover the chilling truth behind medical gaslighting, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and the fight to reform the system.

Hyperbolic Tapering 101. When it comes to tapering off certain psych meds, it’s not just about cutting the dose—it's about understanding how serotonin receptors are occupied. Here’s the deal: In the beginning, you may be able to reduce your dose more quickly and in larger increments. But as you keep decreasing, each dose drop can become harder—because lowering the dose is waking up all those sleepy receptors! The reality? Your brain requires a much more sophisticated approach.

In this final installment of our medication tapering series, we reveal the neurological science behind why standard tapering methods fail so many patients. Discover what's actually happening as your brain's receptors adjust when medication levels change, and why those challenging symptoms aren't a "return of your condition" but genuine withdrawal effects your prescriber may never have warned you about.

Your psych meds aren’t just messing with your mood — they’ve been quietly draining your nutrients and wrecking your gut. On The Gaslit Truth Podcast, Dr. Teralyn + Jenn are dishing all the science on how amino acids can support your taper — and why your gut + brain will thank you.

Ready to stop your psych meds? Don’t make a move until you’ve heard this. In this powerful episode of The Gaslit Truth Podcast, Deprescribing Consultants Dr. Teralyn and Jenn reveal the science-backed truth behind what your brain really needs before tapering off psychiatric medications. Spoiler: It’s not just about cutting pills. It’s about rebuilding what meds may have depleted — your neurotransmitters, your nutrient stores, your resilience.

The truth about psychiatric medications is far more troubling than most people realize. In this eye-opening conversation with medical journalist Bob Whitaker, founder of Mad in America and author of groundbreaking books challenging psychiatric orthodoxy, we uncover the deceptive science and how it has harmed countless patients.

Meet Nicole Lamberson — a Western-trained Physician Assistant who did what we’re all told to do: She asked for help. Instead of healing, she was prescribed six psychiatric drugs at once… and nearly lost her life. We’ve been conditioned to believe that mental health struggles should automatically lead us to the doctor’s office. But what if that system isn’t always the answer? What if—for some—it’s the very thing causing the harm? Nicole’s story is a powerful wake-up call about polypharmacy, medical betrayal, and the dark side of psychiatric care.

What does it feel like to spend years trapped in a cycle of over 40 psychiatric drugs, only to be dismissed by providers who insist your symptoms are due to mental illness rather than the medications? Angie Peacock, Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal Consultant and Psych Med Survivor, knows this all too well. Join Your Mental Mavericks Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn on The Gaslit Truth Podcast as they sit down with Angie to hear her powerful journey of survival.

MOMS, did you know that a diagnosis from a therapist or pediatrician can stay with your child for LIFE? 😳 That label could follow them into adulthood, impacting things like getting insurance or even applying for government jobs. 🚫
As two therapists and Moms who see the lasting consequences every day, we’ve witnessed how childhood diagnoses continue to haunt adults long after the fact. The decision to send your child to therapy seems like responsible parenting, but what if that choice follows them long after childhood ends? As licensed therapists ourselves, we're pulling back the curtain on a troubling reality that few professionals discuss openly.

Here’s the shocking truth: Psychiatric drug survivors face this EVERY DAY – we’re told there’s no way psych meds could cause serious medical problems like hyperthyroidism or adrenal failure. Instead, we’re labeled as "anxious," and the answer? MORE psych meds. But what if the REAL issue is that these medications are causing the problem? What if we’re NOT the psychiatric labels doctors have put on us?

One minute, you're a wife and mother of a newborn, desperately trying to hold your marriage and sanity together. The next, you're involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric hospital, and a nurse casually says, "Just another 30-year-old that's manic." Talk about having your dignity stripped away and not being asked about what’s REALLY going on in your life.

Zelda Menard's story is one of transformation and empowerment, shaped by her journey from being diagnosed with bipolar disorder to becoming a mental health counselor. Her candid experience with the psychiatric treatment system shines a light on the critical need for dignity and humanity in mental health care. Zelda discusses her personal journey, which includes facing the challenges of hospitalization and the impact of mental health labels. Her narrative isn't just a personal reflection; it ignites a broader conversation about systemic changes needed in mental health treatment.

What if the narrative around antidepressants and mental health stigma has been all wrong? Join us as we, Dr. Teralyn and therapist Jen, unpack the controversial claims linking SSRIs to behaviors like school shootings, sparked by a fiery debate between Senator Tina Smith and Robert F Kennedy Jr., RFK Jr. Senator Smith opens up about her personal journey with SSRIs, shedding light on the critical role of accessible mental health care and challenging the narrative that medication alone can transform personal relationships. Together, we argue for informed, balanced conversations about mental health treatments that transcend political bias and misinformation.

Standalone psychotherapy is superior to both combined therapy + medication AND medication alone. Why? Because of the power of the therapeutic relationship. There is NOTHING more powerful in treating unaliving thoughts and adverse psychiatric reactions than the connection between a client and their therapist. Is the esteemed combination of psychotherapy and psychiatric medication really the gold standard for mental health treatment, or have we been led astray by conventional wisdom?
On today's episode of the Gaslit Truth Podcast, we challenge the mainstream belief and examine the influence of the pharmaceutical industry in shaping this narrative.

