Robin Trivette, PMHNP

09/01/2025

💜 September is Su***de Awareness Month 💜

At SparklingDiamond2024, we’re coming together for a very special event:
✨ Diamonds of Awareness: Su***de Prevention Edition ✨
📅 September 1 – 30, 2025

We invite you to join us in raising awareness, spreading positivity, and supporting one another through diamond painting.

👉 Join the event group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2454604318264417

✅ Post your start photo with a positive quote
✅ Use a licensed kit
✅ Complete the Google Form to be entered

🎥 Every Monday, we’ll post a video announcing the weekly winner and sharing community highlights.
🎁 Winners will receive prize packages filled with diamond painting accessories from small shops + gift cards.

Let’s shine a light together on prevention, hope, and healing. 💎💜

08/08/2025

The Danger of 5-Minute Pain Management Checks: Why Quick Appointments Hurt More Than They Help

Recently, I read about a nurse practitioner who was expected to see patients for pain management follow-ups every five minutes.

Yes, you read that right—five minutes per patient. That’s barely enough time to say hello, let alone assess pain, review medications, monitor for red flags, and provide education. And if you’re thinking, “That can’t possibly be safe,” you’re absolutely right.

As a psychiatric and medical provider, I want to take a moment to explain why this rushed approach is not only poor practice—but potentially dangerous. It’s a growing concern in fast-paced clinics where productivity is prioritized over people. And in pain management especially, that kind of pressure puts both patients and providers at risk.

🕐 What Can You Actually Do in 5 Minutes?
Five minutes might work for ordering a lab or refilling an allergy cream—but it is not enough time for a safe and ethical pain management check, or any medication check for that matter.

Here’s what typically needs to happen in a quality pain follow-up or med management appointment:

Assess pain levels, functional impact, and patterns over time

Review side effects and medication adherence

Evaluate for signs of misuse, diversion, or dependence

Discuss alternative or adjunctive therapies

Screen for mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation (which are common in chronic pain populations)

Document thoroughly and provide education

That’s already a tall order in a 15–20 minute appointment. In five minutes, corners will be cut—because they have to be.

⚠️ Why It’s Dangerous
Seeing patients this quickly may seem efficient on paper, but in reality, it’s a breeding ground for:

Misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses

Over-prescription or under-prescription

Failure to detect opioid misuse or escalating mental health crises

Poor patient-provider relationships

Legal liability and provider burnout

In pain management, patients deserve to feel heard and have their pain evaluated, not just treated. Quick check-ins do a disservice to the complexity of their situation.

💬 What Return Med Appointments Should Look Like
Whether it’s a pain med check or a psychiatric follow-up, here’s what we should strive for:

✅ 10–20 minutes minimum for return visits
✅ Comprehensive symptom review (not just “Are you still in pain?”)
✅ Functional updates (Is the medication helping your daily life?)
✅ Monitoring for side effects and misuse
✅ Collaborative treatment planning, not just a quick refill
✅ Time to build trust and ask real questions

When we slow down and treat people like whole humans, we reduce the risk of harm and increase the chance of long-term success.

🩺 If You’re a Provider Reading This…
You deserve better too. No one went into medicine to rush patients out the door in five-minute chunks. If your clinic is pushing this model, advocate for patient safety—and your own.

🧠 Final Thoughts
Pain is not a number. It’s a complex experience that intersects with mental health, trauma, and quality of life. Managing it responsibly requires time, conversation, and care.

Let’s stop pretending a five-minute appointment can meet those needs. It can’t.

Call now to connect with business.

08/07/2025

08/07/2025

The Paradox of Convenience

It’s no mystery why people choose apps over therapy. They’re private. Easy. Non-judgmental. No insurance battles. No awkward silences. No unpacking childhood trauma in a stranger’s office. Just you, your phone, and maybe a chatbot telling you everything’s going to be okay.

