5 days ago
Author Jane Kotze reveals a compassionate approach to tapering off psychiatric medications safely
In writing her book and fostering connections with other individuals battling similar issues, Jane Kotze has shifted her self-perception from that of a 'broken' individual to an empowered person capable of advocacy.
Image: Supplied
The discourse surrounding psychiatric medications is often fraught with tension and differing viewpoints.
While some advocate for their necessity in treating mental health disorders, others assert that these medications can be overprescribed and potentially harmful.
Enter Jane Kotze, a voice emerging from personal experience, whose insightful book, 'The Tapering Journal: A Practical Guide to Safely Tapering Off Psychiatric Medications', offers a beacon of hope for those seeking to reclaim their mental wellness without the crutch of medication.
Kotze's path is not merely one of clinical understanding; it is enriched by her tumultuous journey.
Having been rapidly tapered off psychiatric medication by a trusted healthcare professional, Kotze found herself grappling with severe withdrawal symptoms.
Many in her situation would have faced the suggestion to return to the very medications that had previously proven ineffective.
However, armed with resilience and a newfound mission, she sought to create a resource that acknowledges the often-overlooked challenges patients face during the tapering process.
Since embarking on her tapering journey in November 2020, Kotze has gained profound insight into both the difficulties and triumphs associated with safely reducing medication.
In writing her book and fostering connections with other individuals battling similar issues, Jane Kotze has shifted her self-perception from that of a 'broken' individual to an empowered person capable of advocacy.
Image: Supplied
Born and raised in Johannesburg, her early years were marked by profound grief.
By the time she turned 18 years old, she had lost nine loved ones, experiences that would profoundly influence her relationship with mental health.
Originally aspiring to become a psychologist, Kotze's path took an unexpected turn as she became captured in a web of psychiatric medications, diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1999 and later subjected to a myriad of additional diagnoses, including Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
'The label of bipolar, I questioned - my struggles seemed more about unresolved trauma than a biological condition,' Kotze reflected in an interview with "Independent Media Lifestyle".
'My journey was flooded with prescriptions that came without adequate warnings about withdrawal risks or side effects.'
The consequences were harrowing; what seemed like relief initially turned into suffering as medications were changed abruptly, leaving her unrecognisable to herself and causing crippling mental breakdowns.
In a dramatic twist of fate, a particularly traumatic experience in a mental health facility in 2016 opened her eyes to the systemic flaws within the psychiatric community.
'After my medications were quadrupled, I was left confused, overmedicated and decimated,' she recounted.
This experience ignited a fire within Kotze to question and ultimately challenge the norms of psychiatric care.
Her investigation led her to psychiatrist Dr Peter Breggin, whose findings confirmed her fears: the medications she had been taking were neurotoxic.
Upon realising two decades of medication had worsened rather than eased her despair, she embarked on a healing journey.
Attempting to taper off her medications became a harrowing experience, filled with debilitating withdrawal symptoms and alarming setbacks.
Determined to truthfully document her journey, she began journaling her experiences with tapering.
'The Tapering Journal' contains essential strategies for safe tapering, adverse reactions, potential withdrawals and valuable insights drawn from her painful experiences.
Image: Supplied
This led to the creation of her book, 'The Tapering Journal', which contains essential strategies for safe tapering, adverse reactions, potential withdrawals and valuable insights drawn from her painful experiences.
The book became a comprehensive resource in 2024, aiming to equip others with the knowledge to safely navigate their tapering journeys.
'The idea came to me during six months of severe withdrawal symptoms,' Kotze explained. 'I wanted to share my knowledge on safe tapering methods while raising awareness about the dangers of overprescription and abrupt medication changes.'
With that aim, she harnessed the power of social media platforms to connect with others who have faced similar struggles, empowering patients to make informed decisions regarding their treatment.
'What frustrates me immensely is how little is taught about safe tapering methods,' she lamented.
Many patients unwittingly suffer devastating repercussions due to a lack of information and support.
'There's a vital need to address withdrawal expectations and educate patients about the risks associated with abrupt discontinuation of psychiatric medications.'
She expressed her urgency in advocating for patient-centred care and informed consent, seeking to prevent future harm and offering hope for recovery.
Kotze's experiences have led her to profound self-discoveries.
In writing her book and fostering connections with other individuals battling similar issues, she has shifted her self-perception from that of a 'broken' individual to an empowered person capable of advocacy.
'I am fearfully and wonderfully made,' she emphasised, embracing her identity beyond psychiatric diagnoses.
