By Corey O’Connell

The use of medication to help with mental health symptoms is more common than you may think.  Every year about 20% of adults receive some form of treatment for a mental health issue. In the same year about 15% use medication to help address these issues. The use of medications and reasons to use medications vary from person to person.  For some people, medication can be a valuable and even necessary tool in treating mental health issues. In this blog post, we will discuss when medication for mental health issues are appropriate.

Chronic Mental Health Issues

Not every mental health issue is the same.  Some are caused by temporary life changes that will resolve without the need for medication.  Others are caused by chronic conditions that are stable over long periods of life.  Chronic mental health issues are caused by brain abnormalities or injuries. Conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, some mood disorders, and forms of ADHD require medication as part of treatment. These conditions can be incredibly challenging and dramatically decrease the quality of life if not adequately treated. In such cases, medication, working together with talk therapy gives a person the best possible outcome.

Severe Symptoms

Some people experience severe symptoms even if the causes of the symptoms are temporary. If you have severe symptoms like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, drastic mood swings, or dramatic changes in your sleeping habits, medication may be the first treatment option. These types of symptoms need to be addressed quickly and effectively. Medication can help reduce these symptoms, leaving you feeling less overwhelmed, and allowing a person to manage better while building a relationship with a therapist.

Daily Functioning

Another time to consider medication is if your day-to-day functioning is being impaired.  When you are experiencing difficulties concentrating at school or work, you are sleeping through large portions of the day, or are too afraid to leave the house, then you may want to consider medication as part of your treatment plan. For example, if you have anxiety, taking medication can help you rest better, focus on your work, and improve your productivity.  Lower anxiety will lead to less stress and increased abilities to make positive changes. 

Other treatment has not worked

It can also be helpful to explore medication when you have been trying non-medication treatments but have not experienced a decrease in your symptoms.  Sometimes, people initially try counseling or meeting with their pastor to help with their problems.  Support groups or seeking help from friends and family are often first tried before considering medication.  Other forms of treatment such as neurofeedback, TMS, or supplements are frequently tried by people seeking relief from their symptoms. When these options have been tried but have not been effective, medication can be an excellent option to explore.

It is your choice 

The decision to take medication for a mental health issue is solely the patient's decision. Often people are unsure about taking medication for their symptoms. It is good to remember that talking with a healthcare provider is simply that.  You are having a conversation with a professional to find out more information.  A mental health provider can only prescribe medication and make recommendations based on their professional experience. They cannot demand or make you take medication.  Ultimately it is up to you to decide whether to take the medication or not. Having an honest conversation with your doctor about your symptoms will help you make the best decision for yourself.

Medication and faith

Some people express concerns about taking medication for mental health issues.  They state they do not want to become dependent on medication or have fears that their personality will change.  They often believe they “should” be able to change on their own without medication.  When you are not able to change with the resources you have, it is good to seek out advice from mental health professionals. This way they can help you explore your treatment options.   When used correctly, medication will decrease symptoms and increase your functioning.  Like bumpers on a bowling lane, medication helps you stay on a healing path without falling to the gutter.  This will lower your stress levels and allow you to engage in your healing process.  Many people find that once their symptoms are managed they are able to work on their problems and eventually decrease or stop using medication.

Other related readings:

Identifying and Changing Negative Thought Patterns After Trauma

Understanding and Coping With Painful Trauma Nightmares and Flashbacks

Coping with the Numb, Disconnected, and Detached Feelings Caused by Trauma

Overcoming the Fear and Avoidance of Trauma Triggers with Therapy

INTERESTED IN GETTING STARTED WITH A THERAPIST IN TAMPA, FL?

Our therapists can help you in treating chronic mental health issues, severe symptoms, and daily functioning from our North Tampa, FL office located in the Northdale neighborhood or from our South Tampa, FL office. To have a conversation with a professional to find out more information about managing your symptoms, follow these simple steps: 

Contact Christian Counseling of Tampa or call us at 813-254-3200

Schedule to meet with one of our counselors at our North or South office.

Start learning to manage your symptoms.

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH CHRISTIAN COUNSELING OF TAMPA 

Our Tampa, FL-based therapy practice offers a wide range of services to meet your specific needs.

We understand the many ways your mental health may be impacted in life. As a result, our team is happy to also offer play therapy, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, counseling for teens and young adults, and therapy for depression. We use a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, EFT, grief therapy, and more! Feel free to learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today.