But here’s the thing: We weren’t built to heal in isolation.

As a psychiatric provider, I’ve watched clients pour their hearts into their phones and still feel empty. The truth? Relief isn’t the same as healing. Clicking through self-help prompts might offer a temporary sense of control, but it can’t replace the power of being truly seen, heard, and supported by another human being.

Real Connection = Real Change

Therapy isn’t always easy. Sitting across from someone and saying, “I’m not okay,” takes courage. But something sacred happens in that space. There’s a reason the science supports it: Human connection rewires the brain. Safe, consistent, compassionate relationships change us.

No app can replicate the microexpressions of a therapist who leans in when your voice quivers. No AI can hold the silence after a painful memory and help you breathe through it. That’s where the transformation lives.

And let’s be honest: loneliness is a silent epidemic. We’re plugged into everything—yet so many feel more disconnected than ever. If you’re craving meaningful change, the kind that goes deeper than a dopamine hit from a push notification, you won’t find it in your phone. You’ll find it in community.

A Gentle Challenge

If you’ve been relying solely on apps or self-help tools, I see you. You’re doing the best you can with what you have. But maybe it’s time to stop just surviving—and start healing.

Consider talking to a therapist. Join a support group. Call a friend and say, “I need to talk.” Show up somewhere you can be your full, unfiltered self. Not because it’s easy—but because you’re worth that kind of care.

Healing doesn’t happen at the speed of Wi-Fi. It happens slowly, bravely, and tog

08/07/2025

🤔 Why Are People Choosing Natural Remedies?

Today’s patients are more informed and curious than ever. They have access to thousands of health-related articles, videos, and social media posts—some helpful, some not. But what’s clear is that many want more control over their care, and that often includes natural options like supplements, probiotics, or lifestyle changes.

Doctors are trained to stick to treatments backed by strong scientific evidence—and rightly so. But because natural remedies aren’t usually funded by big companies (there’s no money in patenting a plant!), they often haven’t been studied as deeply. That doesn’t mean they’re useless—it just means doctors may need to dig a little deeper to find the facts.

Dr. Hight encourages fellow doctors to approach natural medicine with curiosity instead of criticism—especially when patients ask about it. Some options actually do have strong evidence and can be safely used alongside traditional care.

Here are three she recommends considering:

✅ 1. Probiotics – Good Bacteria for Your Gut
Probiotics are supplements that contain healthy bacteria that help balance your gut. They've been shown to:

Help with digestive issues like diarrhea, especially after antibiotics

Reduce stomach bugs in kids

Ease symptoms of IBS like bloating and pain

Boost your immune system, possibly preventing colds and upper respiratory infections

Newer studies even show that probiotics can help kids bounce back faster from fevers and infections. The key? Choosing the right strains, and using them consistently.

✅ 2. Curcumin – The Power Behind Turmeric
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, a spice used for centuries in Indian and Asian medicine. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory powers.

Here’s what it may help with:

Arthritis pain and stiffness

Blood sugar and cholesterol in people with diabetes

Mood support – some studies show it may help with depression and anxiety

Inflammation all over the body

It’s generally safe and doesn’t come with the stomach issues that pain medications like NSAIDs can cause. For better absorption, it’s often combined with piperine, found in black pepper.

✅ 3. Mindfulness and Meditation – Free, Easy, and Backed by Science
If you're looking for a natural remedy with no side effects, this one tops the list.

Mindfulness meditation has been proven to:

Lower anxiety and depression

Reduce chronic pain

Improve sleep and focus

Help regulate blood pressure and heart rate

Strengthen the immune system

Even just a few minutes a day can lead to noticeable benefits. It’s free, accessible to anyone, and can work hand-in-hand with medication when needed.

👩‍⚕️ Final Thoughts from Dr. Hight
Doctors are constantly learning. That means we can—and should—make room in our toolbox for natural treatments that are safe, affordable, and effective.

