“I’ve tried a lot of things trying to feel better: Meditation. Hot yoga. Cycling. Saunas. Cold showers. More sleep. Less sleep. Acupuncture. Therapy. I tried giving up caffeine and it was awful! I believe in the power of a cup of tea.”

— Acclaimed poet and author Ashleigh Young is tired of the side-effects of her depression medication. But what do you do when trying to quit a drug makes you feel worse than ever?

* Content warning: Strong language; discussion of suicide.

* If you want to talk to a trained counsellor, call or text for free to 1737.

* www.stuff.co.nz/outofmymind

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