The Hidden Harms of Psychiatric Medications: A Conversation with Robert Whitaker

In this episode of the Med Free Mental Fitness podcast, host Katinka Blackford Newman interviews Robert Whitaker, an award-winning journalist and founder of MAD in America. They discuss the long-term harms of psychiatric medications, particularly antidepressants and ADHD stimulants, and challenge the mainstream narrative that these drugs are universally beneficial. Whitaker shares insights from his groundbreaking book, 'Anatomy of an Epidemic,' and reveals the disturbing lack of long-term efficacy data for these medications. The episode delves into the consequences of the widespread use of psychiatric drugs, the failures of the current medical model, and the necessity for more supportive, non-pharmaceutical interventions.

00:00 Introduction to Med Free Mental Fitness

00:45 Robert Whitaker's Journey and Impact

01:52 The Tragic Consequences of Psychiatric Medications

04:01 ADHD and the Long-Term Effects of Stimulants

06:13 Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Psychiatric Drugs

07:55 The False Narrative of Chemical Imbalances

22:46 The Reality of Antidepressant Withdrawal

32:27 Mad in America: A Platform for Change

35:12 A New Narrative for Mental Health

41:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of The Med Free Mental Fitness Podcast, we expose the potential harms of ADHD medication and challenge the surge in ADHD diagnoses. Host Katinka Blackford Newman interviews Joseph Pack, founder of Drug-Free ADHD (https://drugfreeadhd.org/) who shares his personal journey with ADHD diagnosis and his decision to manage it without drugs. They discuss the long-term risks associated with ADHD medications, the impact of Big Pharma, and alternative management techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, and cold exposure. Jo also questions the validity of the ADHD label and emphasises the importance of looking for empowering rather than limiting diagnoses.

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·       00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

·       00:24 Joseph Pack's Personal ADHD Journey

·       02:29 The Start of Drug-Free ADHD

·       02:42 Experiences with ADHD Medication

·       04:04 Concerns and Side Effects of ADHD Medication

·       08:15 Debating ADHD Medication Efficacy

·       16:48 Alternative Approaches to Managing ADHD

·       20:12 Questioning ADHD Diagnoses and Labels

·       22:18 Dealing with ADHD: Personal Experiences

·       23:31 Questioning the ADHD Label

·       24:48 Challenges of Coming Off Medication

·       25:04 Breathing and Meditation Techniques

·       25:49 Cold Water Therapy for ADHD

·       26:19 Time Blocking and Productivity Hacks

·       28:08 Chaos Planning and the Never Nothing Rule

·       30:46 The Surrender Experiment and Spiritual Journey

·       35:08 Critique of Big Pharma and ADHD Medication

·       36:55 ADHD Diagnosis in Children

·       38:13 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Joseph Pack can be reached at https://drugfreeadhd.org/

If you want to have a conversation about life coaching, Katinka Blackford Newman can be reached through www.kbnlifecoaching.co.uk

In this episode, host Katinka Blackford Newman explores the causes of depression and the myth of the chemical imbalance. Her guest is psychiatrist Professor Joanna Moncrieff, author of a groundbreaking new book 'Chemically Imbalanced' which has caused waves in the media. Her book exposes how we have all been sold a lie: that mental illness, particularly depression has been proved to be caused by a chemical imbalance that medication can cure.

They explore the alternative explanations for the causes of depression and the consequences of prolonged antidepressant usage.

Key topics include emotional blunting, sexual dysfunction, increased risks of falls and fractures in older adults, bleeding associated with SSRIs, risks to unborn babies, and potential withdrawal syndrome in newborns. Additionally, the episode touches upon the possible links between antidepressants and increased heart problems as well as cognitive decline.

Professor Moncrieff provides valuable insights into the causes of depression and the importance of understanding the implications of antidepressant use.

00:00 Introduction to Antidepressant Risks

00:10 Emotional Blunting and Sexual Dysfunction

00:15 Risks for Older Adults

00:27 Bleeding and Pregnancy Risks

00:44 Withdrawal Syndrome in Newborns

01:00 Heart Problems and Cognitive Decline

01:09 Summary of Adverse Effects

With thanks to Iain Mitchell for his video editing skills

Professor Moncrieff's book "Chemically Imbalanced"is widely available including at Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chemically-Imbalanced-Making-Unmaking-Serotonin/dp/180399679X

If you would like to have a conversation with host Katinka Blackford Newman about coaching , please book a call here , you can email her at Katinka@kbnlifecoaching and you can visit her coaching site at www.kbnlifecoaching.co.uk

You can find out more about the potential risks of antidepressants at www.Antidepressantrisks.org - a not for profit founded by host Katinka Blackford Newman.

