Doctor or Drug Dealer (& How I Was Wrong)

Episode 50: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
View transcript on Buzzsprout

What started as a frustrated Instagram post turned into one of Amanda’s most shared (and most controversial) messages ever. In this episode, she revisits that post, shares the real client stories that inspired it, and reflects on how her thinking has evolved. This is a conversation about intention vs. impact, responsible messaging in the mental health space, and what it really means to advocate for better care.

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What We Cover in This Episode

• Two real client stories that sparked the post
• Why intention doesn’t erase impact—and what Amanda learned
• The difference between medication as an option vs. the only solution
• What true informed consent should look like in mental health
• How oversimplified solutions can harm real people

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The Post That Went Viral

Amanda begins by acknowledging the impact of a recent Instagram post that read: “If your doctor prescribed antidepressants before a blood test, they’re more of a drug dealer than a doctor.” It was a statement born of frustration after back-to-back client stories, but it sparked a firestorm. Some felt seen and validated. Others felt dismissed, hurt, or angry.

Two Stories That Deserve Better

She shares the client stories that inspired the post:

• One woman asked to taper off medication and was told no, based on the outdated chemical imbalance theory.
• Another sensed her anxiety was hormonally driven, requested labs, and was denied—only to later discover low progesterone after fertility struggles.

In both cases, the request for deeper, more personalized care was denied in favor of a quick prescription.

Intention vs. Impact

Amanda reflects on what she learned. While her intent was never to shame medication use or providers, she now sees how the language she used (“drug dealer”) was overly generalized and hurtful. Through honest conversations with fellow practitioners, she began to understand the deeper nuance: access, trauma history, provider constraints, and the need for immediate intervention in some cases.

Her takeaway? A strong message doesn’t excuse harm. We must hold both intention and impact.

What Informed Consent Should Look Like

Imagine if instead of handing over a script, a provider said:

“I see you’re struggling. There are many reasons people feel this way—from trauma and relationships to hormones and sleep. Meds might help lessen the intensity, but they won’t address the root. You deserve options. I’m here to help you explore them.”

That’s informed consent. That’s trauma-informed care. That’s what Amanda wants to see more of.

The Reality of Medication

This is not an anti-medication message. Amanda emphasizes again: medication can be supportive and even life-saving. But it must be offered with context, not as a one-size-fits-all solution.

With only 50% of people benefiting from psych meds, it’s vital that those who don’t see results aren’t left feeling like they failed.

Why This Matters

Oversimplified care hurts people. Amanda shares messages from her audience, ranging from grief-stricken parents to those who found medication life-saving. Both stories matter. Both can be true. That’s why nuance and compassion must lead the conversation.

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Three Tangible Takeaways

1. This isn’t anti-medication. It’s anti-fragmented, dehumanized care. You deserve context, choice, and support.
   
2. Your symptoms have a story. Don’t settle for a solution that doesn’t explore why those symptoms are there.
   
3. You have options. Personalized care should include education, labs, lifestyle support, and, when needed, medication—not just a prescription pad. Check out our functional medicine practice Regulated Health for lab-informed, lifestyle-based healing with practitioner support.

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Looking for more personalized support?

• Book a FREE discovery call for RESTORE, our 1:1 anxiety & depression coaching program (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork)
• Join me inside the  Regulated Living Membership, a mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available)
• Join my Release Class – Monthly guided nervous system regulation class
• Order my book, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve today!
• Download free resources here

*Want me to talk about something specific on the podcast? Let me know HERE.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.