As a current psychology and future psychiatry student, I have encountered my fair share of individuals who are anti-medication. I very often hear criticisms regarding my career choice. I have heard countless stories of corrupt psychiatrists over medicating individuals for profit and yes, I admit it, there are indeed psychiatrists that prescribe with their wallet in mind instead of the patient’s best interest. In turn, people have stigmatized psychiatric medication. To these individuals, psychiatric medication is simply a source of profit for big drug companies, and they make their distaste of those substances well known.
I was discussing this topic with my sister a few weeks ago after she told me that she was going to see a psychiatrist for the first time in order to treat her diagnosed Bipolar II Disorder. To my horror, she detailed multiple accounts of coming into contact with individuals who are anti-medication and additionally described their ignorance and shame regarding her mental illness (usually through the form of suggestions).
“Have you even tried exercising?”
“You should try meditation! It can work wonders.”
“If you just think positive, it will get better.”
“Try kale! Healthy body, healthy mind!”
Cue me tearing my hair out. This loose grasp on mental illness is doing far more harm than good. Statements such as these are insinuating that ones’ mental illness is something that they can easily change, they just aren’t trying hard enough. This is, in turn, invalidates the severity of their symptoms and denies the existence of an actual mental illness. We use anesthetic when getting cavities filled in order to reduce the pain of the drill, so why would we invalidate the need for antidepressants that reduce the crippling effects of depression?
It is true for neuro-typical individuals that a good jog can lift our spirits, or meditation can put us more at peace. For someone who is suffering, these activities are not enough. A kale smoothie or a good workout every so often will never be a quick fix for a mental illness. This is where psychiatric medication comes into play. I won’t bore you with the actual science behind psychiatric medication. In short, the medication will help balance the levels of neural chemicals called neurotransmitters. When these neurotransmitters are at abnormal levels, we are likely to see mental illness.
Psychiatric medication, while paired with cognitive behavioral therapy, will help reduce the symptoms of mental illness and make the illness seem much more manageable. If someone can handle the symptoms and trials of their mental illness without the use of medication, then that’s excellent! However, every case is unique and requires unique treatment, some of which include psychiatric medication. That is a matter that is to be discussed between the patient and their psychiatrist.
My sister has reached a point in her bipolar disorder where she feels like she cannot manage it on her own anymore, and she has decided that she needs a little help to get it under control. I have friends that probably would not still be on this earth had it not been for their medication. Friends who were a few days away from taking their own life, but thankfully sought help. With the help of proficient therapists and medication, they are absolutely thriving. This is the case with thousands of individuals who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses, and they do not deserve to be shamed for reaching out for help.
Stop telling people to just “meditate away” their mental illness, trust me when I say that they do not need your input.
