How do you handle talk about meds?
 

Just got a new med today... feel like it's necessary, and while I am not for everyone being on pills, and I don't think it's right for all, I do think that for me there is a biological/chemical reason to my diagnoses. It's not like I take many pills (never more than 2 at a time), but today at a play, there was a line mocking taking meds for things like depression. It broke my heart...

How do you deal with people being opposed to meds, or mocking them? ("Morning happy pill", "pill for all problems" or whatever people say.)

It depends on the situation. If it's somebody I know quite well who says it, I would correct them. I know quite a lot about how each class of drug works (the basics anyway)

In a situation like that.. honestly it's always going to be frustrating and upsetting. The best way to deal with those feelings is probably to call a friend who understands about psych meds and knows you take them, or come on RYL and just rant and rave. That way you know you're not alone.

I'm sorry you had to deal with that. It would have upset me too *hugs*

I know what you mean.. people often refer to antidepressants as "happy pills" sort of thing, when they just stop the feelings being as raw, if you like.

i agree with morrigan, dont let peoples misconceptions bother you xxxx

I call my meds happy pills. I don't find it offensive, and if someone asks I find that it's kind of a jokey way to approach a kind of uncomfortable subject.

Like people are saying, as long as they help you, why does it matter what others think?

Speaking just for myself, calling them 'happy pills' in a genuinely joke-y way is one thing. I don't mind that at all. People speaking about psychiatric medications in a derogatory way, as if people should not be on them, like somehow they know it all and psychiatry is just an evil corporate machine bothers me. Not in of itself so much, but because it's part of the overall stigma and prejudice surrounding psychiatric conditions. Which is an upsetting thing to me.

It's all very well to say "why do you care?" but humans are social animals and we have a psychological need to 'belong'. When we feel rejected, ridiculed, or excluded from society, that can hurt. Obviously you can learn to have some control over your emotions, but it's easier said than done.

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