A Multitude of Recoveries Through Alternative Mental Health Treatments
I am 29 years old. I have completed a university degree in psychology and also two years of post-grad work in women's studies (Feminist Therapy). I was "diagnosed" as having Generalized Anxiety Disorder approximately six months ago--four days after completing my last exam for the university. My doctor immediately wrote me a prescription for Paxil and Valium. I waited three weeks before filling the prescriptions as the panic attacks increased and the symptoms took over my daily life. I have two children, aged six and four. I was juggling my schoolwork with the raising of my children and also a small daycare centre that I operated. When I look back now it is no wonder that I had a breakdown. However, I only stayed on "the meds" for four weeks and then I weaned myself off of them. Since I have been through this ordeal I have learnt so many new things. I began studying nutrition and the connection between food and mood. I know that I am a survivor of the labeling that goes on within the medical community. Now, instead of applying for a job at my local hospital Ontario, Canada, I am opening my own centre for recovery. I am fascinated by this field and all the research I have done (and continue to do) has truly SAVED MY LIFE! In closing, I would also like to add that I NEVER suffer from anxiety attacks anymore. I supplement daily with: salmon oil pills, vitamins C & E, magnesium, zinc, calcium and soya lecithin. I have lost 55 pounds in the past year--and I have never felt better. My hope is that others who have or are suffering from mental issues can learn that THERE IS ANOTHER WAY besides the toxic drugs that mainstream medicine pushes on us when we are most vulnerable!