When’s The Right Time to Consider Medication?
The decision to consider psychiatric medication is heavily personal. Many people have valid reservations about medications for various reasons, and for some, stigma and inaccurate preconceived notions can feed into these hesitations. The aim of this discussion is not to push anyone into taking medication, nor is it to suggest that there are a prescribed set of circumstances that clearly indicate whether medication is, or is not, appropriate.
Rather, the goal here is to explore some of the common reasons that many people consider medication. As mentioned, the decision to explore medication is very personal, and what’s right for one person may not be right for the next. It’s also important to note that, if you’re considering medication, speaking with a medical professional is always going to be an important step. Whether it’s your primary care physician or a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, these are the providers who are going to be able to talk with you about side effects, risks and benefits, and the potential appropriateness of various medications for you specifically.
With all of that out of the way, here are some of the common reasons that people consider talking with their doctor about psychiatric medication:
Their mental health symptoms are getting in the way of their day-to-day life. When symptoms are pervasive, they can start to impact overall functioning, and can have a negative impact on school, work, relationships, and even physical health.
They’re finding that therapy alone isn’t enough. As useful as therapy can be, sometimes mental health symptoms are so intense that they make it hard to get the full benefit of therapy. Some people find that even while they’re learning coping skills or processing past traumas, the symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc. are so intense that it’s difficult to make changes and implement skills that are being taught. In many cases, medication can lessen the intensity of these symptoms, making it easier and more realistic to start making behavioral changes that further benefit one’s mental health.
Symptoms have been long-lasting and haven’t improved. When symptoms have been very long-term and have spanned years of someone’s life, it can often make sense to consider medication as an appropriate intervention.
There’s been a major life event, transition, or trauma. Some people find that it’s beneficial and appropriate to seek support from medication when their worlds have been turned upside down, and they’re having a hard time putting one foot in front of the other. In these cases, medication can often be short-term.
There are many other reasons why someone might consider psychiatric medication, and depending on the individual and the type of medication prescribed, medication can be a short-term or long-term intervention. If you’re considering medication, it’s important to talk with your prescriber about what you hope to gain from medication, what concerns you may have, and whether or not you have specific intentions or hopes in the length of time that you’ll be taking medication (keeping in mind that this can always change).
At the end of the day, the decision to go on medication is between you and your doctor. It’s important to have thorough conversations and gain their insights and opinions, while also considering how you feel and what feels right for you.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. Mental health treatment is highly individualized, and this blog post should not be taken as a recommendation that is suitable or applicable for all. Please seek the support and recommendations of your mental health provider and physician if you are struggling with your mental health, and/or if you are considering psychiatric medication.
