Pros And Cons of Psych Pills

There are many people who just don't believe in the existence of mental illness, and don't believe that mental illness is an illness, or that those who have it should "just pull themselves up by their boot straps." Well, that would apply if it were something that simple, but, mental illness does exist and we need to be realistic about treating it.

Prescriptions have side effects

The point of this article is to point out that side effects do occur with prescriptions, and the reality is that this is a physical illness- that pills.....are required to control it or maintain a healthier way of life, (although there are exceptions in which natural medincines and psychotherapy - talk therapy can be used.)

Even though one may be on several medications, his life is not going to be perfect. And once on medications, it's very hard to get off them, therefore you should research these medincines first. In some cases medications are really very necessary.

I do believe that many depressed people today can do well with natural methods, but it's between you and your doctor to make that descision, and the more information you have the better, so I am going to try and give you quite a bit in this article.

Physcial side effects

There are many physical side effects, some of which I've experienced. I've had a lot of weight gain over the years and it seems irreversible or very very hard to lose. I've had other symptoms such as headaches, high cholesterol and acid reflux which is related to the medicines. I now take 3 side effect medicines on top of my psych meds: for high cholesterol, acid reflux, and nadol for the shakiness lithium causes. Also seroquel caused anxiety...there's alot of medicine interactions.

Are these pictures proof that mental illness is physical...like diabetes or cancer?

I believe so. I'm taking 11 pills a day currently, and it's not for no reason. My illness requires medication and limits me in ways, which is what other illnesses do also, don't they? Yes, so mental illness is not imaginary.....

I don't like taking all these pills, of course I don't want to. But at this point I know that I need them. How do I know? They've improved how I feel. Once you start feeling better does not mean you stop taking your pills.......you feel better Because you take them.

If this is what it takes...

then give me all the pills I have to take, to feel better. Bipolar is a chemical imbalance in the brain, a lack of serotonin in the brain that these pills help me with. And no, it doesn't solve everything, not nearly.

Therapy is essential.

Yes, it is. Medication and therapy, they work hand in hand. Therapy is essential. Pills help but you need therapy to address why you're on the medicine; Is it family stress? Is it flashbacks from past abuse? What is it?

You will need to get help often times to get back to school, back to work, back to your life. (It's not the end of the world.) This is where therapy comes in.

A clubhouse is a type of mental health center for people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar, to go to which helps you feel connected to the community by providing support, social activities with other members (like softball games, movies, dinner, plays, bowling etc.) and also helps you find work or go back to school.

The main clubhouse which is the model for clubhouses all over the US and in some other counteries is Fountain House in New York. If you go to their website , you will find a video showing what functions they perform to help the individual.

Clubhouses are a very important part of recovery from mental illness for many many people. You will meet non judgemental people who are caring and kind and see how many smiles are on the faces of members and staff alilke! Fountain House is just one of many, many clubhouses in America!

Tips for you if you are reccommended to be on a psychiatric medication:

• look up the medicine on the internet to find out if it has bad side effects or in the Big PILL book (to the right) 
• be choosy, for there are several medicines to treat one thing now
• be willing to try the medicine if therapy and natural methods haven't worked
• if you try the medicine and you're having bad side effects, tell your doctor "complain" right away and you can avoid those side effects and find a better drug.

• SAMARITANS SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE (212) 673-3000

If you're depressed, seek help through a counselor or therapist in your area.

If your suicidal, by all means, reach out (please!) and call the hotlines above or call 911 or go to your ER room.

If you think you're manic, or hearing voices, or are not sure, go see a doctor (or go to your local ER)

Many people feel uncomfortable about getting help for several reasons:

1) They may feel they are letting their family down. (Your family would rather see you get help than to get worse or hurt yourself or others. Get help!)

2) Embarrassment or Stigma. [Is your life really that unimportant to not get help?]

Resources:

1. Get opinions on medications from all sides, look up on google or youtube: Dr. Peter Breggin- renowned psychiatrist (against medicines)
2. Read books, read articles, read MY other articles!
3. The big book on pills describes the side effects of all prescription pills
4. your local therapist or psychiatrist
5. MDDA- Manic Depressive Depressive Association: is a confidential, peer-run mutual support group for manic depressive or depressed people.
6. NAMI- The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (find ways to make a difference in yours or your loved ones lives)

You may wonder why I talk about medications, and the use and need for them whilst giving you a video on Dr. Peter Breggin who opposes them. My goal is to give you both sides of the equation, so YOU can decide what's right for you. My opinion? I think Dr. Breggin has some valid points.