Fighting Mental Health Medication Stigma

Now, more than ever, people are becoming appropriately medicated for their mental health conditions. Mental illness is becoming less taboo, with celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Lady Gaga, and John Hamm speaking openly about their struggles. These days, there is such a wide range of different medications, making the process easier for those who need them. This being said, there is still a stigma surrounding people who turn to medication to treat their mental illnesses.

A lot of stigma surrounding mental health medication comes from the belief mental illness aren’t real illnesses.

So often, sufferers are told to “cheer up,” which is, of course, completely useless advice. This can lead to a sense that mental health medication is unnecessary, and those who take it might feel as though it’s a sign of weakness or defeat.

The side effects they live with every day can make them feel as though they’re fighting a losing battle.

It can be tough accepting medication. It brings to light the reality of your mental health, and looking at it critically is hard. The important thing to remember is the medication is there to aid you in your recovery. It is not there to remind you that you’re sick, or that there’s something wrong with you. It’s there to help you in your journey to health.

If you were to break your leg, you wouldn’t hesitate to use painkillers. If you have a chest infection, you would take a dose of antibiotics.

Your brain needs care just like any other part of you–just because you can’t physically see the damage, it doesn’t make it any less important.

Medication is all part of the healing process.

If you’re passionate about the fight against mental illness medication stigma, check out the hashtag #MedicatedAndMighty on Twitter and Instagram. There you will find some amazing stories and advice from people who are on medication for their mental health, and you will know you’re not alone in your journey.

In at least 22 mental health studies, the results have shown embarrassment and stigma are the #1 reason people stop taking their medication and struggle to get the necessary treatment.

In the United States alone, more than 65 million people are on some form of mental health medication–that’s about one in five. These numbers show us straight away treatment is necessary, it is important, and more needs to be done in the fight against stigma.

Embrace your medication. Appreciate everything it does for you.

Make the routine of taking it enjoyable (or at least slightly less inconvenient) by making a big cup of tea to have it with.

Look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I am strong, and this medication makes me stronger.”

Taking medication to treat your illness does not, in any way, shape, or form, equate to weakness or inability to cope.

Instead, it shows you have shown bravery in choosing to fearlessly tackle your condition head-on.

You are not any less of a warrior when you’re on medication.

Also, please make sure you always consult with a professional before adding or changing any medication.

Holly

Holly is a writer, a dancer, a dreamer and an explorer from Tasmania, Australia. She's currently working full-time at a bookstore and blogs at Ramblings of a Fake Redhead. Holly is hoping to open up a shop in the near future, fulfilling her dream of being a small business owner, where she can provide customers with caffeine, cake and creativity. Holly is very passionate about providing advice and support to those living with mental illnesses and works alongside her local council in her city's Youth Advisory Group to provide assistance to those who need it.