What happens when your worst memories resurface, and you must find a way to heal? Melissa Lenz, a devoted listener of the Gaslit Truth Podcast, bravely takes us through her deeply personal journey of overcoming trauma and seeking complete health. Growing up in California with a single mother facing mental health challenges, Melissa’s story unfolds through the revelations of abuse and personal upheaval that shaped her path. Her resilience and determination inspire anyone grappling with similar adversities, as she shares her empowering transformation towards awareness and healing.

Why We've Been Misled About Alcohol and Antidepressants! Here’s something traditional alcohol treatment isn’t telling you: What if the root of your addiction is the antidepressants you're taking? 🤯 Starting and stopping alcohol while on an SSRI can actually make your alcohol use worse. Research confirms that abruptly quitting SSRIs often leads to increased drinking and alcohol-seeking behaviors. WHAT?! It’s time to uncover the truth. Join your shrinks, Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn, on The Gaslit Truth Podcast as we dive deep into the real relationship between SSRIs and alcohol addiction.

Think psychiatric meds are helping your anxiety and depression? Are you of the belief that they have SAVED your life?

What if they’ve actually DISABELED your brain, blocking you from seeing the harm they’re causing? You might be OVERESTIMATING the benefits and missing the CRUCIAL link between those troubling side effects and the drugs themselves.

Don’t worry—Your Deep-Throating Informants Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn are here to uncover the truth! On The Gaslit Truth Podcast, we reveal real-life examples of the “spellbinding effect” of psych meds and show you how to clear the fog

SHOCKER: What you eat could be the key to your mental health! Holistic Therapist Jennifer Leupp has done the research—fruits and veggies can reduce depression and anxiety, while food coloring, gluten, and processed junk could be making things worse. Join your Whistle-Blowing Shrinks, Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn on The Gaslit Truth Podcast as Jennifer drops the TRUTH about how what we put in our mouths impacts our minds

Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring Deprescribing Psychiatry. Are you a victim of “fast and effective” psychiatry? Did you know that some prescribers are incentivized to see as many patients as possible, much like an assembly line worker with a quota?
The reality is, psychiatrists often struggle to distinguish between what’s pathological and what’s just a normal response. Sometimes, there’s no underlying pathology when psychiatric medications are prescribed. As Dr. Josef puts it, “…we just kept on pretending like there were biological abnormalities.” Medications are often used for convenience rather than true benefit, and the rush to see more patients can mean less personalized care.

How does social media shape our mental health and personal identities? This question underpins our latest episode, where Dr. Teralyn and therapist Jenn tackle the complexities of respectful engagement within our community. Kicking off with a thoughtful discussion about a YouTube comment that trivialized a guest's withdrawal experience, we underscore the importance of empathy and understanding in conversations about mental health. We delve into the diverse experiences of psych med withdrawal and reinforce our communal responsibility to support each other through challenging times.

What if the very advice you trusted from your therapist was based on misinformation? In our milestone "Dirty 30" episode of the Gaslit Truth Podcast, therapist Jen and Dr. Teralyn confront the uncomfortable realities of the lies they once believed and perpetuated in their practice. By challenging the foundational "truths" taught in their education and clinical guidelines, they aim to dismantle the harmful myths and biases that have long plagued mental health treatment.

Can a single panic attack change the course of your life? Join us as we unravel the powerful narrative of That Functional Nurse, a 29-year-old ICU nurse whose journey with Lexapro began after an overwhelming panic attack. She faced unimaginable stress after her brother's sudden death and starting a high-pressure job. Despite initial relief from the medication, her story takes a dramatic turn when she decides to taper off after seven years, revealing the profound physical and emotional challenges of withdrawal. We unpack her ordeal and provide invaluable insights for those on similar paths.

Are psychiatric medications doing more harm than good? Dr. Kendra Campbell, a trailblazing holistic psychiatrist, shares her radical transformation from a conventional psychiatrist to a leading advocate for alternative mental health approaches on this episode of the Gaslit Truth Podcast. You’ll hear about her experiences on TikTok, where she creatively engages with critics, turning online hostility into meaningful dialogues that promote healing and understanding. Dr. Campbell’s journey emphasizes the crucial need to validate diverse mental health experiences and showcases the profound impact of empathy.

From Broken Heart To Broken Brain: Updates on Therapist Jenn's SSRI Deprescribing Journey.

She went in with a broken heart, was prescribed Lexapro and 20 years later has a broken brain. Meet Therapist Jenn, your fearless host of The Gaslit Truth Podcast. By day, she's a dedicated therapist and neuro-health coach, but by night, she bravely battles her own psychiatric challenges. After 20 years on Lexapro, Jenn has made the courageous decision to hyperbolically taper off the medication - a process that will take years.
Join Dr. Teralyn as she interviews Jenn in a raw, tell-all episode about her deprescribing journey. Discover the harsh realities she’s confronted, including akathisia, memory loss, tardive dystonia, and unaliving thoughts. Jenn's vulnerability and strength are on full display in this powerful episode you won’t want to miss!

