What are mood stabilizers? with Psych NP Mikey Whited (they/he)

Ep 30 What are mood stabilizers? with Psych NP Mikey Whited (they/he) This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Psych NP Mikey Whited (they/he) real talk about what “mood stabilizer” medications really do (and don’t do).  In this episode we answer: What does a mood stabilizer do? How does it work?  Who would benefit from being on a mood stabilizer? If you start, do you have to stay on mood stabilizers forever?  How long does it take to feel the benefits of a mood stabilizer when taken regularly? Are mood stabilizers  addictive?  Join us as we dive into the medical details and social stigmas of these medications to get a clear picture if it can help you feel better and reach your personal goals.   Guest Bio:  Mikey Whited, RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC (he/they) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner working in Los Angeles, California. Mikey specializes in queer and trans psychiatric medication and mental health care for adults and older teens. Mikey is passionate about changing the psychiatry paradigm and providing quality medication education and care for clients in a way that will ACTUALLY work to help clients achieve their lifestyle goals.   Host Bio:    Renae Johnson (they/them) founded Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice and community hub that focuses on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and their allies.     Renae is a licensed therapist and art therapist who specializes in working with queer artists who are exploring their gender identity and recovering from complex trauma. Previous to founding OSTC, Renae spent a decade in community mental health services, providing therapy and as an Operations Director in organizations serving people experiencing complex co-occurring diagnoses.  To find more from us visit: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com/meet-debbie https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy https://www.tiktok.com/@mytherapistisout https://www.instagram.com/mytherapistisout   Content warning: drug use, SI   Discussed in this episode:  Taylor Tomlinson 2022 comedy special