Medicated

TheGiantPanda · 09-02-2012, 07:49 PM

Is it wrong to want to be just medicated to help you cope, rather than actually tackle the underlying issues? I'm more than happy to take tablets for the rest of my life to get me through stuff, am i weird for thinking like that? I know a lot of people would rather be on none, but i really ain't fussed. Am i alone?

Steel Maiden · 09-02-2012, 07:55 PM

No, it's not weird. I find that my olanzapine not only helps with my psychosis, but it also helps with my anxiety related to Asperger's. Although I am getting support for both conditions, I find that olanzapine helps me more than trying to find the underlying meaning.

TheGiantPanda · 09-02-2012, 07:58 PM

Thanks (((hugs))) i'm also on olanzapine, been on it since 2008 to control mood swings, although recently my moods have taken a big nose dive so i've got to go back to the doctor tomorrow. I did what she recommended but i still feel pretty low. Glad i'm not alone.

MrsNutkin · 10-02-2012, 12:13 AM

No not weird. I take the view that if it helps and the side effects aren't too bad then go for it.

Tig · 10-02-2012, 12:42 AM

It's certainly not weird and you aren't alone. For me, part of me would be happy to just keep taking the medication rather than dealing with the underlying issues but for me because the medication doesn't totally help, I guess it just feels like a band-aid so I know I still have to tackle the underlying issues. Still there are some days where I am more likely to take PRN medication than try certain coping skills etc.

Duck · 10-02-2012, 01:00 AM

Several years of psychology left me coping well, but still depressed. Then I found venlafaxine, and wasn't depressed any more. I never want to stop venlafaxine, if they stop making it I will hijack a lorry full or something.
I think for some of us the underlying issue is just wonky brain chemistry.

Steel Maiden · 10-02-2012, 07:47 AM

See it this way. Physical health illnesses have underlying reasons (for example hyperthyroidism could be due to an autoimmune condition), but people still take meds for their physical conditions because it helps them function, or even, it helps them stay alive.

I don't see how it should be any different for mental health conditions - we often need meds to keep up functioning. In fact, olanzapine literally saved my life (I was suicidal due to delusions).

Sigma · 10-02-2012, 09:48 AM

Me too, although I have also seen numerous therapists/counsellors etc over the past 20 years without meds, and only in the past year found any meds that helped.

But anyway, living life in itself can help to deal with some of the issues - I am far more confident and self-accepting now because of a successful career and studies (which have also given me structure and distraction). I still have problems with relationships, but have far more solid and supportive relationships now than ever, and am able to be more open with them.

So if you're feeling well & getting on with your life then go for it.