Is Medication Right For You?
Some people think that the treatment options for mental health are therapy or medication. They may not know that the two options go hand in hand. There are those who only need counseling, for most people this works perfectly fine. There are cases, however, that have shown little to no improvement over time, and you or your clinician may consider the option of medications.
Although you may be referred to your family doctor or a psychiatrist for medication (psychologists and counselors cannot prescribe meds) it is still highly recommended that you continue psychotherapy.
Reasons Counseling Should be Continued Through the Duration of Medications:
Meds do not help process or heal traumas, counseling can
Counseling is a way to heal mentally, medication is to heal physically (although it is internal)
Medications will not suddenly make life issues, phobias, or mental health problems disappear
Being on medication without professional guidance can lead to misuse accidentally or getting off track
For Those Worried About Starting Medication
Starting a medication can be a scary thing at first. You may have heard horror stories or are concerned about the regimen. Here are some thoughts to ease your mind.
Before anything else, trust your doctor and clinician. Remember that they have your best interest in mind. Be open to communicating with them your concerns or fears. They will help you adjust and tell you what to expect. Also, chances are you will start on a smaller dose of the medication before your physician decides if and when you need a higher dose. If you are worried about forgetting to take your medications regularly, they can help you come up with a system and schedule that will work for you. Through the duration of you being prescribed, still, ensure there is solid communication. If you feel like the specific medication is not for you after you have given it a fair chance, make sure to discuss it with your prescriber.
Finding the right medication for you is very important. The process can take some time, but that is no reason to be afraid of trying it. The process may be intimidating, but overall it can highly aid your treatment plan.