At the age of 15, I was started on Prozac for anxiety and panic attacks. Two weeks later, I attempted suicide. I have never shared this story with anyone.
Before starting Prozac, I had never in my life had a suicidal thought. Luckily, I survived that attempt. But many other people haven’t been so lucky.
We have known for many years that SSRIs like Prozac cause suicidal thoughts and increase the risk for suicide. It’s important to understand that these drugs CAUSE the suicidal thoughts. Clinicians will often say that the thoughts were caused by the “underlying disorder” and that the drugs just “uncovered it.” But this is an absolute falsehood. We know that these drugs can cause suicidal thoughts and suicide in people with NO history of any mental illness.
I know that the drug caused my suicidal thoughts and attempt and this has happened to thousands of people. We are facing an epidemic of suicide and psychiatric drugs are a major cause.
Psychiatric drugs can increase the risk for suicide at any point, but there are 3 times when the risk is the highest:
- When someone is first started on a psychiatric drug.
- When a psychiatric drug is increased, decreased or changed.
- During the process of psychiatric drug withdrawal.
Recently, multiple celebrities who were taking psychiatric drugs like Naomi Judd have died by suicide and it’s likely that the drugs played a huge role. Imagine how many non-celebrities are dying every day due to these drugs.
Millions of people are at risk right now. When are we going to admit to this problem and stop prescribing these dangerous drugs to at risk children, adolescents and adults?
I appreciate you sharing this, and I am glad that your attempt failed.
Would you kindly explain what happened afterwards? Were you able to receive counseling, and did you have assistance which left you well-supported?
I came to your organization to come off of Clonazepam after seeing you on a “Medicating Normal” panel discussion.
While I appreciate Dr. Giordano’s rx’s, as they keep me from an unwise withdrawal, I am still tied to these, as I don’t have a support system to come all the way off. Early and chronic Childhood Trauma has taken a toll on this nervous system, and I am aware that the defense-structure(s) created, unconsciously at that time are challenging for me and for therapists.
I see that many of these posts are against meds, and I agree. I would, however point out that I am paying $225 (‘ish) to be refilled, every 3 mos., and other than such posts, and stated positions within, the reality of the depth of assistance required to get off this crap is strangling, and I wonder what more you might provide, or are considering to be of assistance.
And Doc, we’ve known that SSRI’s haven’t worked for years, and you have the experience you discussed herein at age 15, which was long (no offense, you’re not old) before the “news” was out.
A recommendation for online therapy is not sufficient for finding a “trauma” specialist. My provided history makes clear that this is what I’m dealing with.
I assume you’re aware that trauma underlies these “disorders”, so how might your experience translate into assistance for the clients you are taking on?
Perhaps for your ponderance? Admittedly, also an expression of my exasperation and my seemingly flawed idea that FreeRange was to be more helpful. Especially, as you recollect what you needed.
Thanks for taking the time to read and consider. I’m not quitting your organization; I cannot. I need Dr. G to take 20 mins. every 3 mos. to stay in this ridiculous trap, and, I’m wanting to see this as something besides “my dealer.”
Likely, I’m missing something, and I’d like you to consider what more you could do.
Capitalism is remarkable, and marketing a way to expedite, but there is a resource shortage for many, and if FreeRange wants to “help”, really help, what more might be done on your end?
Thanks for your feedback! I would highly suggest you consider joining our virtual support groups. They are only $15/a month for multiple groups, including one on healing trauma and one on coming off psych meds: https://freerange.org/services-and-fees/#_groups. In addition, you might want to follow our TikTok page as I’m constantly posting informative videos there with tips and we have a bunch of free resources in the link in our bio. To answer your question, I unfortunately did not receive help afterwards. I ended up being involuntarily hospitalized a little while later, diagnosed as bipolar and started on lithium. I then struggled with mental health problems for decades. It wasn’t until around age 37 that I had my own personal awakening and took my mental health into my own hands. You can read about that story here: https://fellowship.freerange.org/about.
Thank you for sharing your story. Much love to you!
Thank you! :)
Dr. Campbell, I do appreciate your reply, and am sorry for the pain and suffering that you have endured.
Tiktok posts and an online monthly group are insufficient to this healing task; I believe your experience would support such a statement, but if there is discordance, I can assure you from my end that this is the case.
In a time of great discontent, it’s not more content that is needed.
With respect,
Eric
The groups are actually for about 5 hours every week, but I hear you. We need more bodies helping people!