How far would you go to understand the true impact of psychiatric medication on a loved one's life? On this heart-wrenching episode of the Gaslit Truth Podcast, we share the poignant story of Joey Marino, an actor cherished for his role on the TV show ER. Carley, Joey's close friend and advocate, joins us to recount Joey's arduous journey through anxiety, the aftermath of his father’s sudden death, and the perilous path of overmedication that worsened his condition. We uncover the eerie similarities between Joey's fate and that of basketball legend Pistol Pete Maravich, adding a haunting layer to this narrative.

What happens when the medication meant to help you spirals into a nightmare? Today, we share the courageous journey of Renee Schulz-Jacobson, who faced unimaginable challenges after ceasing Klonopin, a drug she was prescribed for seven years. Her story brings to light the invisible yet devastating symptoms of psychiatric withdrawal, from neuropathy to seizures, and underscores the importance of informed consent. Renee's road to recovery led her to explore art as therapy and become a certified peer recovery advocate, educating others on the perilous side effects of psychiatric drugs.

Discover the gripping story of Malissa Pistillo, a passionate benzo and psych drug awareness advocate, who visits the Gaslit Truth Podcast to share her life-altering journey with psychiatric medications. As an accomplished amateur Muay Thai boxer, Malissa had no prior mental health issues until a traumatic brain injury in 2018 led her to an unexpected and perilous encounter with SSRIs and SNRIs and then Benzodiazepines prescribed by her doctors. Despite her athletic background and high serotonin levels, the lack of proper medical guidance plunged her into a struggle for recovery that she candidly recounts in this powerful episode.

We're thrilled to introduce Brooke Siem, a survivor of childhood psychiatric harm and the proud recipient of the 2023 BIBA Prize for Memoir with 'May Cause Side Effects'. Join us for an enlightening discussion on psychiatric harm, withdrawal, biased research and breaking away from big pharma's gaslit narrative. It’s time you spark a lil’ antidepressant TRUTH!

Do you feel lost in a maze of conflicting diagnoses? It’s as if each time you see a provider, you are given another label and you wonder “How is this possible? I am still the same person - right?” Struggling under the weight of labels that don't quite match your experience is the reality for many leading patients to more confusion than clarity.

Are you taking two or more psychiatric medications to treat the same pain point? Have you been taken off multiple psychiatric medications at the same time and assured that THE NEW YOU will emerge? Join your Whistle-Blowing Shrinks Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn TODAY on The Gaslit Truth Podcast as we talk TRUTH about polypharmacy and medication washing as dangerous treatment strategies that cause HARM.

Discover the disturbing truths and hidden controversies of the mental health field as Dr. Teralyn and therapist Jen join us for an unflinching examination of the discipline's murky past. This episode peels back the curtain on the profession's earliest days, revealing how the shadows of eugenics and the asylum system continue to loom large over modern practices. As we dissect the legacy of figures like Freud and spotlight the stark omissions in our educational curriculum, we promise a journey that will not only inform but also provoke a critical re-evaluation of the mental health narrative.

In a world where teen mental health is a burgeoning concern, we question interventions that may miss the mark. We question interventions that hurt you, rather than help. It's called Iatrogenics. From the paradoxical outcomes of well-intentioned programs to the impact of social media on mental health, Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn, don't shy away from the ethical quagmires in therapeutic practices. We consider the delicate balance between aiding recovery and fostering dependency, both in therapy and through medication. The power dynamics at play between therapist and client are given a spotlight, as we share real-life tales from the clinical frontlines, emphasizing the critical importance of tailored treatment.

Ever felt like a square peg being forced into a round hole of mental health treatments? Our latest episode peels back the curtain on the stigmatizing label of "treatment-resistant" in mental health care, revealing the systemic flaws that place undue blame on patients for the shortcomings of treatments.

Embarking on a journey to taper off SSRIs can feel like navigating through a dense fog—challenging and fraught with the unknown. My co-host, therapist Jen, and I, Dr. Teralyn, pull from our own stories of medication withdrawal to shed light on the resources that are crucial during this process.

Join Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn on The Gaslit Truth Podcast as they tackle the sensitive topic of using antidepressants during pregnancy and postpartum. In this thought-provoking episode, they discuss the potential risks and benefits of these medications for both the mother and the baby.

Join Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn on The Gaslit Truth Podcast as they delve into the controversial world of Big Pharma marketing tactics. In this eye-opening episode, they discuss how pharmaceutical companies influence consumers and healthcare professionals.

Are Antidepressants Hurting Your Relationship? The Truth About SSRIs, Sex, and Emotional Disconnection. Join Dr. Teralyn Sell and Therapist Jenn on The Gaslit Truth Podcast as they uncover one of the most overlooked side effects of antidepressants—their impact on love, sex, and emotional intimacy.

Have you ever felt your voice was drowned out by the very environment you were meant to thrive in? Join Dr. Teralyn and Jen, two therapists daring to challenge the status quo, as they recount the twists and turns of their careers in mental health.