Instead of telling patients they’re wrong or brushing off their questions, Dr. Hight suggests this approach:

Be open to discussing natural remedies

Do your research (just like you would for a new medication)

Partner with patients instead of policing them

Recommend “this AND that,” not just “this OR that”

The future of medicine isn’t just about prescriptions—it’s about whole-person care. That means listening, learning, and sometimes saying, “Yes, let’s try that natural remedy—with a plan.”

So the next time a patient brings up turmeric or meditation? Take a deep breath—and lean into the conversation. You might just build trust, improve care, and learn something new along the way.

Want more like this? Dr. Nicole Hight is a pediatrician in Atlanta and a strong believer in listening first. Follow her at or on TikTok.

Call now to connect with business.

08/07/2025

💊 Time to Say Goodbye to Benadryl? Why Experts Say Diphenhydramine May Be Too Risky to Keep Over-the-Counter

If you’ve ever reached for Benadryl to treat allergies, help with a cold, or get to sleep, you’ve used diphenhydramine—a first-generation antihistamine that’s been around since the 1940s. But a growing number of experts are saying: it’s time to move on.

🧪 Why Are Experts Concerned?
Diphenhydramine used to be a go-to allergy medicine, but now we have newer options (called second-generation antihistamines) like Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra that work just as well—without many of the serious side effects.

Despite that, diphenhydramine is still found in over 300 products, including allergy meds, cough syrups, cold medicine, and sleep aids—and most of these are sold over the counter, meaning anyone can grab them off the shelf.

🚨 What Are the Risks?
Here’s why doctors are calling it a public health hazard:

Drowsiness and brain fog: It causes strong sedation that can carry over into the next day. This can mess with school or work performance—and even make driving dangerous. Studies show it can impair driving more than alcohol.

Increased risk in kids and older adults: Children can experience confusion, agitation, or even coma. Seniors who take it regularly are at higher risk of memory problems and even dementia.

Overdose dangers: In high doses, it can lead to heart problems, seizures, coma, or death. You may have heard of the viral "Benadryl Challenge" on TikTok, which landed some teens in the hospital—and led to at least a few deaths.

Addiction and abuse: It’s easy to access and increasingly misused. The FDA has even issued warnings about its dangers.

💤 What About Using It to Help Sleep?
Lots of people take diphenhydramine at night to help them sleep. But it’s not a good long-term solution. It wears off quickly, can actually lower the quality of your sleep, and the grogginess the next day can linger. Over time, your body builds up tolerance—so it becomes less effective anyway.

🧠 Are There Better Options?
Yes! Newer allergy meds like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra):

Work just as well (or better)

Last longer (usually 24 hours with one dose)

Don’t cause significant drowsiness

Have fewer and milder side effects

Are just as affordable and available over the counter

There’s even an IV version of cetirizine now being used in hospitals instead of diphenhydramine because it’s safer and more effective.

🌎 What Are Other Countries Doing?
Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands have made diphenhydramine prescription-only.

Canada, the U.S., and the UK all advise against giving it to young children.

Allergy societies recommend second-generation antihistamines as the safer first choice.

🛑 So What’s the Takeaway?
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) has had its moment in medical history—but experts now say it’s time to retire it. It’s not that it never helped—it did! But we now have safer, better alternatives, and the risks—especially for kids, seniors, and people misusing it—just aren't worth it anymore.

Doctors are recommending that diphenhydramine be removed from store shelves and made a behind-the-counter medication that you can only get with a pharmacist's approval—or even taken off the market entirely.

📌 Final Word:
If you still use Benadryl or similar products, don’t panic—but do consider talking to your pharmacist or doctor about switching to a safer alternative. Better choices are out there, and your health (and your family’s) is worth the upgrade.

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08/07/2025

🚨 First, What Are Discontinuation Symptoms?

