Today, Allison sits down with psychiatric nurse practitioner Brad Lieberman for a straightforward, judgment-free look at mental health medication. If you’ve ever wondered what antidepressants actually do, why antipsychotics have such an intimidating name, or whether tools like TMS, psychedelics, or propranolol are worth exploring, this episode gives you the plain-language guide you wish you had earlier.

Brad explains how clinicians really make decisions about meds, why most people don’t need them forever, and what to expect when starting or stopping treatment. They also dig into performance anxiety, genetic testing, and why Googling your symptoms is not the same as getting evaluated.

What We Cover

• The difference between antidepressants and antipsychotics (and why the names are misleading)

• How SSRIs may act as a “reset” that helps you learn new patterns more easily

• When medication is useful, and when it might not be

• Why some conditions require long-term medication and others don’t

• What genetic testing can and can’t tell you about medication choices

• Propranolol for stage fright: how it works, why performers use it, and who shouldn’t

• Newer treatments like TMS and psychedelic therapy

• What to do if a GP shrugs off your concerns or prescribes without a deeper evaluation

• Practical advice for artists dealing with anxiety, burnout, or isolation

Guest Bio

Brad Lieberman is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specializing in high-stress and high-performance populations. He integrates therapeutic modalities, medication management, and emerging technologies to help individuals build resilience and return to full functioning. Learn more at lcptherapy.com.

Resources Mentioned

• LCP Therapy: https://lcptherapy.com

• Information on TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

• GeneSight and GenoMind testing services (context provided without endorsement)

Keywords

mental health medication, antidepressants explained, antipsychotics info, performance anxiety help, propranolol for performers, how SSRIs work, neuroplasticity and mood, psychedelic therapy insights, TMS treatment basics, bipolar medication support, performer mental health, artist wellness, creative burnout support, stage fright solutions, high performance anxiety, tools for performers #AnxietyAndTheArtist #ToolsInTheToolbox #PsychMeds101 #CreativeWellbeing #MentalHealthPodcast #PerformanceAnxiety #ArtistWellness #PsychiatricMedication #ModernTherapy #HealingJourney