A psychiatrist gives the foundational low-down on psych meds.
Daunted by meds? We decode the myths behind them.
Meds and mental health seem to have a complicated relationship for a number of people. Doing mental health check-ins feels empowering—a sign that people are taking care of themselves holistically.
But the moment the psychiatrist takes out the prescription note, there might be a tense atmosphere, followed by a questioning look or even a feeling of dread.
In a time when mental health still gets simplified as “self-care” or stereotyped in certain beliefs, psychiatric medications carry an even bigger weight in people’s minds. Because medication is a sign of a sickness—so what does it mean to be “sick” in terms of mental health?
Radar talks to Dr. Tiffany Dela Cruz, a psychiatrist at Soma Clinica, as she classifies the myths and musts when it comes to psych meds. Here are the top five questions often asked of psychiatrists and what she has to say in response. But at the end of the day, take note that discussion with your psychiatrist will go a long way to determining your specific needs.
1. Do I need meds?
This will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may offer you medication for faster relief of your symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may also teach you skills on how to handle your symptoms in other ways. However, in absolute cases, such as the occurrence of suicidal thoughts and aggression to self and others, medication can be necessary to manage and ensure your safety, first and foremost.
2. Will I get addicted to meds if I take them?
Most medications that psychiatrists prescribe are non-addictive. They are there to manage the symptoms and ensure your daily functioning goes back to your baseline. There are, however, some conditions that require highly regulated medications to offer relief. These medications tend to be addictive and are prescribed with prudence.
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3. Is something wrong with me if I take meds?
It just means you’re a human who gets sick just like everyone else. Think of it as having colds—when you have colds, you take medicine, and then you get better. There’s nothing wrong with that. Medicine is there to make us feel better so we can get back to our regular way of living.
4. If I start taking meds, does it mean I will have to take them forever?
Not necessarily. Some people are prescribed meds so they can function appropriately. Some are recommended to complement medication with psychotherapy to further improve their experience. There are some who have to take medication as maintenance; one of the possible reasons for this being that the chronicity of their symptoms was never addressed, which may have caused permanent alterations to their functioning.
There are also those who need medication because they have to remain in a very stressful situation. Stopping medication can cause a relapse, which we always try to avoid.
The good thing about combined treatments, like medications and psychotherapy, is that they tend to work more effectively in easing symptoms and bringing you back to your typical functioning. If you have noticed you no longer experience a symptom for a year or so, make sure you let your doctor know, so you can discuss the next steps, particularly for the removal of medications.
Navigating mental wellness often involves understanding how medications interact with lifestyle, underscoring the importance of transparent discussions with your doctor.
5. What are the common side effects I have to expect with psych meds?
Side effects usually appear either at the start of medications or during adjustments. If you cannot tolerate these side effects, tell your doctor so the two of you can collaborate.
For example, most people feel sleepy with their medications, and some people don’t like this. While this side effect is neither a good thing nor a bad thing—and it depends on the patient’s tolerance—I personally think that this is a good thing. Most people have difficulty initiating their sleep when their minds are filled with anxieties, bad memories, and self-reproaches, so this medicine-induced sleepiness can be a good way to restart one’s overall functioning, including sleep. Again, this is just something I personally prefer. It will still depend on the client’s own needs and day-to-day functioning.
