Is it normal that i don't want to medicate myself?

61% Normal
8 Comments

I am not going to go into excruciating detail as to the nature of my emotional instability, but it involves mild anxiety, mild depression, mood swings (seasonally and hormonally influenced, in part) and the late stages of PTSD recovery.

None of this is debilitating, as I am rather used to it and have dealt with worse (teenage years are interesting for those with wonky brains, to say the least). I would likely be a somewhat more productive individual if I were medicated in some fashion (a GP would likely prescribe me an SSRI of some kind from what I've discerned), but I have an overwhelming fear of being on a prescription mood-altering drug. I no longer engage in self-medicating (marijuana use) or self-destructive (self-injurious) behaviour and am currently attending university in a program I enjoy (albeit 6 years later than most others).

Am I simply stubborn or is there anyone else out there that agrees with the reluctance to be medicated unless absolutely necessary?

Voting Results
61% Normal
Based on 28 votes (17 yes)
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Comments ( 8 )
  • theceilingfan
    12 years ago

    I've been on s-citalopram (cipralex) for 5 months now. It was the best decision I've ever made. I have no discernible side effects and can now actually think straight during my exams (amongst many other favorable things). :)

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  • Dingo88
    12 years ago

    I'm all for medication if it is absolutely neccesary. I choose to remain in medicated because I feel that it covers the problem rather than letting menlearn to cope. I say if you can cope without it then by all means don't take it.

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  • theceilingfan
    13 years ago

    I know no one will read this but for the sake of tying up loose ends I will reply here. My GP said that she would prescribe a low dose of effexor (surprise, surprise) and I then stated I have an aversion to SSRIs when not absolutely necessary and I was shocked when she actually agreed with my sentiment. She suggested yoga. LOL :)

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  • monkyyy
    13 years ago

    i was medicated as a child (i happen to currently hate any doctor who would recommend it)

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  • theceilingfan
    13 years ago

    The reason I haven't gone for counselling, to date, (it's been warranted for a long time) is due to anxiety. I have to man-up (ha!) and force myself to go to the dentist and doctor (which I do, obviously, regularly) because I detest being examined. I dislike it when people I'm not completely comfortable even just look at me for too long! The idea of my behaviour being examined scares me a lot more.

    I suppose that in itself is a good enough reason to go, yet I've "put this off" since I was 13 and knew that I was notquiteright.

    Agh.

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    • oDaZzYi
      13 years ago

      Why are you afraid of taking medicine? I'm against taking medicine myself, until absolutely necessary. I had a close encounter with some pills a few years back, that collapsed my lungs and I nearly died. But if you get to why your afraid, then maybe you would be able to go get help at the doctors?

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  • [Old Memory]
    13 years ago

    I'm on medication but that's simply because it works for me. I think trying counselling and seeing what your psychiatrist/counsellor thinks is the best course of action is the best advice I can give you.

    As a note, I tried coming off my meds and immediately started feeling volatile and emotional after a week, so it really does depend on the individual.

    Good luck :)

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  • nanimeow
    13 years ago

    I'm against medicine unless you really need it. There are so many side effects. Have you just tried counseling?

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