10 Reasons Why Using Medication for Mental Health Is Strong, Not Weak
Using medication to help with symptoms of mental health conditions is strong, not weak. Although it has gotten better over the years, there is a stigma for people taking medication for their mental health. If taking medication for physical health concerns is valid, then it is also valid for mental health concerns.
- You’re taking responsibility for your life and mental health. Sometimes when we are in a tough spot in life, it’s hard to make decisions. Recognizing that you need more help is the first step in recovery.
- You’re investing in your long-term physical and mental health. Taking mental health medications can help reduce stress. Long-term stress can cause a variety of physical problems.
- You’re breaking harmful behaviors or patterns. When people are struggling with their mental health, it’s completely normal for them to fall into harmful habits. Part of the treatment involves breaking the cycle of behaviors that hinder positive well-being.
- You’re advocating for yourself and your health. Choosing to start treatment is an action that shows you are advocating for yourself.
- You’re choosing to be hopeful instead of hopeless. When people are struggling with mental health concerns, it’s normal for them to feel hopeless. Sometimes it can feel like symptoms will never get better, which can bring feelings of hopelessness. Giving a new try is proving to yourself that you are choosing to be hopeful despite the condition you are living with.
- You’re following evidence-based forms of treatment. Using medication to treat mental health symptoms is proven to be a helpful form of treatment when paired with talk therapy.
- You’re giving therapy a chance to work. One of the greatest benefits of taking psychiatric medication is that it helps to minimize some of the symptoms of mental health conditions so that you can work on the root causes in therapy.
- You’re open to accepting help. It can be frightening to accept help, but it’s often the strongest thing you can do.
- You’re practicing self-compassion as a form of treatment. Self-compassion is a transformative practice that teaches people to treat themselves with the same kindness as they would treat a loved one.
- You’re challenging the mental health stigmas that are still present in our world. By taking mental health medications, you are making a statement to others that there is nothing wrong with taking medication.
Taking mental health medications is not a form of weakness; it is a form of strength. Deciding to take the reins of your treatment and healing is an important part of the recovery journey. Taking the first steps in treatment is an act of bravery, not weakness. We understand that there might be a million reasons not to take the next step in your healing journey. But we also want to remind you that you are worth the steps it takes to live a life with improved mental health.
We are here for you if you are interested in working with us as part of your treatment. Reach out to us today if you are ready to start your healing journey!
References
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3683266/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5244449/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35961039/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10220277/
Keywords: mental health, medication, support, treatment