Our mental health is something that we interact with for the entirety of our lives. It can be challenging some years, and more approachable during others. We all have individualized needs for our physical health, our mental health is no different. While medication isn’t a requirement for everyone wanting to work on their mental health, it can be really helpful.
Taking mental health medication for the first time can create a lot of anxiety. There is a lot of prior stigma attached to taking this type of medication which can make people feel self conscious or even worried prior to taking their first dose. We wanted to help provide some comfort as well as steps to cope with this type of nervousness.
Take the medication as prescribed
Like most medications, consistency is key. There can be challenges that arise when someone doesn’t follow the regime that is outlined by their prescriber. We always suggest making sure you have a full understanding of how, when, and what is needed when you take this medication prior to starting.
Keep track of your symptoms
When starting to take mental health medication, it might be helpful to record any changes in your mental health symptoms or physical sensations. Both comfortable and uncomfortable. This can be helpful for subsequent sessions with your prescriber to see if any changes need to be made.
Remember to take care of yourself
Our basic needs are so important, especially when adding medication into our lives. Making sure to eat enough, drink plenty of water, and having a sleep routine will help with our baseline which will help reduce anxiety symptoms in general.
Discuss your feelings with your therapist/start seeing a therapist
It might be helpful to talk through your anxiety with a therapist. They might be able to halp with further support when it comes to symptom management. A therapist might also be able to provide some reassurance when it comes to how to cope with symptom fluctuation.
Ask questions
After your appointment with your prescriber, it is okay to circle back with them if you feel as though you don’t have a full understanding or are feeling uneasy. It can be a lot of information at once which can feel overwhelming. Remember, there’s no such thing as a dumb question and we want to prioritize your understanding and comfort over potential inconveniencing your practitioner.
We know medication can be a big change, which often comes with some anxiety. It can be helpful to do your research on what medication you feel comfortable with and which ones you don’t. It is also helpful to remember that you don’t have to be on medication for the entirety of your life, but it can be a helpful support. Always remember to consult with your prescriber prior to making any changes to your medication. While your providers are here to help, they should also be collaborative within your care.
The information on this website is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or psychological condition and is not a substitute for therapy. If you are experiencing an emergency please call/text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.
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