Change From The Inside Out

Listen to my conversation with New York City-based writer, wellness coach and yoga guide, Quentin Vennie. Quentin utilizes his experience in personal training, yoga and juicing to influence and transform lives. His approach is to address the obstacles occurring inside the body, allowing the external changes to occur as a direct result. In this conversation, Quentin shares his personal journey and how he used juicing, yoga and meditation to overcome his addition to prescription drugs and learn to manage his once debilitating general panic disorder. Quentin was originally diagnosed with a panic disorder at age 14, but his mother rejected the doctor’s recommendation for medication. The disorder gained new footing when he was in his mid-20’s. This time the anxiety attacks were unmanageable and, after receiving a diagnosis of generalized anxiety and general panic disorder, he accepted medication as a treatment. In addition, he experienced severe migraine, so he was prescribed a powerful narcotic for the pain. Within 8 months he realized he was addicted. His use of the anti-anxiety medication increased six times over the original amount and, after an accidental overdose of the narcotic, he made the commitment to wean himself off both  medications, but he wasn’t sure how. While searching for answers online he came across the documentaries Sick Fat and Nearly Dead and Crazy Sexy Cancer. He watched both documentaries in the same day and went out and bought a juicer that night. From there an exploration and eventual love of Yoga developed along with meditation and healthy routine of self-care. Quentin is quick to point out that he is not “cured” of the panic disorder, but he is able to manage the frequency and intensity of the attacks. He continues to learn triggers and accepts that the disorder is a part of him but does not need to limit him.