Chris Paige, LCSW: Akathisia, Trauma & Therapy

[@SunnyCarnivore]

These videos help me so much. It is so important to see others that have been through it and are healing or have healed. It takes alot of strength to speak the truth while the medical community is gaslighting us due to thier own ignorance. This is what saves lives! Thank you.

[@LatterDaisySaint]

It's important to realize not everyone experiences Akathisia the same way. People need believed. For anyone who experiences Akathisia, they need validation....they need to be believed, and they need compassion. The most horrific aspect of Akathisia is the extreme disturbing terror that accompanies the need to escape your own body. There was a time when my physical agitation was low but the inner akathisia was high...and it's been reduced to "anxiety." One of the worst things a doctor can do is tell their patient in crisis and desperation that "it's just anxiety." I will never forget calling my doctor in panic....I'd been pacing my house for 7 hours...and he told me it was just anxiety, and to go take a walk. Honestly, the gaslighting, the dismissal....that will only push a person closer to suicide.

[@Waves353]

Agree My family left me 2 and half years ago I’ve been alone since I didn’t know the meds were causing this and was making attempts on my life The urges her persist to this day No one would go thru this in their own In their silence they have already killed me I just need to be brave enough to do it Other injured people cannot take the weight of my pleas for help

[@user-xg4dk3ch6y]

Oh yes ❤! You are safe, you are loved, you WILL heal, there IS hope, it WILL get better, every sekund, every minute, every day ❤ it is SO important to hear those words, it is NOT you, it is the drug injury!... I have SO much respect for you both, that you are still allive!!!. I have experienced akathisia multiple times because of psyk meds and interactions with hormones etc. And my akathisia is always comming from my stomach and then in my spine. Now I taper very slowly mirtazapine which is my last medicine and right now I only have mild akathisia in periods 🤞but the fear of getting it again is terrible. (In some way it helps to eat glutenfree and low histamine food). Both of you THANK YOU SO MUCH for being there to keep us alive 🙏♥️.

[@thereGoMapo]

For those dealing with Akathisia: I know you're scared. You're safe, you are OK, your basic needs will be met, you are loved, you are believed, you are understood. 5:52 - What is Akathisia? 9:25 - Is there a lot of misunderstanding of Akathisia in the medical literature? 15:04 - What is active Akathisia like? 20:10 - Have a solid support system for Akathisia 24:30 - Akathisia can manifest in psychiatric drug withdrawal 26:45 - Difficulties of socially supporting people suffering from Akathisia 28:04 - Onset vs. Chronic Akathisia 30:01 - Medical misinformation 31:23 - What helped Chris deal with Akathisia? 33:50 - Trauma and psychiatric medications 42:17 - Slow tapering and Akathisia 45:36 - Dealing with Withdrawal 47:14 - Message to Therapists 50:48 - Closing words

[@veryskeptical2409]

Nicole and Chris you two hit it our of the park. As a care giver Chris said the words that I so badly need to hear...just the love and support, listening even to the craziness, and the fear which is shared between the cared for and the caregiver...

[@aliciam6725]

Wonder if anyone on here can hear their akathesia as well. It’s like my brain is idling like an engine and all my nerves are vibrating and I can HEAR it. It’s true too, that people get forced into psychotherapy and there’s retribution when you refuse to the extent that people say “you don’t want to get better”. God give me strength.

[@aliciam6725]

I’d do anything for ONE person to support me through this. Being entirely alone in it ups the horror exponentially. A support person who understood and could hold me would change everything about this experience.

[@Tempo50]

Aww ,, so sorry. I have ONE person. If it wasn’t for her I would be dead. So traumatic. My sisters have not supported me (I have 3) One sister supported me until I was too much for her and wouldn’t accept my injury. She said she needed space. That was 14 months ago.😢

[@Jannietime1]

It's indescribable 24/7 torture that goes on for years. I feel like it really damaged my body and brain. I can still feel it via stinging nerve pain in my fucking head and neck 15 years later. We are miracles of survival. The will to live is extremely powerful. Having love and support from even one person, somewhere in the world, is enough. I had my grown son. Everyday he hugged me and said "I love you Mom." That was enough to keep fighting. I cannot imagine having no one. I would not be here without him. Thanks to the internet withdrawal groups I had one friend that we just swore with each other and swore and swore very creatively via texting and then we'd end up howling in laughter. That was our medicine. Cheers to her. She healed. I didn't. She moved on. I don't blame her. There is nothing normal about the experience except for the human spirits need for love and connection. Everything else is off the table as far as normal.

