According to ScientificAmerican.com, adults in the U.S. consumed four times the amount of antidepressants in the late 2000s compared to the amount consumed in the late 1990s. Researchers estimate that 8 to 10 percent of the population is taking some kind of antidepressant, whether it’s used to treat depression, anxiety, OCD, or ADHD, just to name a few.

I should disclose a little information about myself. I’ve used some kind of SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor), or the most common antidepressants, since 9^th grade of high school. No, I’ve never been diagnosed as clinically depressed. I have, however, struggled with severe anxiety for the better portion of my 20 years. Surprisingly, I’ve only been on three different antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications over the course of seven years, which is low for most people. Although the number of antidepressants I’ve been on during my short life has been a slim number, I will admit, they really do help. And I’ve had a hard time beating back the guilt that comes with taking a small pill every morning with breakfast.

Antidepressants have helped me significantly in my battle with anxiety. And you know what? I know dozens of college students and adults just like me who also believe in their medications. I’ve tried several times to go without any kind of medication. I mean, I drink tea, use as many natural products as possible, avoid caffeine now and enjoy yoga and adult coloring. I advocated for “natural” remedies until I realized that isn’t for everyone. And unfortunately, there was no amount of stress relief tea or yoga in the world that could battle my anxiety. However, there’s something to be said for antidepressants and how they can improve what is quite literally a chemical imbalance in your brain.

Depression and anxiety are not “made up.” They are very, very real. And I know this because my anxiety has recently gotten so intense that I understand the depressed, lonely, terrified, exhausted feeling that comes along with working with a mental disorder. Anxiety and depression are unforgiving, arduous, and take a hell of a lot of work, commitment, time, patience and compassion for oneself.

I’ve continuously seen articles from various websites that say we shouldn’t “rely” on antidepressants. For those of you saying antidepressants are an “excuse,” give it up. That’s like saying people who take cold medicines are weak. Those who suffer from anxiety and depression are not weak. In fact, some of the strongest and most incredible human beings I’ve ever known struggle with anxiety or depression in some form. If they need to take an antidepressant to maintain a sense of normalcy so they can get through each day, sometimes even an hour, so be it. Leave them be.

To those of you who are like myself and feel occasional guilt for having to take a small pill because you need to be able to get through your day and what you need to do, it’s okay. It is okay to have to take an antidepressant. It is not okay to beat yourself up for not being like everyone else. Each and every person on this planet is different. Just like how sometimes people with anxiety who don’t use medication feel that tea works just as well, or Nerve Tonic, or yoga, or whatever. You have to find what routine works for you. And if that includes taking fifteen seconds to open a pill bottle each morning with breakfast, so be it.

Anxiety and depression do not define you. They were just the cards you were dealt. So do what you need to do, and know that other people out there understand and know exactly how you feel.