The Problem with Psychiatric Medication with Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring

04/29/24 • 57 min

Have the quick fixes provided by psych meds caused us to overlook the real, underlying causes in our mental health struggles? Psychiatrist Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring joins host Leslie to explore the current treatment model that puts profit before patient well-being and encourages the overprescription of drugs in mental healthcare.

Dr. Josef shares how the psychiatric care system resembles more a conveyor belt of treatment - quick evaluations and prescription solutions - rather than a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the root causes of mental distress. A passionate advocate for deprescribing, he also shares heart-wrenching stories and expert insights on the urgent need for a tailored approach to mental healthcare. He peels back the curtain to expose the pharmaceutical industry's influence on the industry and questions the wisdom of a system that frequently overprescribes antidepressants.

Dr. Josef also shares the risks of long-term medication use, such as emotional blunting and post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD), and the daunting journey of medication tapering. The conversation wraps up with an honest reflection on the journey of understanding depression in the context of our environment and the challenges faced by those navigating the daunting process of antidepressant withdrawal.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Show Credits:

Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
- Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
- Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
Recorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Links mentioned in the episode:

Show Credits:

Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
- Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
- Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
Recorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Previous Episode

Beyond the Bin: What Your Physical Space Reveals About Your Mental Health with Shira Gill

How does our mental health impact our environment? How does our environment impact our mental health? Your host Leslie is joined by Shira Gill, a globally recognized home organizing expert and best-selling author of 'Minimalista' and 'Organized Living’ to discuss these questions and more, focusing on the profound impact of minimalism and organization on mental health.

Shira shares her personal journey from a childhood seeking control amidst chaos to becoming an advocate for intentional living through decluttering. She emphasizes that organization is about more than just arranging physical spaces; it's a tool for managing mental health, fostering personal transformation, and navigating loss in a controlled, positive manner.

Through her practice, Shira has witnessed remarkable changes in her clients' lives, affirming that simplifying one's environment can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. Shira also touches on the cultural aspects of clutter and consumerism, especially focusing on how these challenges manifest differently across the globe. The conversation concludes with actionable advice for taking small steps towards organized living, emphasizing the beneficial impacts of minimalism on both mental well-being and personal growth.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Watch this episode on YouTube
Connect with Shira:
- Website
- Instagram
The Fifteen-Minute Win: How to Start Taking Action

Show credits:

Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
- Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
- Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
Recorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Next Episode

The Impact of Abortion Restrictions on Women’s Mental Health with Jill Filipovic

Reproductive autonomy isn't just about the right to choose; it's also about the ability to shape one's destiny. Host Leslie is joined by Jill Filipovic, a former lawyer turned journalist, who is dedicated to the critical issues of women's rights and reproductive freedom.

Jill shares how her early disillusionment with media coverage of the Iraq War led her to pursue a law career initially, before pivoting to journalism full-time to focus on human rights issues impacting women globally. She explores the evolving landscape of women's rights, examining the profound influence of reproductive autonomy on women's physical, mental, and financial health and the broader implications for society in areas such as climate change, migration, and conflict.

Jill and Leslie also share personal insights on the privilege of being able to choose whether or not to become a mother, and how this has profoundly shaped the trajectories of their own lives and careers. The episode concludes with Jill highlighting the intersections between her journalism work and her passion for leading international yoga and writing retreats that foster community, creativity, and self-actualization within feminist spaces.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Watch this episode on YouTube
Jill’s website
Follow Jill on Twitter
Subscribe to Jill’s Substack newsletter
Follow Jill on Instagram
On The Ground retreats
Listen to Experiencing Postpartum Psychosis with Lisa Abramson, from season one of The Nature of Nurture
The National Abortion Federation
The Brigid Alliance
Center for Reproductive Rights
Register to vote
Learn more about the Turnaway Study

Show Credits:

Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
- Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
- Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
Recorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles and New York