[@martawerth162]

So so grateful for y'all!

[@angelakinchen5634]

Omg the way you described akathisia on Dr. Josef’s page is exactly what I experienced. When I would describe it just the way you did and I would stand up and walk back-and-forth to show them. They were just look at me like I was crazy!!

[@BeLikeWater7191]

I believe there are many forms of akathisia but most people are experiencing the adrenaline surges and mistaking it for akathisia. I also believe there are different forms of akathisia though. I have had them all. 1) Walking/Inability to sit still for a second for 18 hours a day (pacing) 2) Mental akathisia - racing and looping intrusive thoughts 24/7 for YEARS 3) Focal akathisia - adrenaline/trapped energy/internal vibrating/terror that focuses on different parts of body (brain, neck/throat, chest, torso, legs - anywhere in the body).

[@widesky713]

I completely identify

[@js7018]

I wish i had somebody that i could talk to about my chronic akathisia and psych drug damage from ssris / protracted withdrawal. For me, the absolute worst part about it is what i like to call “Cognitive akathisia” where it feels like my brain is constantly running in overdrive i am unable to calm myself down by relaxation techniques or meditation, and i used to meditate religiously before the drug damage.

[@widesky713]

I agree. The mental/cognitive "akathisia" is torture. Unfortunately, suicidal thoughts are powerful during this. If I survive this, it will be a true miracle. Family thinks I'm crazy and they do not understand. I don't blame them, this is hard to witness and understand for them.

[@How.To.Get.Saved.]

Are you making any improvements at all over time? I feel terrible about what you're experiencing. There must be nothing worse in this life. If you're not on the Benzo Buddies forum, there are plenty of people there to talk to about it. I haven't had akathisia, as of yet

[@michellegimbert3251]

They told me I was SAD (social anxiety disorder) because I lost all my friends because of stigma.

[@crookedrain771]

Really like this guy, he knows what’s up, Akathisia is a monster. Mine occurred from ssri withdrawal/taper but I had to reinstate and now it’s about 25%-30% better. Taking forever to heal though..

[@planetbspace]

Crookedrain did you reinstate at a lower dose??? I’m nine weeks reinstated. I don’t know if I should have. Suffering so much. Still have to get off this poison

[@oliversmith7820]

Thanks

[@CorneliusSpivey]

God work Nicole 💜

[@k_bf3043]

Just watched this. I am going thru this now. Agitation and restlessness is horrific. I am the crazy person talking to themself in the corner. No one can tolerate me. They dismiss me. I want out! I can not sleep and I have to keep moving. I am exhausted. I am vibrating inside. Panic and anxiety thru the roof. No one understands. I hate not having any support and tired of getting dismissed. I need some support by people who get it. 10 months of craziness. I am desperate. Where can I get support? I need help.

[@karennielsen3267]

There is a support group on facebook called Living with Akathisia. ❤

[@LatterDaisySaint]

I'm wondering how you are doing. Did you find the support group? Unfortunately, the support group can be a really dark place. Find people who have a growth mindset, who are hopeful and compassionate. I started a private group because the FB group is far too dark. It's better than nothing, but it's not a good place for every person suffering this.

[@Frobe8]

I’m sorry to hear that, how are you now?

[@MsMary414]

Wow! This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. I’m grateful to you both. I’m suffering with akathisia and withdrawals. I had an adverse reaction to duloxetine brand generic change and got hit with violent symptoms 2 months later. I stopped the brand and went back to old brand. Then 3 months later I did a 10mg to 5mg drop probably should have but did it. I’m 7 months from the adverse and 4 months from that big taper. I was healing as things were improving with still lots of symptoms and got hit with a wave or a setback. It’s been a week now. Back to agitation and restlessness and a very raw CNS. I suffer mental Aka also. I hope and pray I heal. After watching your video I have HOPE. I think I will reach out to you Chris. Do you do one on one support counseling? Thank you so much. I want to live and will not give up.

