After over a decade on antipsychotics and other psychiatric medications for my schizoaffective disorder (bipolar type), I successfully transitioned to a medication-free life in just 10 months. In this video, I share my step-by-step journey of safely deprescribing with the guidance of my psychiatrist and care team, the challenges I faced, and the critical role metabolic therapies - specifically the medical ketogenic diet - played in managing my symptoms and improving my quality of life. I discuss why it’s essential to approach deprescribing safely and collaboratively, and how we need to increase knowledge and resources around deprescribing within the psychiatric care model.
Medications have been life saving for me at various points in navigating my illness, but this is how I found freedom from medications and a new way to manage my mental health.
*Please do not make any adjustments to your own medication without consulting and working closely with your psychiatrist and care team!*
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and disclaimer
00:52 - My experience on psychiatric medications
02:34 - My deprescribing journey and using ketogenic and metabolic therapies
12:18 - It so important to work on deprescribing WITH a care team! (What mine looked like)
13:23 - There needs to be better information and resources for deprescribing off psychiatric medications
15:27 - Another disclaimer - Do not adjust your medications without working with your care team!!
15:58 - A new perspective on treatment and medication
17:52 - A great resource for learning about deprescribing! (Linked below)
Mentioned resources and additional videos:
The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines - https://a.co/d/62Ljn99
Metabolic Mind Videos on Keto, Psychiatric Medications, and Tapering -
https://youtu.be/LpjliUJZ-OA?si=Cq_QL2HuOBfHYZsY
https://youtu.be/R6Em4GT6aRc?si=GonCAnAH444w-CfP
https://youtu.be/dUy_1VW797k?si=JuqU4nWVCV7cUVgs
MEDICAL KETO RESOURCES
Learn more about medical keto for mental illness:
• Metabolic Mind YouTube channel: youtube.com/@metabolicmind and website: www.metabolicmind.org
• My keto coach, Nicole Laurent’s website: http://www.mentalhealthketo.com
• Brain Energy by Dr. Christopher Palmer: http://www.brainenergy.com
JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES
• Metabolic Therapies for Mental Disorders: http://www.metabolictherapysupport.com
• Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: http://www.schizophreniapeersupport.com
HOW TO TEST YOUR KETONES (important for medical keto!)
• Keto Mojo Monitor: Finger prick test for ketone and glucose levels. Save 10% with our affiliate link: http://bit.ly/ketomojolivingwell
• SiBio Continuous Monitor: Wearable for continuous ketone tracking. Save 15% with code “LIVINGWELL15” and link: http://bit.ly/sibio
SPEAKING & CONSULTING
Looking for a mental health advocate for your event or project? Learn more: http://www.laurenkennedywest.com
MENTAL HEALTH APPAREL
Support the channel and spread awareness with our apparel: http://livingwell.myspreadshop.com
FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingwellwithschizophrenia
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livingwellschizophrenia
• X: https://x.com/LWSchizophrenia
• Website: http://www.livingwellafterschizophrenia.com
#schizophrenia #schizoaffective #schizoaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #mentalillness #antipsychotics #medication #deprescribing #medicalketo #metabolichealth #remission #recovery