Tag: Mental illness

Doctor’s Insights: Navigating Life With Bipolar Disorder By Dr Antti Rintanen MD Of The Internet Doctor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Emily Underworld: Unsplash)

Living with bipolar disorder can often feel like your emotions are swinging between two extremes. The highs (mania) can be energising but risky, and the lows (depression) can be draining and isolating. As a doctor, I’ve worked with many patients who face this condition—and I’ve seen firsthand how the right tools, treatments, and habits can lead to a more stable and fulfilling life.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. These mood shifts can affect how a person thinks, feels, and acts. It’s more than just having a bad day or being in a good mood—it can seriously impact relationships, work, and daily functioning.

According to the World Health Organisation, bipolar disorder is one of the top causes of disability for people between 15 and 44 years old.

Medications: The Backbone of Treatment

Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to help manage their symptoms. Lithium, for example, has been used for decades and is one of the most reliable treatments to prevent manic episodes and reduce the risk of suicide. Other options include other mood stabilisers and certain antipsychotic medications.

It’s really important to stick with your medication plan. Stopping suddenly—even if you feel better—can cause serious setbacks. Never adjust or stop medications without medical supervision—even if you’re feeling better, as this significantly increases the risk of relapse, especially into mania. If you have side effects, don’t stop on your own—talk to your doctor about switching or adjusting your dose.

How Therapy Helps

Therapy can help you understand your thoughts, manage emotions, and build better habits. One helpful option is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It teaches people to recognise unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones. CBT is especially useful for managing depression and maintaining stability between episodes, though it is less effective during manic phases.

Another type of therapy, called Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), focuses on keeping your daily schedule steady—especially your sleep and social routines. Why does this matter? Because disruptions to your daily rhythm can trigger mood episodes.

Family-focused therapy also makes a big difference. When your loved ones understand your condition and know how to respond, you’re more likely to stay on track. If you face trauma around your condition, then EMDR therapy can also help with any PTSD or anxiety symptoms.

These therapies don’t replace medication, but they add valuable tools for coping, improving communication, and building resilience.

Everyday Habits That Make a Difference

Beyond medication and therapy, lifestyle habits have a huge effect on mood. Here are a few evidence-based strategies:

  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time helps stabilize your mood.

  • Get moving. Exercise—even walking—has been shown to lift mood and reduce stress.

  • Eat well. Omega-3 fats (like those found in fish or flaxseed) may support brain health. While the evidence is mixed, some studies suggest they could help support mood as part of a healthy diet.

  • Manage stress. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, or journaling can help you stay grounded.

  • Avoid alcohol and drugs. These can interfere with treatment and trigger episodes.

It’s worth remembering that lifestyle changes work best alongside—not in place of—medication and therapy. These small, daily actions help support long-term stability and overall well-being.

Pay Attention to Early Warning Signs

Everyone’s symptoms are different, but common early signs of mania include less need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive decisions. Signs of depression may include feeling hopeless, withdrawing from others, or sleeping too much.

Keeping a mood diary or using an app can help track how you’re doing. You might also ask a trusted friend or family member to gently point out changes you might not notice.

Build a Strong Support System

Having a support system—whether friends, family, or a support group—makes a real difference. Research shows that people with strong social support tend to manage bipolar disorder better and have fewer hospitalisations.

It also helps when your loved ones are informed and involved. When people understand what you’re going through, it’s easier for them to support you in ways that actually help.

Final Thoughts

Living with bipolar disorder isn’t easy, but it’s manageable. With the right treatment, daily routines, emotional awareness, and a good support network, it’s absolutely possible to live a meaningful and empowered life.

You are more than your diagnosis. And there are tools—backed by science—that can help you thrive.

About the Author

Dr. Antti Rintanen is a licensed physician from Finland and founder of The Internet Doctor, where he shares reliable, accessible health advice. He writes about both physical and mental well-being with a focus on evidence-based care.

Top 10 UK Mental Health Blog 2025 By Vuelio This Mental Health Awareness Week!

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 4 Comments

(image: Vuelio)

Thank you so much to Christina and all at Vuelio for listing Be Ur Own Light as a Top 10 UK Mental Health blog for the 8th year running! This is an important accolade to us and this year we have moved up a place to Number 6!

It is an honour to be listed amongst so many fantastic bloggers and organisations who work so hard to bring important mental health content, you can see the full list here . Well done to everyone.

