Psychiatric Medications: The Gifts and the Challenges

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Two quotes today for two different persectives on psychiatric medications…

“Because drugs have become so profitable, major medical journals rarely publish studies on nondrug treatments of mental health problems. Practitioners who explore treatments are typically marginalized as “alternative.” Studies of nondrug treatments are rarely funded unless they involve so-called manualized protocols, where patients and therapists go through narrowly prescribed sequences that allow little fine-tuning to individual patients’ needs. Mainstream medicine is firmly committed to a better life through chemistry, and the fact that we can actually change our own physiology and inner equilibrium by means other than drugs is rarely considered.” ~Bessel van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma)

“I’ve been taking [medication] to treat my OCD for about 10 years and had tried other medications when I was in high school. I used to be super embarrassed—especially in high school—that people would judge me for it, and I also [had] fears about what taking medicine meant about me. Once my condition got worse, I had a therapist tell me that it was just like taking medicine to treat anything else….I don’t think I would be here without it, and I certainly wouldn’t have the life that I do. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you shouldn’t need it, but it doesn’t make you weak.” ~Olivia L., 29

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There are many perspectives on the use of psychiatric medication for mental illness. I hope I have shown through my blogging journey that recovery from mental illness can include medications if needed and many other tools and interventions. So the question doesn’t have to be entirely focused on whether to take medications or not. Instead, there can be a deeper dialogue. Can medications help me in crisis? Can I find a medication where side effects are lower that still help my mental health? What other ways do I manage my mental health and how can I make those things a priority? If medication isn’t the answer, what are my options? What are my root causes of mental illness and what specific interventions can help treat and/or heal these?

Before I explore this topic with you, I must reiterate that I am not a doctor and can’t give advice on which psychiatric medication to use or recommend any changes you might want to make with medications. As well, while I discuss the real concerns of psychiatric medications, it is not with the intent to have you go off your medications. Despite the challenges with side effects, medications save lives and bring people into recovery. Going off medications abruptly can cause an episode or dangerous withdrawal side effects. So let’s explore this topic knowing that the information isn’t a substitute for professional care. This blog series introduces ideas to help with recovery. It is meant to be an addition to professional help.