Taking medicine can sometimes be viewed as a sign of weakness because of the stigma a lot of people associate with treatment. However, some studies have demonstrated the true value that medication can have for patients with anxiety disorders -amongst other things.
If you struggle with an anxiety disorder yourself, the world probably feels like an insurmountable challenge with no way out. Your resilience will either be low or nonexistent and confronting life’s difficulties head-on may feel impossible.
Experiencing such emotions is definitely overwhelming, and this is where receiving medical prescriptions may come in handy for you. However, the decision doesn’t lie solely in your hands: consult your physician and find the right treatment together!
How do you research the right medication to help you manage your mental health?
With all the different treatment possibilities out there, there seem to be more questions than answers. How do you find the right possibilities for you?
First and foremost, consult with your medical doctor –or psychiatrist- when considering any kind of medication. These are professionals, and psychiatrists are trained to listen deeply to the issues and symptoms you may be experiencing.
With a doctor’s support, you can clearly identify the areas in which you need help -from initiating tasks and focusing, to managing anxiety and/or depression, or sleeping. You’ll be able to determine the right medication(s) for you.
If you decide to take medication, it is incredibly important to track its effects on you. There are several different options for this, such as:
- An app: Medisafe is the best-known app, free to download and used both by medical professionals and pill-takers alike.
- A spreadsheet: you have several options out there, but here’s one from the Free Medical Forms. The spreadsheet will also allow you to go more in depth when tracking your prescription and its effects.
There are several elements you need to stay attentive to when tracking the medication’s effects on you:
- Is this medication having the desired effect?
- What, if any, side effects are you noticing?
- Does it interfere with your sleep or your appetite?
- Does it wear off after a number of hours?
Follow-up with your physician and share your results, the good and the bad alike, especially if you experience any other side effects. This will help your doctor know if the medication is having the desired effect, or if the prescription should be changed in any way.
If you don’t know where to start, contact your doctor! And if you want any support in finding out whether medication might be the right resilience-building tool for you, I am always available for an appointment, booked at barbarlipscomb@gmail.com
How has medication helped you manage your anxiety disorders or any other executive functioning challenge you have? Leave a comment or send me an email! Your story matters to me.
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