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In this episode of EBBS & FLOWS, I’m reflecting on my journey over the past year of being Effexor Free! After taking the SNRI antidepressant medication for 6.5 years and a few tapering attempts - it has now been one year since I’ve taken the medication.

There was a time (many times) when this felt impossible. I’m reflecting on how it really feels to be on and even consider coming off of medication, while offering my go-to tips & tools for managing anxiety outside of medication! Daily tips & tools to use over the long-term, followed by tips & tools to use in moments of heightened anxiety.

I open this episode up with a brief grounding exercise, and my main intention is to support you wherever you’re at in your own journey. To validate your experience, and empower you to know that you have the capacity & power to *truly* heal. It doesn’t mean that anxiety never comes up, but you don’t have to spiral in it forever.

I hope that something in this episode can resonate with you, and if you find value in it, I would love to hear from you.

With so much love & gratitude,
Erin.

Listen to my 3-Part Effexor Series in Episodes 1-3 of this podcast for a more in-depth look into my Effexor journey. Being prescribed, being on, and tapering off of Effexor.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Amazon Music!
Watch on Youtube

Connect with Erin!
Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠@ebbsandflows222⁠⁠
Send me an Email: erinebbsandflows@gmail.com
Book a Distance Reiki Session with Me: https://www.ebbsandflows.ca/

Resources:
I Published a Dream Journal! Available on Amazon
Mental Health Support Canada

Takeaways
Nervous system regulation is key to managing anxiety.
Prioritizing joy can significantly improve mental health.
Social media can exacerbate anxiety; consider taking breaks.
Gut health is linked to mental well-being.
Rest and slowing down are essential for recovery.
Connecting with a higher power can provide comfort.
Challenging negative thoughts is crucial during anxiety episodes.
Healing frequencies and essential oils can relieve anxiety.
Healing from your anxiety disorder does not mean that you never feel anxious.
Anxiety can make you feel afraid and alone, but you’re not.
Living off antidepressant medication is possible with the right tools.
Feeling uncomfortable does not mean that you are unsafe.
Nervous system regulation is about being flexible.
You deserve to feel safe in your body.
It is safe to feel anxiety symptoms.

Chapters
0:00 Grounding and Awareness Exercise
02:36 Introduction to Anxiety and Effexor Journey
10:03 Holistic Healing Journey Begins
11:40 Anxiety Post-Medication
13:59 Tools for Managing Anxiety Holistically
15:42 Nervous System Regulation
19:44 Tips & Tools or Long-Term Anxiety Management
29:12 The Gut/Brain Axis
32:35 Perfectionism, Anxiety & Slowing Down
34:09 Tips & Tools for Moments of Heightened Anxiety
48:12 Validation & Empowerment