Mental health care is experiencing the same polarization as most important topics in our country today. If you or your child have been recently diagnosed with or are ready to address anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health issues, you may be very confused by the conflicting information that is circulating.
You may wonder whether you can manage symptoms with exercise, reduced screen time, increased time spent outdoors and socializing, and cutting out processed foods. Conversely, could a pill be the magic bullet that reduces or eliminates symptoms?
Unfortunately, doctors can be too quick to prescribe medication to higher-functioning patients without considering other treatments as a first line of defense. It has been said that MD stands for ‘More Drugs.’ Traditional physicians and psychiatrists also tend to overlook the importance of therapy, whether as a stand-alone treatment or adjunct to medication.
Here are situations in which holding off on medication can be a safe choice:
- You or your loved one are generally able to function well, including grooming, socializing, starting and completing tasks and assignments, school or work attendence, and getting good sleep and nutrition.
- You or your loved one are motivated to change behaviors that may promote or increase mental health symptoms.
- You or your loved one are not at risk of harming yourself or others.
- You or your loved one are working with a trained therapist who can monitor your progress or notice a decline in functioning, and will quickly intervene to make sure you get the right treatment and level of care.
Here are indications that medication management may be helpful or crucial to your well-being or that of your child:
- You or your loved one are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.
- You or your loved one are not able to maintain adequate functioning in your daily life.
- You or your loved one experience delusions or hallucinations.
- You or your loved one have tried to manage mental health symptoms through diet, exercise, supplements, and integrative treatments, without success.
Managing your family’s mental health is a personal decision, best made with input from trusted medical professionals and with the support of a therapist.