As we approach our 10th blogging year next year, this continues to be so important for us-to educate and battle stigma about all things mental health. Thank you again Vuelio!

Love,

Eleanor x

Social Anxiety: Find What Makes You Feel Alive. by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: yourhappyplaceblog)

For those of you who have read my blogs or book, you will know that I have lived with mental health issues since I was young (diagnosed with bipolar at 16, depression and anxiety at 15 and lots of anxiety as a younger child).

My bipolar is medicated so that my brain functions fairly ‘typically’ ie i don’t get mania or severe depression, but I do get bad anxiety and milder depression.

What started as a teen to protect me from harm, became a full fledged panic disorder and social anxiety. Hiding away became my way to protect myself from the world, from people’s negative judgements, from life.

Even now at 36, I navigate a lot of the same anxious thoughts, behaviours and feelings. I don’t often share this part of my life anymore but I feel it is essential.

Yesterday, after having a particularly bad patch with anxiety where I cancelled many arrangements, stayed inside a lot etc, I spoke to my wonderful therapist because I needed to unpack what was going on for me.

In the course of the discussion about the different issues going on for me that could be causing the social anxiety/agoraphobia element I realised this key truth.

I have built metaphorical walls around myself in many parts of my life (my body, my friendships, my relationships in general), to keep myself safe from trauma I have faced. Part of that comes out as social anxiety as a protection mechanism and there’s time when that worsens. And times when its better.

But what I did realise is this.

I would like to feel properly alive and start taking down some of the walls, so I can live. Sometimes, the walls keep me safe and cosy. Sometimes they are not serving me anymore. I also want to boost my self esteem so that I stop retreating and hiding, or if it happens as it will, to find a way to work with it. I have had EMDR before so it may be returning to that for a while to unpick the knots!

I am very much a work in progress and so, I know I will always live with some level of anxiety. It is about how I learn to live well despite life’s challenges.

Do you find you put up walls or have social anxiety too?

I am sharing because it is therapeutic but I was even anxious sharing this as its so personal.

Love,

Eleanor x

9th Blog Anniversary of Be Ur Own Light!

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Ginger Ray)

Whenever 1st March rolls around, I feel a tremendous sense of pride but also – how has it been so many years since I started blogging on WordPress about my mental health?

Be Ur Own Light Blog started on 1st March 2016 after I had had to leave a face to face job because I was having panic attacks and couldn’t get in to work. I saw blogging as a form of therapy.. and in truth, I was only originally sharing with friends and family because I felt really alone with it. That eventually snowballed into me writing for Rethink Mental Illness and then in the national media, speaking at a few in-person events and recording podcasts. It was also an honour to be included in several books including ‘The Book of Hope’ by Jonny Benjamin MBE and Britt Pfluger, talking about life with bipolar.

There’s times I still feel alone with my health but I also have so much support and understanding from family and friends and readers here too, which helps a great deal.

I just want to thank everyone we have collaborated with in the past year (sponsored or not)- brands, charities, businesses, individuals making a difference in the mental health world. Thank you for writing blogs for Be Ur Own Light and our personal mission of taking a sledgehammer to the stigma of mental illness (or trying to!).

Thank you also to everyone who has promoted or bought my books, especially my recent kids book ‘Arabella and the Worry Cloud’. I am so proud of ‘Bring me to Light’ too and hope sharing my story continues to help people.

If you’ve been following this journey for 9 years (or longer)- thank YOU for being here for the ride and continuing to read, support and show up.

It has been harder for me in the past 2 years to authentically share everything about my mental health and other health things on here but one day I hope that our journey can inspire others. I live in remission from Bipolar due to my medications holding me and I never forget daily how lucky I am to have access to mental health medications (due to living in the UK) and an excellent therapist, plus support from family.

Going forward, I will still be blogging but I am hoping that the sequel to Arabella and the Worry Cloud will manifest soon. I have written it, I just need the funds to secure everything! Shout out to my friend and illustrator Shelley. I hope also that Arabella will continue to reach more children and find it’s way to all who need its message.

Thank you all of you for enabling me to blog and write and hopefully help people with bipolar, depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks etc. Thank you to every person who has read a blog, bought a book, shared an article, commissioned me in the press to write an article on mental health or current affairs and to all who have or continue to believe in me- including my amazing husband and family. and of course G-d who is behind everything.

