#4 - Monica Mina. NP - Keys To Successful Antidepressant Tapering

Welcome to the fourth episode of Deprescribe with Shawn. Our guest today is Monica Mina. NP.

In this episode, Monica and Shawn discuss:

• Monica's journey from traditional nursing to antidepressant deprescribing and how her personal experience with antidepressants transformed her practice.

• Key factors in successfully tapering off antidepressants.

• How to distinguish between withdrawal symptoms and negative life circumstances when experiencing challenges during the taper process.

• A holistic approach that includes exercise, mindfulness, counselling/therapy, and other coping strategies can support mental health during tapering.

• Basic self-care practices like mindfulness, exercise, and healthy relationships and how to incorporate these practices into mental health treatment.

• Monica and Shawn share their mindfulness practices, including guided meditations and journaling.

• The conversation ends with some rapid-fire questions, providing insights into Monica's favourite books, her go-to self-care practices, and a message she would put up on a billboard for the world to see.

Chapters

02:30 - Monica's Journey: From Traditional Nursing to Antidepressant Deprescribing

08:42 - Timing, Commitment, and Resiliency: Keys to Successful Antidepressant Tapering

11:10 - Tracking Progress: Using Graphs and Checklists in the Tapering Process

21:43 - Distinguishing Withdrawal Symptoms from Negative Life Circumstances

25:47 - A Holistic Approach: Supporting Mental Health During Antidepressant Tapering

28:59 - The Future of Mental Health: Psychedelic Therapies and Cautious Optimism

30:47 - Incorporating Basic Self-Care Practices into Mental Health Treatment

32:55 - Mindfulness Practices: Guided Meditations and Journaling

35:37 - Rapid-Fire Questions: Favorite Books, Go-To Self-Care, and Billboard Message

Connect with Monica:

Mindful Medicine By Monica | Instagram | LinkedIn

Connect with Shawn:

LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Personal Site | Instagram

Alternate links and other platforms you can listen on:

• Click below to listen on Spotify

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Thanks for listening. Peace and love.

SG

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Build. Understand. Discipline. Stillness. “B.U.D.S” is written by me, Dr. Shawn Gill - I’m a pharmacist and Father of two boys. During the day, I work as a deprescribing pharmacist, helping patients get off drugs, safely and effectively. At night, I write this newsletter. B.U.D.S is a community that's focused on inspiring individuals to take account of their health and wellness, as well as reverse mental health and chronic disease. If you’d like to support this mission, please subscribe below. Much love. SG