If you’ve recently discovered that you struggle with some kind of mental health disorder, you may be wondering when it’s the right time to begin taking medication. Deciding if medication is right for you and your mental health is a very crucial thing you must consider.
The truth is that not everyone who struggles with their mental health finds that medication is the best option for them, and it’s important to explore all of your options. Doing so in a safe and secure environment can ensure that if you are prescribed something, it’s the best fit for you.
Let’s dive into the list of things to consider when considering mental health medication.
Deciding If Medication Is Right For You and Your Mental Health In 6 Easy Ways
1. The Stigma of Medication: Unfortunately, there has long been a stigma surrounding medication when it comes to mental health disorders. Many people are timid to begin taking them out of fear of being judged, or that it will alter their personality drastically.
Though those concerns are valid, psychologists have been actively fighting in recent years to encourage people who could benefit from medication to do so.
In many cases, mental health disorders alter the chemistry of a person’s brain. Medications that are prescribed by a licensed psychiatrist work to counteract those imbalances in order to give individuals the opportunity to live a more stabilized life.
2. Look at Other Options: Many psychologists encourage their patients to look at their treatment plan from a perspective that’s broader than medication. Seeing a therapist regularly, implementing healthy habits and cutting out triggers, and enabling people can be some of the first steps to a lasting mental health shift.
There are many ways that we can encourage a healthier relationship with our mental health on a daily basis. This can include self-care activities, ensuring that we’re nourishing our bodies properly, and staying connected to the people that care deeply about us.
Sometimes mental health disorders make you feel isolating, and actively finding ways to stay connected to the world around you can help you find comfort even on the darkest days.
Therapy is a constantly evolving field of study, and there are many different types available to you. Many people find it can take a while to find the right therapist and therapy style that works for them, but that it’s a powerful relief when they do.
You can also consider group therapy to find a community of people that have similar experiences to you, or less traditional forms of therapy, like art therapy.
3. Finding the Right Kind: There are many kinds of medications that are offered to treat mental health disorders. All of them come with their own potential side effects and benefits.
This is why working with a psychiatrist and therapist is crucial to beginning your medication. Through continued conversations with how your mental health disorder manifests, experts can make a substantiated suggestion on what would work best for you.
Though it can be frustrating for some people, sometimes the first pharmaceutical they try isn’t the right fit. If you find that after adjusting to your medication, your symptoms aren’t lessening or that you’re experiencing adverse side effects, talk to the doctors in your corner.
Finding the right fit for your needs is the only way you can be sure that you’re seeing the full potential of what medication has to offer.
Some people also find that speaking to friends and family about their experiences with medication helps them feel more comfortable finding what works for them. Though each person’s needs are different, these conversations can give you a better idea of what you can expect, and what you are looking for in a medication.
4. It Doesn’t Have to Be Forever: Another aspect of medication that dissuades people is the fear of being attached or getting addicted to them for the rest of their life. It’s important to remember that though some people do take pharmaceuticals throughout the course of their life indefinitely, others use them for certain periods and then find that they eventually can wean off them.
When considering if medication is right for you, try to focus more on your present mental health. This could be of huge benefit for you, especially if you’re struggling on a daily basis. As time goes on you, you can continue to reassess if the medication and dosage you’re taking are what you need.
Growing older can make a difference in your mental health needs, and it’s smart to keep a close eye on it even if it feels under control.
5. Your Mental Health Comes First: At the end of the day, prioritizing your mental health is one of the most impactful things you can do for your overall wellness and happiness.
It may be daunting to explore at first, but know that you aren’t alone in your journey. There are people all around you that struggle with their mental health, and there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Every aspect of your life is affected by your mental health and your ability to put your needs first.
Understanding that is the first step toward a life that is full and satisfying. We all have our good days and bad days, but knowing how to navigate them is what makes all the difference. In order to have healthy relationships, goals, and senses of self, we have to find what makes us feel like our best selves.
6. Focusing on the Benefits: Though considering medication can fill your head with questions and concerns, remember that it has been proven to be beneficial for many.
Think about it as more of a helping hand, and remember to be kind to yourself. Being patient along the way can help alleviate potential frustration and is always the best way to go through any complicated process.
Whether or not you decide medication is right for you and your mental health journey, taking the time to learn more about it can help you understand yourself and the people around you.
Medication can be a wonderful option for people who are ready to make positive changes in their life. It’s important to be diligent in your decision and to keep an open mind in the process. Share this article with people around you and your social media platform if it has been of great benefit to you.
