Send us a text "Does that mean I'm broken?" This question haunted Michelle Reittinger after her bipolar disorder diagnosis in 1998. Like countless others, she believed the psychiatric narrative that her condition was incurable, neurodegenerative, and would require lifelong medication management. What followed was a harrowing decade-plus journey through the mental health system that nearly cost her everything. Michelle's raw, unflinching account takes us through the escalating cycles of medication failures, four psychiatric hospitalizations, 12 rounds of electroconvulsive therapy, and multiple suicide attempts. The poignant moment that finally anchored her to life came while watching her four-year-old daughter play. "If you ever succeed in ending your life, you will ruin her life," Michelle realized. "She will think it was her fault." This clarity became her tether to existence when nothing else could. What makes this conversation truly extraordinary is how it challenges the fundamental assumptions about bipolar disorder. Michelle walks us through her gradual, carefully-managed journey off seven psychiatric medications and into complete Savorista Coffee is offering our listeners 25% off their premium craft decaf and half caf blends with bold flavors, ethically sourced beans, and natural decaffeination. Small-batch roasted for exceptional taste. E Use promo code GASLIT at checkout! https://savorista.com/discount/GASLIT Kenshō Cocktails by RSRV Collective are premium, non-alcoholic drinks crafted to deliver bold, sophisticated flavors inspired by classic cocktails—alcohol-free indulgence. Enjoy an exclusive discount 30% off using code GASLIT at checkout Good for anything purchased; it’s the best deal, and can’t be found anywhere else. https://rsrvcollective.com/discount/GASLIT 💊 Ready to Deprescribe Your Psych Meds? Psych meds have harmed us—and we’re not just survivors, we’re deeply educated in psychopharmacology, psychology, and nutrition. As hosts of The Gaslit Truth Podcast , we guide people safely off psychiatric medications with strategies grounded in science and brain health 🔥 You’ve been harmed. You’ve been dismissed. It’s time to take your brain back—with guidance from people who’ve been there and know their stuff. Support the show Are you tired of being gaslit and want to DEEP THROAT some more truth? We want to hear from you! Message us your gaslit stories at
[email protected] While you are at it, Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and YouTube @thegaslittruthpodcast. Be sure to Hit that subscribe button and get alerts for more episodes! Thanks for listening! Follow Us individually at Dr. Teralyn: Instagram @Dr_Teralyn Facebook @DrTeralyn Tik Tok @Dr_Teralyn Therapist Jenn: Instagram @TherapistJen TikTok @Jenn.Schmitz
