The Stigma Surrounding Antidepressants

I was always under the assumption that medication meant weakness, that it only masked the issues as opposed to dealing with them, but I now realise that I was wrong, so very, very wrong.

I cannot lie and say that it has been an easy ride, because it hasn’t. I have experienced the majority of all side- effects known to man, as both my doctor and my psychiatrist have struggled to find the right combination and the correct dosage. It is because of this that I have tried at least twelve different medications, SSRIs, SNRIs, Beta Blockers, and Antipsychotics. When I first started working with my psychiatrist he produced a list of medications for me to try, and by the time he left I had tried them all, and then some. 

So this is why I get really miffed off when people judge others for being on medication for their mental health. I have been told by certain people that my medication has made me worse, that I ‘wouldn’t be like I am today’ had I not started taking them. Do you really believe that if they were doing me more harm than good my doctor and psychiatrist would allow for me to continue? The same psychiatrist who refused to have me sectioned as he believed that it would make me worse? I was advised to take them, so I did, and now people are telling me to stop – It’s a catch 22.

My answer is this; with or without the medication I would still be the person that I am today, because, for seven very long years, I have been at war with my mind, and I am exhausted. Maybe the medication has saved my life, maybe I would have taken a more lethal overdose or cut deeper – who knows.

I spent years demonising medication and, for once, I am not against it. Maybe it isn’t for me, but I’m determined to continue trying, partly so I can say that I have tried everything suggested to help in my recovery.

So, if you or a loved one have had to turn to medication, don’t be hard on yourself or on them. It can be difficult to accept that you need to try, and a challenge in itself to endure any potential side-effects. You will never know until you try, though.