Mental health providers don’t usually recommend medications right away.
Utilizing any therapeutic approach, clinicians aim to support a person as a whole - not just label a diagnosis or address specific mental health needs. They consider other factors that are just as essential to reach homeostasis, including physical, emotional and social aspects.
However, when traditional talk therapy isn’t showing much progress after months of work, it may be time to consider medication. Sometimes we can benefit from additional support, and medication can be just that.
Is there a stigma against mental health?
Is there a stigma against mental health medications?
You decide.
Mental illness is as diagnosable as diabetes.
Someone diagnosed with diabetes would supplement with the necessary insulin that their body requires to maintain a healthy balance.
Someone diagnosed with depression or anxiety can also supplement their bodies with the necessary neurotransmitters to maintain this same healthy balance.
FAQs:
Who can write me a prescription?
A psychiatrist has the most experience with mental health and can work with you in assessing your symptoms and needs, but you can also talk to a general or nurse practitioner about prescription medication. You would want to check in with them every few weeks/months to ensure you’re on the right track with dosage.
How long will I have to take medication?
That would be decided between you and your prescribing physician, but a therapist can definitely keep an eye on dosage and side effects during your counseling sessions.
Will it work right away?
Medications can sometimes take a few days, weeks, or months to fully adjust to your body. Everyone has a different timeline - consistency is key when incorporating something new.
Will I experience side effects?
Again, everyone is different, and some may experience discomfort as they are adjusting. Checking in with your prescriber about these side effects is important in regard to adjusting the type of meds and dosage.
Research shows that combining medication with talk therapy leads to a better overall prognosis. Schedule a consultation with a therapist today if you feel like medication may be beneficial for you - you can explore this idea together!
Get To Know The Author:
CRYSTAL HINOJOSA
Crystal is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC - A) and former graduate of St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas with a Master of Arts in Counseling. Prior to this, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Psychology, completed a teaching Alternative Certification Program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and worked as a teacher for seven years. Her formal training and experience have prepared her as a therapist to counsel families, children, adolescents, parents, individuals, couples, and groups.
Her belief lies in openness and transparency as a key to developing a therapeutic relationship. Her mission is to help others in finding their own unique ways of leading productive and fulfilling lives. As a Rio Grande Valley native, she also offers therapy in Spanish and Spanglish.
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This website is not a substitution for mental health counseling. If you are in an emergency please contact:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine
800-950-NAMI (6264)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine offers information about mental health conditions, helping family members get treatment, and referrals to support groups, psychologists, and psychiatric hospitals. Available Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. EST.