This week we have explored my personal journey that lead to my taking medication for depression and anxiety and contemplated some stereotypes associated with using medication to control your mood...
Now, let me answer the questions from Thursday...
1. Is how you are handling your current situation working for you?
Past: No, trying to ignore that there was a problem was not working...
Present: Currently the dosages of my medication are regulated and where they should be..I have a doctor that I can go to see if I start to feel unbalanced...
2. Are you scared to tell people the truth of what you are thinking?
Past: Yes, I was TERRIFIED to tell people the truth...I thought I was irreparably broken and that there was no hope for 'normal'...
Present: Nope, not even a little bit...you see, I have taken the time and done the hard work in finding out who God created me to be...I am no more afraid to carry the label of depression than artist...because it makes me, me...and without it, I wouldn't be as fabulous as I am today...
3. Does your family have a history of depression/other mental disorders?
Past: Yes, my father was depressed for most of my life...he also had an addictive personality (which is another topic for another blog post)...while I know of no one in my family history having an official diagnosis of a mental health condition, I am certain they are there...I am proud to be the first to call it out, name it, and own it...
Present: Same answer as above...
4. What are the stereotypes in your head regarding taking medication?
Past: I don't think I ever really had any negative stereotypes in my head relating to taking medication...I am of the opinion that if you can take something that makes your quality of life better, and help you contribute to your life...then you should take it...
Present: NONE, no stereotypes...
5. What is stopping you from considering medication as an option?.
Past: Not having a clear idea of where to get help and not knowing if I would be able to afford the medication is something that stopped me from pursuing getting help...
Present: Nothing is stopping me...I do fear because I do not currently have insurance and am on unemployment that affording my medication will become difficult...
Did you learn anything about your feelings regarding taking medication for mental health problems? It is probably one of those things that you don't know you have an opinion about until you have to really think about it...if you think you are ready to explore if medication might be an option for you these are the next steps...
#1. Go to see a counselor...if you feel comfortable asking friends and family for recommendations that is the best way to go...from experience I can attest to the number of counselors out there that are sub-par...do not be afraid to go to two or three until you find the right fit for you...this can be frustrating and disappointing, but don't let it stop you from finding help...have an initial session...talk to them honestly about your struggles, symptoms, and ask their opinion regarding medication...
#2. Your counselor will recommend you to a psychiatrist who is essentially a counselor who has been to A LOT more school and is qualified to prescribe and monitor medication...
#3. Continue going to counseling in conjunction with taking the medication...for the first little bit you will consult with your psychiatrist every three months and then move to once every six months to ensure effectiveness...
The series of posts this week are by no means the WHOLE story when it comes to medicating mental health concerns...this is simply my experience...
Carelessly
April
1. Is how you are handling your current situation working for you?
Past: No, trying to ignore that there was a problem was not working...
Present: Currently the dosages of my medication are regulated and where they should be..I have a doctor that I can go to see if I start to feel unbalanced...
2. Are you scared to tell people the truth of what you are thinking?
Past: Yes, I was TERRIFIED to tell people the truth...I thought I was irreparably broken and that there was no hope for 'normal'...
Present: Nope, not even a little bit...you see, I have taken the time and done the hard work in finding out who God created me to be...I am no more afraid to carry the label of depression than artist...because it makes me, me...and without it, I wouldn't be as fabulous as I am today...
3. Does your family have a history of depression/other mental disorders?
Past: Yes, my father was depressed for most of my life...he also had an addictive personality (which is another topic for another blog post)...while I know of no one in my family history having an official diagnosis of a mental health condition, I am certain they are there...I am proud to be the first to call it out, name it, and own it...
Present: Same answer as above...
4. What are the stereotypes in your head regarding taking medication?
Past: I don't think I ever really had any negative stereotypes in my head relating to taking medication...I am of the opinion that if you can take something that makes your quality of life better, and help you contribute to your life...then you should take it...
Present: NONE, no stereotypes...
5. What is stopping you from considering medication as an option?.
Past: Not having a clear idea of where to get help and not knowing if I would be able to afford the medication is something that stopped me from pursuing getting help...
Present: Nothing is stopping me...I do fear because I do not currently have insurance and am on unemployment that affording my medication will become difficult...
Did you learn anything about your feelings regarding taking medication for mental health problems? It is probably one of those things that you don't know you have an opinion about until you have to really think about it...if you think you are ready to explore if medication might be an option for you these are the next steps...
#1. Go to see a counselor...if you feel comfortable asking friends and family for recommendations that is the best way to go...from experience I can attest to the number of counselors out there that are sub-par...do not be afraid to go to two or three until you find the right fit for you...this can be frustrating and disappointing, but don't let it stop you from finding help...have an initial session...talk to them honestly about your struggles, symptoms, and ask their opinion regarding medication...
#2. Your counselor will recommend you to a psychiatrist who is essentially a counselor who has been to A LOT more school and is qualified to prescribe and monitor medication...
#3. Continue going to counseling in conjunction with taking the medication...for the first little bit you will consult with your psychiatrist every three months and then move to once every six months to ensure effectiveness...
The series of posts this week are by no means the WHOLE story when it comes to medicating mental health concerns...this is simply my experience...
Carelessly
April
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