Nicki Lehmann understands akathisia because she has lived it.

She knows what it feels like to wake every morning wondering how you will survive another day. She knows the terror, the relentless insomnia, the inner restlessness, the fear, the isolation, and the grief that can come after medication injury. She also knows what it is like to feel misunderstood by the very people you hoped would help.

Nicki’s own journey was not straightforward. Like many people living with medication injury, her experience involved abrupt medication changes, forced withdrawals, tapering where possible, setbacks, uncertainty, and years of learning how to support an injured nervous system. There was no quick fix and no single treatment that made her better. Healing came slowly, one small step at a time.

Over the years, she explored many approaches that helped support her recovery. Gentle nervous system regulation, trauma therapy, psychological support, vagal exercises, biomodulation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, movement, nature, spirituality, mindfulness, breathwork, nutrition, and learning to work with her body instead of constantly fighting against it. Every person’s journey is different, and Nicki does not believe there is one path that fits everyone.

Today, she offers something she wished she had when she was at her sickest. Someone who truly understands.

As an Akathisia Peer Support and Recovery Mentor, Nicki provides a compassionate space where people can feel heard without judgment. She does not give medical advice, diagnose conditions, or tell people what decisions they should make about medications. Instead, she walks beside people as they navigate one of the most frightening experiences imaginable, helping them understand the injury, reduce fear, reconnect with hope, and remember that healing is possible.

Nicki’s vision is simple.

To create one of the world’s most trusted communities for people living with akathisia and medication injury. A place built on honesty, compassion, lived experience, and hope. A place where no one has to suffer alone.