Medication

When we’re ill we seek medication to lessen our symptoms. The same can apply to mental illness. Sometimes medication can help us cope when we’re lacking emotional regulation. Our feelings are valid and deserve acknowledgment and when our feelings are difficult to manage, medication can help. Maintain your integrity, be mindful of how medications make you feel and advocate for your betterment.

For around 12 consistent years I took pharmaceutical medications in an effort to manage my symptoms with mental illness. I developed a habitual use of klonopin for my anxiety until one day, stumbling after travels (and taking 6mg), I realized my abuse of the drug. This is a scenario that many using pharmaceutical drugs may face, especially with quick acting options that feel like immediate relief. Stay aware.

The historical issue I’ve had with pharmaceutical medications are the number of varying pills I found myself being prescribed. My concern being liver damage in exchange for feeling like a zombie. To me this was a lose-lose scenario, I want to feel my emotions—maybe turned down from an 8 to 4 some days, sure. When I found relief with cannabis, I began leaning on it for symptom relief and eventually stopped taking psychiatric prescription medications all together.

For the most part, I can manage my symptoms with cannabis. If I’m feeling low I can use a sativa to pep me up or if I’m too energetic I can use an indica to calm me down. This does require my awareness and willpower to day in day out symptom manage. It’s effective, of course it becomes part of my routine to feel that shifted mood when needed. I notice the times when I didn’t ‘need’ relief too—my habitual use. None of these options make the struggles vanish, they’re bandages.

There are certain physical and psychological ailments that are best aided by prescription medications. It is vital that the doctors and the patient remain aware of what needs exist and how medications are effecting you. Developing a rapport does take time and asking for the support you need transparently will help them help you. No one knows what’s going on inside of us unless we speak up. If you do not feel comfortable with your provider, find someone else until you do feel comfortable.

It is not only ok, it is highly recommended that you get comfortable with self-advocation. We all know what we need in our core, sometimes you have to look a bit deeper to find the roots and that’s where talk therapy can help. If you cannot find or afford therapy, a friend who is willing to listen with compassion and care for your vulnerability. Identify the root cause of your struggle and bring that to the doctor for assistance. Always honor your needs.

Be well, sweet souls. 💛

If you identify with the neurodivergent community, would appreciate an adult space with a focus on support and betterment, I’d like to invite you to check out my discord server! Where shame, blame and devaluation are discouraged while compassion and personal growth are encouraged. The server is designated mature (18+) and minors are promptly removed. Multiple categories allow Members to decide what sort of content they’d like to see from the server using selections in the #about-you channel after joining. You’re invited!