When is it Time for Medication?

First, it is important to have an understanding about what psychiatric medication is, who it is appropriate for, and how it might help. Then you can consider your own individual needs, and decide if you would like to move forward with psychiatric medication with a trained clinician.

Psychiatric medication is a class of medications that are used to help treat mental health symptoms. There are various types of medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, sleeping medications, and anti-anxiety medications which can be prescribed by a clinical professional based on the assessment of symptoms and individual needs of the patient. If medication is determined to be helpful in treating the presenting symptoms, the medical prescriber would prescribe a mental health medication to address presenting symptoms, and meet with the patient ongoingly for medication management until it is determined no longer necessary.

Some patients may choose to address mental health symptoms in other ways before electing to take medications. Others may have more severe or persistent symptoms, where it is most helpful to get on medication sooner rather than later to stabilize and develop coping skills. Regardless, there are many factors to consider when determining if medication could be helpful to you.

First: Consider your lifestyle and factors that may be contributing negatively to mental health. Our lifestyle choices influence the way we feel and live, and making adjustments can have a positive impact on our overall well being. Things to consider would be:

• Sleep - Sleep is a restorative process that helps prepare our brain and body to function throughout the When we don't get adequate sleep it can have a major impact on how we think and cope.
• Diet - Our bodies need proper nourishment to function Getting enough food, as well as the right foods is an important factor to consider.
• Social Support - Having friends, family, a partner, or even a solid hobby can often provide a safety net of support and a network to connect to for
• Living Environment - Having a safe, secure, and consistent place to stay are essential for mental Even the cleanliness of our living spaces can have an impact on how we feel.
• Stress Management - Having coping skills to manage stress is necessary for Take an inventory of your life and how you have handled stress in the past. Consider what has been helpful before, and what skills might be helpful to incorporate in the future.

Then: Once you have considered lifestyle factors, it could be helpful to meet with a mental health professional for an assessment of your symptoms and concerns. This is an opportunity for you to share in more detail about what you are experiencing, and hear about potential options to help you feel better. During this assessment, it will be determined if medication is necessary and could be helpful to you. Other options outside of psychiatric medication may include talk therapy, TMS Therapy, or any other referrals to target your concerns.

Finally: If medication is suggested after meeting with a mental health professional, work collaboratively to get your questions answered and weigh any potential pros and cons. Remember, medication management is a collaborative process between you and your prescriber. You should feel fully informed and on board with any steps you take with your healthcare. If things change throughout the course of your treatment, share your experience and advocate for what you need.

Psychiatric medication has helped millions of people cope with, manage, and find remission with their mental health symptoms. For those who have made lifestyle adjustments and tried other treatment options such as talk therapy without the expected results, medication may be the next best step. Although psychiatric medications can be life changing for some, they are not for everyone. Some psychiatric medications can be addictive to the patient, so it is important to consider your individual circumstances and needs, and to consult with a medical professional before adding, or making changes to medication. If you are someone you know is struggling with mental health, we encourage you to take inventory of your lifestyle and meet with a trained professional to get the support you need.

Call, visit our website or stop by our mental health office in Plymouth to learn more about meeting with a psychiatric provider!

763-559-1640

www.plymouthpsychgroup.com 9655 Schmidt Lake Road, Suite 150

Plymouth, MN 55442