#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.Chapters02:30 - Monica's Journey: From Traditional Nursing to Antidepressant Deprescribing08:42 - Timing, Commitment, and Resiliency: Keys to Successful Antidepressant Tapering11:10 - Tracking Progress: Using Graphs and Checklists in the Tapering Process21:43 - Distinguishing Withdrawal Symptoms from Negative Life Circumstances25:47 - A Holistic Approach: Supporting Mental Health During Antidepressant Tapering28:59 - The Future of Mental Health: Psychedelic Therapies and Cautious Optimism30:47 - Incorporating Basic Self-Care Practices into Mental Health Treatment32:55 - Mindfulness Practices: Guided Meditations and Journaling35:37 - Rapid-Fire Questions: Favorite Books, Go-To Self-Care, and Billboard MessageConnect with Monica:Mindful Medicine By Monica | Instagram | LinkedInConnect with Shawn:LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Personal Site | InstagramThanks for listening. Peace and love.SG Get full access to B.U.D.S at shawngill.substack.com/subscribe