[@MedicatingNormal]

Hi, Chris does do one-on-one support. You can find him at chrispaigelcsw.com

[@shellisands7904]

Would be interesting to see what Dr. Gabor Mate might say...

[@michellegimbert3251]

Great talk. I found Paracetamol (headache tablets) calm the nervous system and gives relief for around 24 hours.

[@mickbowe4252]

Placebo is amazing ain't it

[@mickbowe4252]

Your talking about Tylenol. Which does nothing for the CNS

[@snafu22]

Mick Bowe you're a drop kick son. You got no idea what your talking about.

[@kellymichelley]

He's correct. Paracetamol and Tylenol are the same med.

[@elainearmour3771]

yes i have been suffering for 3 years tapering and my support system has basically either left me or said they can not support me in suffering anymore so Hve been alone then when my dog died and he was my only suoport I have ben getting worse and worse and feeling very alone.and hopeless.

[@germainedenon311]

I'm.alone too..shall we chat?

[@cracksmack1]

​@@germainedenon311 where do you live Germaine?

[@cracksmack1]

​@@Waves353 where do you live Elaine?

[@beebeel6285]

Sooo HOW to we TREAT IT?

[@vikasgupta1828]

Thanks from Bharat!

[@martinez4560]

I have moderate aka and can’t sleep at times. What did you guys use for sleep. My doctor gave me clonazepam but I don’t want to take it. Thank yoy

[@beebeel6285]

How can I TRUEAT Akathisia??

[@shan4145]

Nicole lambert kept me alive .., wow 😭😭😭🥲🥲🥲🥲💖🌷🦋🇨🇦🙋🏻‍♀️

[@julierogers4473]

That's what my doctor did to me in January. He told me oh just cut it in half. 🤬 He did this to me

[@jacquelinemarquis6782]

How to taper from kl when you have Akasthisia already ?

[@maddoxmiller8805]

How tell difference between akethesia and bipolar mixed mania?

[@millstreetteut7835]

What about insomnia? How is the sleep during akathesia?

[@jacquelinemarquis6782]

Did you take supplements during withdrawal ?

[@TheKash700]

What helped you guys to get rid of the akathisia? I've been suffering from it for three months due to antipsychotic medication and it's been reall taking a toll of me lately

[@MedicatingNormal]

Chris' resolved in time. That's all he did was survive long enough for it to resolve. He also didn't taper any of the other meds he was on while in active akathisia - he just kept the doses of those constant to avoid more disruption.

[@TheKash700]

@@MedicatingNormal can beta blockers and an antidepresssant be useful while going through it?

[@MedicatingNormal]

@@TheKash700 Some people get some relief from B-blockers. I have known people who used them for benzo withdrawal. Others say they are minimally helpful, or not at all. Beta-blockers can cause a withdrawal syndrome of their own (just FYI, in the event you didn't know). Antidepressants - can also cause physical dependence and withdrawal syndromes. There are entire support communities for people in hell from these classes (see: www.survivingantidepressants.org) Overall, the general consensus is to add as little variables as possible, where possible. For some reason, too, people with a destabilized nervous system can react to all sorts of things adversely (even things they may have tolerated before their drug injury). So, buyer beware. Reach out to Chris if you'd like - have a consult with him? He's done a lot of research on akathisia and what people use/don't use, etc.: chrispaigelcsw.com

[@TheKash700]

@@MedicatingNormal Thanks for your reply! I didn't know that I tried to reach chris via mail two days ago but he hasn't responded yet

[@NoQuarterIsHere]

Is it known yet, what is it exactly in these meds that cause us so much suffering? Can a certain chemical ingredient be pin pointed? I ask this because we’ve been on different meds, but yet, we all have similar symptoms, if not exact.

[@SunnyCarnivore]

I have pondered this question often. There does not seem to be an answer to that question at the moment.

[@THX-ov8rv]

It is the body's own response to these drugs that is experienced - not the drug itself. Benzos attach to GABA receptor sites and force them to remain open - flooding the receptor. The body reacts to this unnatural event by decreasing GABA receptors - the very structures that are instrumental in creating the processes which bring calmness to the mind and body.

[@SunnyCarnivore]

@@THX-ov8rv when you know the truth about what this drug does; it is insane that we were on it long term, as i my case for twenty years for sleep. No wonder it has been 3 1/2 years since a forced ct and i am still sick. It is going to take a long time for my brain to heal. How blessed are we that the brain is plastic and eventually returns to a homeostatic state.