Love and gratitude,

Ellie x

Why I Wrote Arabella And The Worry Cloud, A Little Girl With Anxiety On Thoughts of Life And Love Blog (with Mandy Kloppers)

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Shelley the Artist/ E Segall)

Exciting times! Thank you so much to my fellow mental health blogger Mandy Kloppers at Thoughts of Life and Love blog for hosting my blog on why I wrote Arabella and the Worry Cloud– to help children with anxiety. I know Shelley illustrated it for the same reason. I had so many worries as a child and young adult- I definitely had my own Worry Cloud!

When I was a little girl and well into my teen years and beyond, I had a lot of anxieties. As a self-confessed empath and worrier, I could feel when something was wrong. This led to separation anxiety with symptoms including nausea at school. Children who have anxiety need to feel safe, settled and above all, heard by parents/carers and the adults in their life at school.

I wrote my first children’s picture book, Arabella and the Worry Cloud, in 2019 and published it last year. It is based on me as a young 7-year-old girl who had a lot of anxiety. In the book, Arabella worries about her socks not fitting on her feet, losing her shoes in a muddy puddle, the rain soaking her and cold freezing her toes, the rainbow in the sky losing its colour, her cat Pickles getting lost, the plants in the garden dying, losing her homework, failing a test and being blown away by the wind. These worries are partly represented by a Worry Cloud that comes down to see her from the sky and threatens to rain on her with all her worries.

Eventually, Arabella realises that if she thinks jolly, happy, sunny thoughts in place of the worries, she can push the Worry Cloud away with the joyous light beams of positive thinking. Arabella unlocks happy memories with her family, visualising wonderful times with them and it gives her confidence to face the Worry Cloud head on, so it can go away and leave her in peace.

So many children will have their own version of the Worry Cloud.

(image: Shelley the Artist/ E Segall)

Read the full blog here about how my experiences informed me writing Arabella and how it can help you:

https://thoughtsonlifeandlove.com/why-i-wrote…/95242/

Arabella and the Worry Cloud is out now on Amazon, for 4-8 year olds.

National UK Inquiry Reveals 19% Increase In Suicide for People Living With Bipolar- With Bipolar UK

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Michelle Henderson: Unsplash)

Trigger warning: discusses suicide

The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH) released its Annual Report for 2025 last week, revealing that over the past decade, nearly 20% more individuals with bipolar disorder are dying by suicide due to shortcomings in the UK’s mental health system.

According to national charity Bipolar UK, the report provides stark evidence that specialist care is lacking, Lithium (an important mood stabiliser medication) is under-prescribed and suicide prevention measures are falling short.

The report highlights that from 2012 to 2022, there were 1,491 suicides by patients with bipolar, with an alarming 19% increase from 2019 to 2022. Despite Lithium being a clinically proven suicide prevention treatment for people with bipolar, only 39% of those who died were prescribed it and just 12% were receiving psychological therapy​.

This data echoes the findings and lived experience of Professor Tania Gergel, Head of Research at Bipolar UK, in her recent article in The Lancet Psychiatry where she said: “Globally, 15-20% of people with bipolar disorder die by suicide, with 30-60% making at least one attempt. These rates are not decreasing despite an overall decline in global suicide rates.”

According to the Nuffield Trust, there is set to be a £4.8 billion unfunded shortfall in the NHS England revenue budget for 2024/25, raising the prospect that without further funding, service cuts may be inevitable.

With bipolar increasing an individual’s risk of suicide by 20 times that of the general population, Bipolar UK is urging the government to commit to addressing health waiting lists and to invest money in creating a dedicated care pathway for bipolar to reduce suicide rates.

Simon Kitchen, CEO of Bipolar UK, said: “This report is devastating but not surprising. We’ve been shouting from the rooftops that people with bipolar aren’t getting the care they need and now the data lays it bare.

“Bipolar carries one of the highest suicide risks of any mental illness, yet specialist services are practically non-existent, and Lithium – the gold-standard treatment for suicide prevention – is underused. The time for excuses is over. We need real action, and we need it now.”

The charity has heard from its community of people living with the condition, who are concerned that they are unable to access psychiatrists, have little to no continuity of care and are not being monitored adequately when at high risk. There is also a lack of bipolar specialists in the UK, leading to people not receiving a correct diagnosis or waiting too long to receive one – all of which add to the risk of suicide.

