Minisode 5 | May 17, 2022
Therapy, Medication or Both?
In our fifth minisode in a series about accessing and normalizing therapy, we break down the need for therapy, medication, or a mix of the two.
INTRO
Welcome to “That’s a Hard No” – the podcast about saying no and setting boundaries so you can become the authentic and empowered you that this world needs.
Reminder: While Sarah is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, this podcast is in no way a replacement for one-on-one therapy with a mental health professional. If you are struggling with mental health issues, we welcome you on this journey, but also invite you to seek out professional help.
Looking for a therapist? Here’s a good place to start: psychologytoday.com
SHOW NOTES
In season 2 of That’s a Hard No, we’re making it a priority to dig deeper into the process of finding and utilizing the mental health support you may need. We’re taking some time to discuss with our “in-house expert,” Sarah Saunders, what to expect from therapy and all of its intricacies.
What to think about when considering medication for your mental health
- Who is Prescribing – If you are contemplating medication, a psychiatrist or primary care physician can prescribe a multitude of medications to support your mental health.
- Remember it is a red flag if a practitioner knows very little about you and your symptoms but are still quick to write a script
- What are Common Side Effects – It is important to know what to expect when taking a new form of any medication but for those meant to support your best mental status it becomes increasingly critical to listen to and know your body. Sometimes these medications may have the opposite expected effect and other times changes are very small but should be noticed.
- Pills Don’t Teach Skills – Though medication can be extremely valuable and helpful, they don’t teach skills for coping. Your care providers (PCP, Psychiatrist, Therapist) should take on a team approach to help support you in the changes happening due to new medications.
- Shop Around Perspective – Similarly to finding the right therapist, remember medications and their doses aren’t one size fits all. Try to keep an open mind to find the right fit for your needs.
- Long Term Planning – Be sure to have a plan. Is this a medication you need in a time of crisis? To get on track to better function for additional difficult work in therapy? Do you feel the need to remain on this medication for a significant amount of time? Though it may not stay in place and you find you need medication longer than previously believed, have an understanding of your short or long term usage.
- Outside Efforts – Remember: Mental health is affected by lots of different factors. Medication is an option. Therapy is an option. They can also be utilized together and in conjunction with exercise, healthy eating, breath work and more.
Credits and Thanks
- Many thanks to our friends and families (our “villagers”) for listening, and for your continued support.
- That’s a Hard No is a joint production of Clever Girl Marketing and Purposeful Growth & Wellness.
- Marketing and Production Coordinator, Maura Del Rosario.
- Production Support, Evergreen Podcasts, Noah Foutz, Producer.
- Music: “Whiskey for Lunch” by GG Rigs.