[@charlenefalk81]

Our brains were use to that certain stimuli. I took K for 2 years, and had no idea the long term effects. 1 year 8 months now PAWS

[@THX-ov8rv]

@@charlenefalk81 Been the better part of 8 years for me since the injury started surfacing and in the last year or so I am recognizing real improvement. I had multiple psych drug injuries consecutively (unknown at the time) so that is probably why it has taken almost a decade for me to begin to emerge. ABSOLUTE CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY!!!!

[@jacquelinemarquis6782]

How do we get a hold of Chris?

[@donnabittner69]

I don't see that anyone is answering our questions!!

[@MedicatingNormal]

chrispaigelcsw.com - you can book a consult if desired

[@elainewalters460]

I think this is a great talk, but I do disagree on the severe agitation and terror not being Akathisia if you aren’t moving/waking. The agitation and terror is so extreme day in and day out. No sleep EVER, suicidal ideation daily, all the same things and walking is the only thing that sort of distracts you….but if you aren’t constantly moving it’a not Akathisia? I simply don’t agree. It’s all that internal terror, rage, burning, agitation that is the nervous system damage. How your body responds to that is different for everyone.

[@MedicatingNormal]

I think he's trying to define the term clearly and isn't diminishing how torturous agitation and terror are. But, if akathisia is a movement disorder - how can one have it without moving? That's his point, mainly.

[@sandra6764]

Are you both completely off ALL medications?

[@davidspeck8659]

So there's sadness, depression, fear, phobia, anxiety, mania, akathisia. Aren't they all on a spectrum? Usually caused by coming off a substances or starting one.

[@kellymichelley]

No, akathisia is a physical movement disorder.

[@wolfram4233]

30 years on perscribed 10 mg prozac and 1 mg xanax with what I understand was interdose withdrawl. I am getteng better but the akathisia ( I finally can name the feeling) is hellish. many times I have been close to suicide. its ruined my life. thank you for speaking. I am struggling 2 weeks after my last dose

[@Frobe8]

Sorry to hear that, how are you now?

[@Butterfly777jc]

Omg...Years of taper! 😭😭😭

[@julierogers4473]

Please help me! Chronic intractable pain patient. I've been struggling for almost 12 years all kinds of torture with my back.. torture from doctors.. two back surgeries later I've been living in the bed.. so much pain I can't even get in the car.. now my pain management doctors put the final nails in my coffin.. he gave me diazepam in September. It turned on me by January.. and now he's turned on me too.. you don't believe anything I say.. I think he's going to set me up to die so he can report it as a suicide.. he would never send me anywhere for help.. every time I took something in or wanted to see a doctor he would never send me.. my husband literally been paying him to kill me for over 2 years.. I don't know how I'm going to make it..

[@maddoxmiller8805]

I had an experience where I was hospitalized and I still am not sure if it was akethesia or bipolar mixed mania but they said bipolar. Are either you guys bipolar?

[@MedicatingNormal]

no neither one was diagnosed as that.

[@millstreetteut7835]

Im in the same situation. What helped you at the Hospital? Mixed states cause agitation aswell

[@baileystruss7319]

I'm unusual as I feel my 'inner' akathisia was brought on by trauma and extreme agitation. No pharma was involved with the onset.

[@kellymichelley]

There's no such thing as an inner akathisia. It is a movement disorder.

[@planetbspace]

Poisoning. Akethesia. Chemical toxicity

[@WildCornoviiStudio]

Vitamin b1 and b6 p5p

[@maryoconnor2596]

That was a dismil explanation of akathesia.

[@MedicatingNormal]

it's a pretty dismal condition

[@maryoconnor2596]

@MedicatingNormal He explained it as agitation. It's alot more than that. It feels like your going insane if you dare to stop moving, thats why!, the moving, your crawling out of your skin,..like restless leg syndrome times a million ,and some people get that restless syndrome throughout the whole body. It's fear ,doom,panic, all at the same time,if I was to name just a few symptoms of Akathesia.

[@maddoxmiller8805]

I have a theory if you have bipolar then you have worse akethisia....

[@cookcookkkkk]

Nah thats bullshit but keep going at it Einstein.