​​If you'd like to watch the video version of this interview, you can watch it here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpZDWN8GW2g

Medication, Mental Illness, and Murder: Unraveling the Crespi Tragedy

In this episode, Katinka Blackford Newman interviews Ed Jones, the author of a compelling new book, 'Medication, Mental Illness, and Murder: What Killed the Crespi Twins.' The discussion delves into the tragic story of David Crespi, who murdered his twin daughters while under the influence of the antidepressant Prozac, which can have rare but severe side effects, including psychosis and violence. Jones shares his personal connection to the Crespi family and the investigative journey he undertook to uncover the truth behind the medication's impact. The episode explores the broader implications of antidepressant use, informed consent, and the often-overlooked dangers of these medications.

00:00 Introduction to Med Free Mental Fitness Podcast

00:30 Exploring the Link Between Antidepressants and Violence

00:59 The Tragic Story of the Crespi Family

02:22 David Crespi's Mental State and Legal Proceedings

10:10 Understanding Akathisia and Its Impact

13:18 Personal Experiences with Antidepressant-Induced Psychosis

13:45 Gratitude and Reflection

14:27 The Case of Lindsay Clancy

16:47 The Crespi Tragedy

17:31 The Role of Prescription Drugs

21:39 David Crespi's Prison Experience

24:20 Kim Crespi's Struggles and Hope

25:39 Preventing Future Tragedies

28:08 Final Thoughts and Resources

If you would like to have a conversation with host Katinka Blackford Newman about coaching , please book a call here and you can visit her coaching site at www.kbnlifecoaching.co.uk

​​If you'd love to watch the video version of our interviews, be sure to subscribe to the podcast's YouTube channel

Unmasking Mental Health: Laura Delano's Journey through Misdiagnosis and Recovery.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Med Free Mental Fitness Podcast, life coach, journalist, and author Katinka Blackford Newman engages in a deep conversation with Laura Delano, author of 'Unshrunk? How the Mental Health Industry Took Over My Life and My Fight to Get it Back.'

Laura shares her harrowing experience of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 14, enduring 14 years of psychiatric treatments, and taking 19 different medications, only to question the validity and impact of her diagnosis and treatments years later. Now 15 years drug and diagnosis-free, Laura runs the Inner Compass Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people make informed choices about their mental health. Together, Katinka and Laura explore the implications of mental health diagnoses, the effects of psychiatric drugs, and the journey to reclaiming life and authenticity.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Host

00:45 Introducing Laura Delano and Her Story

03:20 Laura's Early Life and Diagnosis

09:04 Struggles with Medication and Mental Health

23:21 The Turning Point: Discovering a New Perspective

33:09 Life After Medication: Recovery and Advocacy

39:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you would like to have a conversation with host KATINKA BLACKFORD NEWMAN about coaching client, please book a call here and you can visit her coaching site at www.kbnlifecoaching.co.uk

​​If you'd love to watch the video version of our interviews, be sure to subscribe to the podcast's YouTube channel here.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UejLhcCwO3Q&t=44s

Navigating Mental Health Challenges: A Conversation with Rachel Kelly

In this episode of the Med free Mental Fitness Podcast, host Katinka Blackford Newman speaks with bestselling author and mental health ambassador Rachel Kelly. Rachel shares her personal experiences with severe depression, the impact it had on her family, and her struggles with various medications. She discusses her journey to recovery, the importance of feeling empowered, and her skepticism toward the chemical imbalance narrative. They also explore Rachel's new book 'The Gift of Teenagers', which focuses on positive parenting and mental health strategies for young people. Rachel emphasizes the significance of agency in mental health recovery and the need for more preventative measures and non-medical approaches within the healthcare system.

00:00 Welcome to the Medfree Mental Fitness Podcast

01:04 Rachel Kelly's Mental Health Journey Begins

01:57 The Struggles with Medication

04:10 Impact on Family and Personal Reflections

05:17 Questioning the Chemical Imbalance Narrative

12:01 The Second Episode and Recovery

17:27 Writing and Sharing Her Story

25:45 The Gift of Teenagers

31:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections

If you'd like to watch the video version of this podcast, watch it on Youtube https://youtu.be/ptANRGJ4JV8?si=DLf9kMDYNzJCon3r