23/05/2025
Myths About Psychiatric Medication
Mental health is gradually becoming a topic of open discussion in our current society. Yet, when it comes to mental health issues and psychiatric medication, many individuals still hold fear, doubt, and stigma. Most of the time they come up with questions like “is taking medicine a must?” “Is there any other way without meds?” “Will it make me addicted?” or “Can't I just manage this on my own?” This is common among individuals that are struggling with emotional difficulties.
As a counselling psychologist, I often meet individuals and parents who are open to therapy but reluctant to even talk about medication. Even though therapy is a powerful tool for many mental health issues, in certain cases, medication is not only beneficial and helpful it is essential and it’s a must.
People hold beliefs such as, “Therapy is enough- I don’t need medication”. Although it’s true for some situations such as mild to moderate mental health issues, severe mental health conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder, some anxiety disorders and psychosis may require medication. Therapy may provide extra support for speed recovery for the people who are experiencing such severe issues.
Choosing medication is not a sign of a failure. It helps the biological part of the issue and makes the individual get more from therapy too. Just as you can't do physiotherapy with a broken leg without putting it in a cast first, it is impossible to do deep emotional work when your brain is in crisis.
Psychiatric medications are carefully prescribed by well qualified professionals and their effects are closely monitored by them. Most medications such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants are not addictive and sometimes it may be short-term. The goal of the medication is to restore balance and clarity, not to change your personality or dull your emotions. Research shows that a combination of medication and psychotherapy often offers better long -term outcomes for conditions such as depression than either one alone. Medication helps reduce overwhelming symptoms, while therapy helps addressing underlying issues, traumas, and behaviors.
There is no common solution for the people who are struggling with mental health issues as it’s a personal journey. Some people need long-term medication while some need it temporarily. Some people recover without medication. However, you should be wise enough to find what works best for you with the guidance of a qualified mental health care professional who cares about your well-being.
As a counselling psychologist, I want to emphasize that mental health issues are real just as physical health issues and seeking for treatment is not a weakness. Medication, therapy, lifestyle changes and social support are all tools in the journey of your healing.
Arosha Dasanayaka
Counselling psychologist
