Monica/Gianna: withdrawal documented

The archives of this blog now span close to five years. They are a record of a time in my life when I was learning and transforming at a rate unlike any other time in my life. I say this as a way of disclaimer. In the earlier years of this blog I am processing shock and dismay. In the early years I am undisputedly angry. I have worked out much of that and see things in a much less judgmental manner now. This continues to evolve. I sometimes want to take down old posts because they no longer convey how I feel, but I realize that they may still be helpful to people who are going through something similar now. The journey got me to where I am today, it’s just odd to have some of it in writing here for all to see.

Note for new readers: the first 5 years of this blog I used the nom de plum Gianna Kali. I am now using my legal and given name Monica Cassani.

The aftermath of polypsychopharmacology: my story on Dr. David Healy’s site (new) –this is the most complete short synopsis of what brought me to the work of this blog

And now too a mini memoir at Mad in America: Everything Matters: a Memoir From Before, During and After Psychiatric Drugs

Brief note to my readers — why I’m not available for correspondence.

A collection of my personal posts on this journey and my essays too. (there are also lots of posts that talk about withdrawal issues that can relate to many in withdrawal syndromes)

My views have evolved as I’ve moved through this journey. While the heart of my being remains the same, some things have changed and become more nuanced, etc. One does not go through something like this completely unchanged. Most importantly I’m releasing anger and simply not seeing anything black and white anymore.

When I reread early pieces I no longer strongly identify with the energy in many of my personal posts…or for that matter on commentary in other posts. I’ve mellowed and grown up a bit, so keep that in mind. This blog, started in 2007, now covers 5 and 1/2 years (and counting) of a transformative journey. I am no longer the same person that started this blog.

While many assume I’m anti-med because I speak frequently about their dangers, it would be a mistake to assume I am stridently opposed to all meds all the time. I am first and foremost pro-choice. The crime that happens everyday in virtually every psychiatrists office is that options and alternatives are neither discussed nor recognized. Also there exists no infrastructure of care to support people in crisis, often leaving no alternative for people who do not have financial or emotional resources to do otherwise. It’s excruciatingly complex. There simply is not effective and viable care for too many people.

Some of this blog tells my story which is one in which meds are grossly overused and abused by professionals. I do not assume that my choices once realizing this are appropriate for anyone else unless they determine them to be for themselves.

Nothing on these pages should be construed as medical advice.

For info on withdrawal in particular see the “About” page.

For some recent updates you can see these first:

2013

2012 

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007


Click here

If you have found my work helpful and can afford to do so, please consider making a contribution and becoming a supporting subscriber of Beyond Meds.

Comments

  1. Chris Lane says:
    April 16, 2009 at 8:29 pm

    Gianna ~

    Thanks for your blog. I thought this interview with David Healy on bipolar disorder might possibly interest you and your readers:
    http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/side-effects/200904/bipolar-disorder-and-its-biomythology-interview-david-healy

    Best regards,
    Chris Lane

  2. giannakali says:
    April 16, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    thank you Chris!

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 4,032 other followers

%d bloggers like this: