Tammy Peterson Discusses Dr. Jordan Peterson’s Health Challenges
Tammy Peterson has revealed that her husband, the well-known author and podcaster Dr. Jordan Peterson, is experiencing a “neurological injury” that’s kept him away from the public eye.
The clinical psychologist and widely recognized figure recently took a break from his YouTube show and podcast, leading to concerns among his fans.
According to his family, he is primarily struggling due to complications from psychiatric medications he had been prescribed in the past.
“Dr. Peterson is at home surrounded by family and supportive friends,” Tammy shared. “His mornings are incredibly difficult and painful for him. But as the day goes on, he sometimes finds a bit of relief.”
In 2019, after Tammy was diagnosed with kidney cancer, Dr. Peterson began taking the benzodiazepine Klonopin. The process of discontinuing the medication led to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Tammy noted that he has developed tardive akathisia, a chronic disorder that involves intense restlessness and a compulsive need to move, which can be a side effect of stopping dopamine antagonist drugs.
“The harm caused by psychiatric medications taken over six years ago requires a lot of time, patience, and tender care,” Tammy, 65, explained.
“Numerous accounts from individuals who have suffered due to psychiatric medication exist… The medical community needs to acknowledge this evidence and prioritize public safety.”
Tammy also pointed out that benzodiazepines should be reserved for life-threatening situations.
In a conversation with podcaster Joe Rogan in 2022, Dr. Peterson discussed how painful the withdrawal process had been, describing it as excruciating.
A religious influencer and family friend, Jonathan Pageau, indicated that Dr. Peterson is often “overwhelmed with pain and discomfort,” even after short conversations.
“Even on good days, there’s still struggle and discomfort, but he manages to take walks, work on projects, and have meaningful conversations, though it’s challenging,” he remarked. “On bad days, he’s in continual pain and battling akathisia, struggling to focus and grappling with feelings of despair.”
Furthermore, Tammy addressed a “rumor” suggesting that her husband suffered from sepsis due to stem cell treatments conducted by celebrity doctor Adeel Khan. She clarified that he never received such treatments from Khan; instead, any sepsis he experienced was contracted while hospitalized in Switzerland for pneumonia.
“This rumor distracts from the real issue, which is akathisia,” Tammy stated, especially in light of some provocative reports regarding her husband’s health.
She dismissed claims that her husband is isolated in a “$50 million estate” as sensationalized and false. The Petersons currently reside in Paradise Valley, Arizona, having originally hailed from Canada.
The Mail also implied that Dr. Peterson’s “unconventional thinking” could negatively impact his health and criticized their daughter, Mikhaila Peterson, for her alternative medical beliefs.
Mikhaila and her father had adopted a red-meat-only diet in hopes of health benefits. They even traveled to Russia in 2020 when Dr. Peterson began experiencing akathisia symptoms for a “radical detox” through an induced coma.
As for Dr. Peterson, now 63, Tammy mentioned that he isn’t ready to return to the public sphere, even with plans for the third annual conference of the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship set for next month in London.
“He’s not discussing going back to work just yet,” she noted, explaining that he feels as though he’s in a different realm of pain. “He misses being able to engage in societal debates.”
