Where to Start by Mental Health America

Author:Mental Health America [Mental Health America]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2023-04-11T00:00:00+00:00

Medication

Let’s talk about medication for a little bit. Some people are afraid to even think about taking medication. They’re worried about what it might mean if they need a pill to help with anxiety or depression or other symptoms. Does that mean they’re crazy, or broken? Or that they’ll need to take meds for the rest of their lives? Not necessarily. Many people find medication to be really helpful in controlling different symptoms. Some people take them for a short time and never need them again, while others take them for years or forever. It’s very personal and depends on a lot of different factors that we’ll discuss below.

One thing stands clear, though, and can’t be stated firmly enough: If you need to take medication—whether for a little while or even for years—it doesn’t mean anything about you as a person! You’re not broken and there’s nothing to explain or feel guilty about.

Medications affect everyone differently. Some may work really well for your friend, but not for you. Or it may work, but the side effects may be too unpleasant. You’ll need to consult with your doctor or a psychiatrist to find the best medication for YOU. That means balancing possible benefits with possible side effects. Keep in mind that medications aren’t cures. They treat symptoms. If you stop taking them, your symptoms might return.

Medications often work best when they’re part of an overall treatment program. Your plan might include psychotherapy, peer programs, and medication. There’s always some trial and error involved in finding the right medication. Some medications take a few weeks or as long as two months to work, and sometimes a medication’s side effects may start before its benefits. You might have to try more than one medication before you get the right fit, but many people find it’s worth the wait.

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