Just yesterday, I hired my friend to help manage my indiegogo campaign to fund my book on Breaking Free From Psychiatric Drugs. We had this Facebook chat at 4AM (the best time to do anything really) and, after taking out a few side notes, I wanted to share it with others who may have the same questions.
Al: I want to get a clearer sense of your main message. What would you say in 3 or less sentences is your main message?
Chaya Grossberg: After psychiatric drugs took my physical and mental capacities away (and nearly my life) at age 21, I have been an advocate, activist, speaker, writer, consultant, teacher, and supporter for those coming off psych drugs and those choosing not to take them despite social pressure. My dream has been for the past decade-plus to help every single person who wants to come off psychiatric pharmaceuticals to do so. Despite the apparent problem of lack of resources, the true problem is low public awareness about this issue and lack of drive to reallocate funds to a variety of health and community supporting options.
…and I’m writing a book about it.
Al: How would you explain “Why it is possible to get off drugs”?
Chaya Grossberg: Because “mental illness” is socially fabricated.
Al: One question that arises is what one should do if the mental issues are causing a lot of problems for oneself and others?
Chaya Grossberg: The problems are sociopolitical and can’t be boiled down to “mental problems” If they are causing problems for others, those others have problems too.
Al: Okay here is my attempt (I am not sure your exact message so correct it if I am wrong). This paragraph is more me trying to figure out the underlying logic of your message (not necessarily what you have to present to the world): People are hurt by meds and meds work by suppressing our emotions. We can open up to our range of emotions and embrace them. If we are feeling unstable we can embrace it, or we can also do things like meditation, reiki to bring us back to center.
Chaya Grossberg: Yes, we can accept that being human is inherently unstable, and also that our emotions have a purpose. Our purpose isn’t always to be “at center.” We can work on being centered, while also embracing extreme emotions when they are inevitable. The most extreme states always have a purpose in our evolution.
Al: Yes I like that… work on being centered while embracing extreme emotions…I think that contains one of the essences of your message.
Chaya Grossberg: “Don’t create a crisis, but don’t try to avoid one if it is inevitable,” they say in a 12 step.
Al: What are the techniques you provide to stay centered?
Chaya Grossberg: Here’s what helped me during psychiatric drug withdrawal (and at other times too):
Supplements. I took lots of vitamins, minerals , superfoods and herbs while I withdrew. Much more than I need to take now. These can be expensive, especially high quality ones, but well worth it if you have the means. Omegas (flax, chia, hemp, walnuts, fish) are important and regulate mood, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium help with relaxation, Vitamin C helps with immunity and recovery.
Nutrition. When I was on psych drugs, I let my nutriion go a lot because I didn’t care and didn’t have the energy to cook. Plus I was so toxic and like attracts like, so I sought out toxic low-nutrition foods. Fish helped me a lot when I was withdrawing. Eating enough good fat is also very important. Olive oil and coconut oil are the best and will help keep you calm and prevent you from overeating sugar and carbs which can cause anxiety and mood swings.
Walking. Walking outdoors was one of my main pastimes when I was withdrawing. It helped me get exercise, and breathe fresh air. Time in nature and near water is balancing and healing.
Dance, yoga, weight lifting, whatever exercise you like. Creative expression and releasing energy is important since as you withdraw you will have more. More vigorous exercise may be necessary, just make sure you get enough rest too. You are detoxing a lot of chemicals and exercise is necessary to do so. Yoga can help relax your muscles, balance your brain, regulate blood pressure and improve your mood.
Sleep and rest. Sleep as much as you need to/can during this time. Your body, brain and consciousness need time outs. Sometimes I stayed in bed all day. Having trouble sleeping was one of the hardest withdrawal symptoms I experienced. Melatonin, Valerian, and other herbs can help with sleep. Acupuncture also works wonders.
Journaling. Journaling helped me feel more grounded, keep track of my withdrawal reactions and note what was helping. It also helped me tune into my intuition and think of ideas (and still does)! You may be more drawn to drawing or other expressive arts. After having my consciousness suppressed from drugs, I needed to express A LOT, and often in my own private space before I was ready to share with others. Being harmed and violated by the mental health system can lower your trust in the world and other people, so taking time alone to rebuild your relationship with yourself first is very important.
Meditation. Taking quiet time to tune in, listen to my intuitions and relax helped.
Massage/hands on healing/touch. Touch is important for regulating hormones and improving mood. Asking trusted friends to hold my hand, hug me, etc. were safe ways to get touch in addition to massages, and reiki. This touch can come through animals and nature too.
Community. Having friends to talk to, especially by phone, was necessary for me. Having friends in other times zones or who I could call in the middle of the night was good. People who would listen and not give too much advice or judgement tended to help me the most. A lot of the time when I called someone in crisis, I needed them to just listen and be there with me. An invaluable class of friends are those who have gone through or are going through something similar.
Al: I think the question arises for people coming across your work, is what happens if you do get really depressed and cannot even get out of bed sometimes, or what do you do if your anger is leading to violence to others? In some ways I think your message is about shifting the way one approaches what one thinks are ‘problems.’
Chaya Grossberg: Yes.
Al: It is in some ways a subtle idea, and profound at the same time. Its kind of a poetic message too.
Chaya Grossberg: Exactly.
Stay tuned for the next segment where I will answer Al’s questions, very common ones: What happens if you do get really depressed and cannot even get out of bed sometimes, or what do you do if your anger is leading to violence to others? Can’t wait to address these!
In the meantime, please join the campaign to continue to get the word out about these perspectives by donating to my book fund! Thank you so much!