Medication

Medication is probably not a cure, but what if it’s a foundation?

Medication is not usually THE cure, and I think if that’s the expectation, no wonder people have bad opinions about medication. But even if it’s not a cure, what if it decreases your symptoms by 40% or something - which makes doing the other things to get better waaaay easier? Just something to think about.

Stigma

There is a lot of stigma around medication and everyone has an opinion about it.

I think part of the stigma is because if you take medication, it feels like you’re accepting a diagnosis that seals yourself as “ill”. That’s not an easy pill to swallow (ha, ha). Being diagnosed with a mental illness freaking sucks. First of all the names are terrible: major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety…on and on. Could someone come up with more neutral names? Like, seratonin mal-uptake syndrome? Anyway, it also doesn’t help that tv shows and movies openly mock and mis-portray people with “mental illness”. (I’m still not sold on the term illness) “He’s a mental case” “She’s crazy”… on and on. I actually don’t know how to get over this stigma. And it feels like as soon as you take medication, you get stuck with a label. A label that shouldn’t and doesn’t describe your whole person.

Another part of stigma, is that taking medication can feel like admitting you can’t fix your problems by yourself.

Stigma sucks and it’s everywhere. Either way, I do know that your co-worker Steve shouldn’t be the one to convince you not to take medication. This is a conversation with your doctor, yourself, and maybe your loved ones.

Gather Information

You don’t have to take medication just because a doctor recommends it, but I think it’s wise to talk to an expert and at least get their opinion. Ask questions like “do you think medication would help me?”, “why?”, “how long will I need to take it for”, “what other things should I be doing too?” Oh, and feel free to get a second and third opinion, just like people do for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, etc.

Personal Choice

The decision to take (or not to take) medication is an extremely personal choice. Some want to try other things first, leaving medication as a last resort. Some want to try it first and then add in other tools, such as therapy and exercise. There are some who have great experience with medication and there are some who find it unhelpful, or even aggravating in some cases. There are some who simply don’t want to consider it at all. At the end of the day, it’s your choice and no one else’s.

Other People’s Stories

You definitely shouldn’t make your decision based on other people, but it’s still nice to hear their stories.

In the first half of the Netflix stand-up comedy special “Taylor Tomlinson: Look At You”, she really dives into having bipolar disorder and taking medication. It’s hilarious and healing.

Annie Murphy, actress (Schitt’s Creek)