When someone stops taking an antidepressant—especially suddenly—they might feel some uncomfortable changes. These are often called discontinuation symptoms, and can include:

Dizziness

Nausea

Feeling nervous or jittery

Brain zaps (a strange, brief shock-like feeling in the head)

Trouble sleeping

Flu-like symptoms

These are not the same as depression coming back, but they can still be upsetting.

🧪 What Did the Researchers Do?
The researchers pulled together data from dozens of studies and compared people who stopped antidepressants to those who either:

Stayed on the medication, or

Stopped a fake pill (placebo)

They wanted to know:

How common are these symptoms?

Which symptoms are the most likely?

Do they go away quickly?

Is stopping antidepressants linked to depression coming back?

💡 What They Found:
Some symptoms are common—but often mild.

Within the first week of stopping, people typically experienced about one additional symptom (like dizziness or nausea) compared to those who didn’t stop.

Dizziness was the most common side effect—affecting about 6 out of every 100 people more than placebo.

Stopping did not bring back depression right away.

For those who were being treated for depression, stopping their medication didn’t immediately cause their depression to return.

So, if depression does come back later, it’s likely a relapse of the condition—not a withdrawal symptom.

Symptoms vary by medication.

Some antidepressants may be harder to come off than others, but this study didn’t go deep into comparing each one.

🧭 What Does This Mean for You?
If you're thinking about stopping your antidepressant, you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong to have questions. Here’s what this research tells us:

✅ It’s common to feel off for a few days to a week, but most symptoms are mild and go away on their own.

✅ Stopping doesn’t automatically mean your depression will come back. But you should watch for signs and check in with your provider.

✅ Talk to your doctor before stopping—especially to create a slow, guided taper plan to minimize side effects.

📌 Final Thoughts
This study offers reassurance: discontinuation symptoms are real, but they’re usually manageable and temporary. The key is not going it alone—support, education, and a solid plan can make the process much easier.

If you're thinking of stopping an antidepressant or just want to understand your options, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider.

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08/07/2025

💧Does the Type of IV Fluid Matter? Here's What a Canadian Study Found

When you're in the hospital and need fluids through an IV, you're probably not thinking about what kind of fluid you're getting—but doctors are. Two of the most common types are normal saline (salt water) and lactated Ringer’s solution (a fluid with added electrolytes). For years, there’s been debate about whether one is better than the other for overall patient health.

A group of Canadian researchers decided to find out—does one actually help patients recover better or avoid being readmitted to the hospital?

🏥 What the Study Did
The researchers studied seven hospitals in Ontario, Canada. For 12 weeks, each hospital used only one type of IV fluid for all patients—either saline or lactated Ringer’s. Then, after a short break, they switched and used the other fluid for another 12 weeks. This way, every hospital tried both.

They then looked at data from over 43,000 patients to see if the type of fluid affected:

Risk of dying or going back to the hospital within 90 days

How long people stayed in the hospital

Whether patients needed dialysis (kidney support)

If they ended up in a nursing home or other facility after discharge

📊 What They Found
Patients who got lactated Ringer’s had a slightly lower risk of dying or being readmitted (20.3%) compared to those who got normal saline (21.4%).

However, the difference was very small and could have just been due to chance. It was not statistically significant.

All the other outcomes—like time in the hospital and dialysis needs—were also about the same between the two fluids.

Importantly, no serious side effects were found with either fluid.

🧾 Bottom Line
This study suggests that it probably doesn’t make a big difference which IV fluid—saline or lactated Ringer’s—you receive in the hospital. Both are safe, and neither led to better or worse outcomes in a noticeable way.

So while fluid choice might still matter in some specific medical situations (like major surgery or severe illness), for everyday hospital care, both fluids seem equally fine.

🧠 Why This Matters
It helps doctors and hospitals feel more confident that either fluid is a reasonable choice, depending on what’s available, and it gives patients peace of mind knowing they’re getting safe care—no matter which clear bag is hanging on the IV pole.

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08/07/2025

🧠 Time to Rethink Sleeping Pills? What New Research Says About Safely Stopping Benzodiazepines

If you’ve ever taken medications like Ativan, Xanax, or Va**um to help with sleep or anxiety, you’re not alone. These types of medications—often called benzos or sedative-hypnotics—can be helpful in the short term. But over time, many people find they don’t work as well, cause side effects, or become difficult to stop.

A new medical review looked at dozens of studies involving over 39,000 people to figure out what actually helps when it comes to safely stopping these medications. The big question: What works best to help people come off these drugs without feeling worse—or giving up altogether?

💡 Key Takeaways in Simple Terms:
Education matters.

People who received clear, supportive information about how and why to reduce these medications were more likely to stop them. This includes learning about the long-term risks, alternatives, and what withdrawal might feel like.

But just giving information isn’t a magic fix—it may not improve sleep or mood on its own.

A medication review with a provider can help.

Sitting down with a doctor or pharmacist to review all your medications and create a plan can make a difference. It's not about shaming you—it's about building a strategy together.

Pharmacists aren’t just pill counters.

In some cases, programs led by pharmacists who offered support and check-ins had even higher success rates for helping people quit these medications.

Mixing different strategies may work better.

Combining education, tapering (slowly lowering the dose), counseling, and follow-up might be more effective than trying just one thing alone.

No strong evidence that quitting causes people to drop out of treatment.

That’s a good sign—people generally stuck with the process, especially when they had support.

🛑 Why It Matters
Long-term use of benzodiazepines can increase the risk of memory issues, falls, dependence, and worsened sleep in the long run. But stopping cold turkey is never recommended—it can be dangerous.

This new review shows that you don’t have to go it alone. Having the right kind of support—from healthcare providers who listen, explain things clearly, and help you build a plan—makes a big difference.

✅ What You Can Do
Talk to your provider about your current medications and whether a tapering plan might be right for you.

Ask questions. Why was this medication started? Is it still helping? Are there safer options?

Don’t be afraid to take your time. Deprescribing isn’t a race—it’s about feeling better and staying safe.

If you’re considering reducing or stopping a sleep or anxiety medication, know that there are tools, strategies, and professionals who can help you do it wisely.

If you want help navigating this process, feel free to reach out or comment below—your mental and physical health are worth it. 💬💙

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08/01/2025

What to Ask Your PMHNP at Your First Visit

Meeting with a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) for the first time can bring up a mix of emotions—hope, nervousness, maybe even doubt. You’re opening up about your mental health, and it’s natural to wonder: Will this provider really understand me? Will they know what’s wrong? Will they be able to help?

One of the best things you can do is come prepared with questions. Asking the right questions not only gives you clarity, but it also helps you figure out whether this PMHNP is the right fit for you.

Here are some important areas to cover:

1. Their Background and Experience
How long have you been practicing as a PMHNP?

What is your training or background in mental health?

Do you specialize in certain conditions (such as ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use)?

Do you mostly see children, teens, adults, or all ages?

💡 Why this matters: Every PMHNP has their own background and strengths. Knowing their experience can help you feel confident in their ability to treat your specific needs.

2. How They Approach Diagnosis
How do you figure out what’s going on with me?

What information do you use—symptoms, history, labs, screening tools, or all of the above?

What if my symptoms overlap with more than one condition?

How will you explain my diagnosis to me?

💡 Why this matters: Many mental health conditions share similar symptoms (like anxiety, ADHD, or bipolar disorder). It’s important to know your provider’s process for getting to the root of the problem.

3. Understanding Medications
How do you decide which medication is right for me?

What are the benefits and risks of this medication?

What side effects should I watch out for—and when should I call you?

How long does it usually take to feel improvement?

What are our options if the first medication doesn’t work?

💡 Why this matters: Medications aren’t chosen randomly. A thoughtful PMHNP considers your history, symptoms, and even your preferences before prescribing.

