Mental Health & Medication

Something people don't talk about a lot is medication for mental health. As a result, there can be a feeling of shame surrounding taking medication for mental health struggles. Taking medication is something that should be talked about more and be accepted because it can be a huge help for people. Personally, I have taken meds for anxiety and/or depression for the last number of years. Sometimes I feel ashamed of it and sometimes I don’t. Additionally, my friends and family (and even myself) can tell when my meds need adjusting. When I started taking meds for my mental health, it was not something I had ever thought I would be doing in my life, but it was recommended by my psychiatrist at the time as something to try and see if it could help me. I started the process of trying medication and adjusting doses until we found what worked for me. It wasn't always an easy process, and it didn't and wouldn't fix anything overnight, but ultimately for me, it made a significant difference and allowed me to be able to function better than I had been. Over the years, I've had to go back and have doses adjusted or change medications as my needs changed, which is just part of the process. Just because a medication works for one person doesn't mean it will work the same for someone else. Medication is an individual thing. Finding the right medication for mental health struggles can be a challenge. It can take trial and error before finding what works. All this to say, there shouldn't be shame surrounding taking medication for mental health issues. We don't shame people with other conditions for taking the medications they need, so why is there shame around it for those with mental health issues?? I should also say that medication isn't for everyone. Some people don't or won't take medication for various reasons. That is okay. Conversely, it can be helpful for some people to function better and help them manage their struggles. That is also okay. Just because someone takes medication for their mental health, doesn't make them any ‘less than’ someone who doesn’t take medication. It just means they are doing what is best for them and their situation, and nothing about that should cause them to feel ashamed of it, or be shamed for it.

-Written by: C