Ep 22: Psychiatric Medications and You: What You Need to Know.

“Just be ’med-compliant’ and you’ll be okay.” That’s the message that hundreds of thousands of mentally ill people hear every day from society and their treatment teams. The message is simple: as long as you take your medications as prescribed, you’ll be fine, healthy, happy, and symptom free.

But, is that actually how it works? Is something as serious as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia so easily treated that doctors can just dole out pills and *poof* — recovery? If it really is that simple, why are so many people suffering?

The obvious answer is that no, it’s not that simple. In this episode, Gabe talks about the sexual side effects of his medications, Michelle discusses her reasons for initially refusing medications, and both hosts share the good, the bad, and the ugly about being “med-compliant.”

 

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“What does severe mental illness look like?”
– Gabe Howard

 

Highlights From ‘Psychiatric Medication’ Episode

[0:00] We have been nominated for a WEGO Health Award. You can vote at Schizophrenic.NYC/wego

[3:00] Can emotional distress or grief be relieved with medication?

[6:00] How many medications do we take?

[7:50] What to do about medication side effects.

[12:00] What is the most common side effect of medications? (Spoiler Alert: Sex!)

[17:00] Does your life get better right when your start medication?

[19:00] Where can a person turn for support?

[25:00] Accepting medications in your life.

 

Meet Your Bipolar and Schizophrenic Hosts

GABE HOWARD was formally diagnosed with bipolar and anxiety disorders after being committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003. Now in recovery, Gabe is a prominent mental health activist and host of the award-winning Psych Central Show podcast. He is also an award-winning writer and speaker, traveling nationally to share the humorous, yet educational, story of his bipolar life. To work with Gabe, visit gabehoward.com.

 

MICHELLE HAMMER was officially diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 22, but incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 18. Michelle is an award-winning mental health advocate who has been featured in press all over the world. In May 2015, Michelle founded the company Schizophrenic.NYC, a mental health clothing line, with the mission of reducing stigma by starting conversations about mental health. She is a firm believer that confidence can get you anywhere. To work with Michelle, visit Schizophrenic.NYC.

from World of Psychology https://psychcentral.com/blog/ep-22-psychiatric-medications-and-you-what-you-need-to-know/