When Should You Take Medicine for Mental Health?
Photo by D koi on Unsplash downloaded 10/7/24
Many people wrestle with the question of whether to take mental health medication. On the one hand, if one believes the many pharmaceutical company advertisements they encounter, taking a medication may improve treatment outcomes and reduce difficulties associated with anxiety and depression, for instance. On the other hand, the list of side effects may seem overwhelming, unnerving, or even dangerous. No one wants to further complicate their difficult battle with mental health with additional physical symptoms.
Weighing the Decision to Take Mental Health Medication
One way to approach the issue is to consider that in the short term, taking a medication may “take the edge off” the severity of a person’s symptoms. While a pill is unlikely to “cure” someone’s mental illness by itself, medication may relieve the frequency or intensity of certain issues.
Short-Term Benefits of Mental Health Medications
For example, let’s say a person is struggling with major depression and is having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, let alone accomplishing the many tasks and responsibilities of daily life. A depression medication taken in the short-term may provide them with the boost they need to gain traction in their battle with this debilitating condition. Or consider the individual who struggles with an anxiety disorder and who is having difficulty engaging in the work of therapy to combat their fears. Taking a medication may reduce the impact of their symptoms to a more manageable level, one in which they can participate more fully in the recovery process and begin to realize more successes each week in treatment.
Concerns About Safety and Efficacy of Medications
Some other concerns people often voice when discussing the issue of taking medication relate to safety and efficacy. In order for a medication to be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), clinical trials must show that medications possess a clinically significant chance of improving mental health symptoms compared to a placebo or control group. Rigorous testing is done, but like any medication, side effects are a reality.
In fact, the benefits of many medications were uncovered as side effects themselves when prescribed for unrelated conditions. For most people, what it comes down to is whether the therapeutic benefits of a medication outweigh the various side effects the person encounters. Unfortunately, this process is often discovered through trial-and-error as everyone responds differently to medication. Neuroscience has advanced rapidly in recent decades, but experts still do not know the exact ways that mental health medications work. Despite this reality, many people experience benefits while tolerating the side effects which can diminish over time in some cases.
Photo by Usman Yousaf on Unsplash downloaded 10/7/24
Discussing Medication with a Medical Professional
It is best to discuss the issue of taking mental health medication with a qualified medical professional. Certain medications may not be ideal for all populations (children, adolescents, pregnant women) and others may not be suitable to take when combined with other medications. Be sure to discuss all vitamins, supplements, and other medications you are taking with your health care provider before deciding to take mental health medications.
Counseling in Missouri
If you're feeling unsure about whether mental health medication is the right choice for you, our therapists at Aspire Counseling are here to help. While we do not prescribe medication, we can provide valuable guidance by discussing the potential pros and cons as they relate to your unique situation. It's important to make an informed decision about your mental health care, and we're here to support you in that process. Whether you're considering medication or exploring other treatment options, we're ready to help you find the best path forward. Contact us today to schedule a session, either in person at our offices in Lee's Summit or Columbia, MO, or online from anywhere in Missouri.
Grant Glabe is an intern at Aspire Counseling specializing in working with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, OCD and more!
About the Author
Grant Glabe is a counseling intern at Aspire Counseling. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports, hanging out with friends, and being near the water. His dog, Bingo, keeps him on his toes!