4. Their Treatment Style and Philosophy
Do you recommend therapy along with medication?

Do you take a holistic approach (nutrition, sleep, lifestyle, stress management) or mainly focus on medications?

How much input will I have in making treatment decisions?

💡 Why this matters: Some providers lean heavily on prescriptions, while others integrate therapy, lifestyle, and coping skills. Knowing their philosophy helps you decide if it matches your goals.

5. Follow-Up and Support
How often will I see you at first, and how does that change over time?

What’s the best way to reach you if I have a question between visits?

What is your policy on prescription refills or urgent concerns?

Do you collaborate with my therapist, primary care provider, or other specialists if needed?

💡 Why this matters: Mental health treatment works best when it’s consistent. You’ll want to know how accessible and responsive your PMHNP is outside scheduled appointments.

6. Building a Roadmap for Recovery
What goals should I set in the beginning?

How will we measure progress?

What happens if I don’t feel better right away?

Do you have resources, handouts, or recommendations for support groups, apps, or books?

💡 Why this matters: Recovery isn’t always linear. Having a clear plan (and backup plans) can make you feel more supported throughout the process.

Final Thoughts
Your first appointment with a PMHNP is about more than getting a prescription—it’s about building a relationship and making sure you feel safe, heard, and cared for. Don’t be afraid to ask about their experience, their approach, or even how they make treatment decisions.

Remember: you’re not just looking for someone who “knows what’s wrong with you.” You’re looking for a partner in your mental health journey. Asking these questions will help you figure out if this PMHNP is the right fit and set the stage for a successful, collaborative treatment plan.

08/01/2025

Do Therapists Go to Therapy? (Spoiler: Absolutely)

When people find out I’m a therapist, one of the first questions I get (right after “Are you analyzing me right now?” 🙄) is:

“So… do therapists go to therapy?”

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: YES, obviously. Please don’t make me explain this while I’m still holding my iced coffee.

Let me break it down.

1. Therapists are humans, not robots in cardigans.

Contrary to popular belief, we don’t power down at night and recharge on a docking station next to a stack of DSM-5s. We have stress, arguments, awkward family holidays, and the occasional “why did I say that out loud in Target?” moment. Therapy is where we process our own stuff so we don’t drag it into someone else’s session.

2. You wouldn’t trust a dentist with no teeth.

Think about it: would you really take advice on oral hygiene from someone who chews with their gums? Exactly. Therapists need to practice what we preach. Going to therapy keeps us emotionally flossed and cavity-free.

3. Everyone needs someone to talk to.

Even therapists. Especially therapists. Listening to people’s stories all day is a privilege—but it can also feel like carrying a hundred invisible backpacks. Sometimes we need a safe place to take one off, set it down, and sigh dramatically.

4. Therapy isn’t just for when life falls apart.

Therapists don’t only go when we’re crying in the shower, eating ice cream straight from the tub (though—no judgment if that happens). Therapy is also about growth, self-awareness, and having a neutral person ask: “Have you considered you might be overcommitting because you hate saying no?” Ouch. Thanks. Needed that.

5. Funny thing about perspective…

We’re amazing at spotting other people’s blind spots. But our own? Not so much. It’s like trying to read a bumper sticker while you’re driving the car. A therapist for a therapist helps us zoom out, laugh at our patterns, and maybe—just maybe—stop dating people who remind us of our high school ex.

The Big Truth

Do therapists go to therapy? Absolutely. Not because we’re weak, broken, or bad at our jobs—but because we’re human. And humans need humans.

Honestly, everyone does. Whether you’re a therapist, an accountant, or someone who still hasn’t figured out how to fold a fitted sheet (no shame), having someone to talk to every once in a while makes life lighter.

So yes, therapists go to therapy. And if you ever catch your therapist heading into their own appointment, just know—they’re walking the talk.

And probably still holding that iced coffee.