Something I have started disclosing to people is the fact that I take anti-depressants. There have been a few reactions to this:
“Only a low dose though, right?”
“Hopefully you get off them soon then”
“Do you do [insert random holistic activity] as well? That helped me”
“Why don’t you try….”
“What do you take?”
“How much are you on?”
“They just make you feel worse”
The reaction I do like though is:
“cool, well done for seeking help.”
I take 200mg of sertraline daily to help both my anxiety and depression. It started off as a low dose at 50mg from my GP, then 100mg, then 150mg as we were trying to figure out how much and what I needed. But we both started to realise I needed higher doses above 150mg or a different medication. My GP referred me to a psychiatrist to ensure we get the combination and doses right. The psychiatrist increased my dose to 200mg and was only to return if it didn’t help or I needed more support. I must say I respect a GP who acknowledges it’s not their area of expertise and refers patients to the specialty. It makes me feel much safer taking antidepressants.
It’s really interesting having a deeper understanding of the side effects of antidepressants. From speaking to friends and colleagues through to patients who are struggling and not wanting to take their medications. I am able to have a much more frank conversation about why it’s important and some strategies to deal with the side effects.
I do find it heart breaking that people still don’t feel comfortable or safe talking about their mental health anti-depressants. What can we do about it though?
Listen to those with loved experience without judgement.
For me, I struggled to come to terms with the fact I needed to see a psychiatrist. It felt like I was genuinely ‘crazy’ and was now beyond help. I wasn’t sure if I was going to tell people I was seeing a psychiatrist or taking medication for my mental health. I tried to focus on the fact that it was like seeing any other specialist. I have seen a respiratory specialist for my asthma and take medication for it so why should this feel any different?
But it is different because of the stigma and lack of acceptance for people with mental health issues. When telling my friends and family the reaction to me seeing a psychiatrist was varied. The responses varied from interesting looks to asking whether i meant I was seeing a psychologist. I must be properly ‘crazy’ if i need to see a psychiatrist, right? Well NO.
I am proud of myself for taking the next step to ensure I can stay healthy for my family. I wouldn’t be able to provide for my family nor would I be a supportive husband or father if my mental health remained where it was or declined. Everyone should be proud of seeking help and escalating that help where required. I know I will most likely be on anti-depressants for my entire life but if I need them, so be it. The most important thing for me is my family and functioning properly for them.
A funny example of me functioning was at work last week. I was pulling out these one liners in response to other peoples comments. Someone piped up saying i was ‘on fire tonight’. My reply was “that’s because i remembered to take my medication the past 2 days’ and an awkward laugh ensued. It was true though, I am functioning much better in social situations now that my medication is working and it’s a nice feeling. I still burn out with too much socialising but it’s nice to laugh with people again.
To sum it all up, one of the best things we can do for anyone with mental health conditions is to simply listen. Listen without prejudice or judgment. Listen without providing unsolicited advice. Actively listen to the person. Make the person feel heard. So for me, while i have my support network as well as taking medication, I am good. I am one very lucky individual to have that support network both at work and at home and hope i can be part of others support network where needed.
