Is Medication Right for Me?

Do I really need medication? What if it makes me feel worse? How do I start medication? What if people judge me? I can't tell you if medication is right for you or prescribe it (that's out of my scope of practice as a psychotherapist) but I can help demystify what it's like for the many people I have known personally and professionally who have decided to give prescription medication a try.

When Medication Might Be Worth Considering

If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks and it represents a change from prior functioning, it might be worth considering seeking medicine:

• Difficulty getting through the day, sleeping, or eating

• Not feeling like yourself anymore

• Intrusive or unwanted thoughts

• Panic attacks

• Difficulty going out or leaving the house

• Nightmares

• Depressed mood or loss of interest in life

• Difficulty concentrating or being present in your daily life

• Hyper-vigilance or feeling on edge

• Obsessive thoughts, rumination, or worry spirals

Professionals like a therapist or doctor can help guide and inform you about potential treatment options. A good professional would never shame you for bringing it up or expressing interest in the topic. Many people also find it helpful to talk to a friend or family member, if possible, for support. You might be surprised to learn that someone you know has benefited from medications.

Important Note: The idea is not to replace therapy or healing work with medication but to make such work possible without the presence of debilitating mental health symptoms getting in the way. When they're working, medications help you feel more, not less, like yourself.

How People Start Medication

To start medications, you must first become a patient of a prescribing physician. Though we therapists often work with clients on medications and consult with their prescribing physicians, counselors and psychologists cannot prescribe medications. Medical doctors such as psychiatrists, primary care physicians, pediatricians, neurologists, OB-GYN's, and psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe medications to patients under their care.

How Do I Become a Patient?

• Locate the doctor you would like to see. Read reviews. Ask for referrals.

• Ask if they are accepting new patients and about payment, as necessary.

• Call or go online and make a new patient appointment to establish care.

• Select the time and date of your appointment.

• Complete new patient intake documents ahead of time.

• At the appointment, you will have the opportunity to share what's bringing you in.

• Many people find it helpful to bring a list, in case they get nervous or their mind goes blank.

Note: Taking this step can feel heavy, given the sensitive nature of what is bringing you in. Especially if you have not had a positive experience with a doctor. Consider asking someone to sit with you while you reach out, accompany you on the day of, or check in with you after.

What Happens Next

The prescribing physician will need to decide on a diagnosis to give to insurance to cover the cost of any medication provided. This is something that is routine and done every day in our health care system, though it can feel like a big deal. Any questions and concerns can be discussed. Your medical record is kept confidential. The prescription will be sent to a pharmacy of your choosing. Many are available for pickup later that same day. Your provider will advise you about starting the medication and, likely, request a followup appointment in a few weeks to see how it's going.

Note: It can take time (weeks) for certain medications to start working. It's possible you will encounter side effects that make a certain medication undesirable for you. You can discuss all of this with your provider as you figure out what works for you together.

Some Common Conditions Modern Medicine Can Treat

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Major Depressive Disorder

• Post Traumatic StressDisorder

• Social Anxiety Disorder

• Panic Disorder

You Are In Charge

Only you can decide if starting or changing medication is something you want to try. Just like only you know what it feels like to be you. Providers are there to support you, through sharing information and helping you make the most informed decision possible. But, deciding whether or not to try medication is deeply personal. And, as private as you want to to be. You don't owe anyone an explanation, either way. And, there is no singular path when it comes to finding what's right for you to help you feel more like yourself. There is only trial and error, one step at a time.