Professor Gergel said: “Neither bipolar disorder nor suicide in people with bipolar disorder are research priorities, resulting in major knowledge gaps in both. This can and must change. The shocking statistics might well underestimate the prevalence of suicide in people with bipolar disorder, given the probability of death by suicide before treatment or accurate diagnosis.”

Adding to that, Simon Kitchen said: “Suicide prevention in bipolar requires a shift in both research priorities and clinical practice. We know lithium saves lives, but it is still under-prescribed. We know specialist care works, but most services are generic and fail to meet the specific needs of people with bipolar. Bipolar suicide is not inevitable, but without urgent action, people will continue to die.”

(image of Prof Gergel, Bipolar UK)

The NCISH report also revealed broader systemic failures contributing to preventable deaths. Alarmingly, patients with bipolar were more likely to:

  • Die within three months of being discharged from inpatient care, highlighting dangerous gaps in post-discharge support​.
  • Miss vital clinical appointments, often due to social isolation or side effects from medication, with 15% identified as non-adherent before their deaths​.
  • Experience extreme distress without access to psychological therapies, with only 12% receiving talking therapies​.

With more than a million people living with bipolar in the UK, the figures from this latest inquiry represent lives lost and has led Bipolar UK to call for urgent action, including implementing:

  1. Specialist bipolar services in every NHS region to ensure timely diagnosis, access to evidence-based treatments and care tailored to the complexities of the condition.
  2. Increased lithium prescribing, in line with NICE guidelines, ensuring every person with bipolar who could benefit from it is given the opportunity.
  3. Enhanced suicide prevention measures, including better follow-up after hospital discharge and targeted support for those who miss appointments or struggle with medication adherence.

Simon Kitchen concluded: “We need all UK health authorities and departments of health across the nation to act now because lives depend on it. The evidence is undeniable, the solutions are clear, and the cost of inaction is catastrophic. Specialist care, Lithium, and targeted suicide prevention measures can and will save lives.

“Bipolar suicide is a national emergency, and the upcoming 10-Year Plan is the critical opportunity to turn the tide. Bipolar-specific services are not optional; they are a lifeline.

“The government and NHS must act now, before more lives are lost to preventable tragedy. It is time to get it right.”

(image: Simon Kitchen, CEO, Bipolar UK)

For more information about suicidal thinking and bipolar, visit: Bipolar and suicide prevention

About Bipolar UK   

Bipolar UK is the only national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by bipolar. Bipolar UK provides a range of services, including information and advice, a network of support groups, an eCommunity, workplace training and telephone and email peer support. Bipolar UK also works in partnership with research organisations and campaigns for change to tackle critical issues. For more information, visit www.bipolaruk.org 

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week with Place2Be: Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 3 Comments

(image: Place2Be)

Did you know 1 in 5 children face mental health challenges? Let’s make a difference together this #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek by taking part and donating to Place2be if you can.

The theme of this year’s week is ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’, which is about encouraging children and young people across the UK to embrace self-awareness and explore what it means for them.

This year Place2be is partnering with Here4You, supported by the Walt Disney company and the Inside Out 2 characters to explore the theme.

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression as a 15 year old, and had anxiety from a young age. I was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 16 and in a CAMHS unit in hospital in 2004. We know these days that more children are struggling, which is why awareness weeks like this are so important.

Through my kids book, Arabella and the Worry Cloud, I try to help children with their own anxiety to help them process their feelings with a trusted adult.

Check out: https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/ for more information and how you and your family/school can get involved with Childrens Mental Health Awareness Week.

Jami Mental Health Shabbat 2025 by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Jami charity)

This weekend is the Jami Mental Health Shabbat 2025. This is an initiative very close to my heart as I was a volunteer with this project from its inception in 2017-2018, helping to get the shabbat into communities. The Shabbat grew from an idea to be more open about mental health across Jewish communities in the UK, with Rabbi Daniel Epstein at the healm (and the brilliant team at Jami), to a nationwide yearly initiative in synagogues, schools and homes. It raises awareness of mental illness and distress, encouraging conversations and breaking down the stigma in our communities by placing this discussion at the heart of them, through lived experience and Rabbis speaking about it in their pulpit.

The Shabbat has other initiatives including hosting a shabbat meal and asking guests to donate to Jami instead of a gift, a toolkit with resources to use, Challah makes and an open mic night on Sunday 3rd at the Head Room Cafe for the whole community.

As Jami say, “Jami Mental Health Shabbat coincides with Parashat Bo. On this Shabbat we read about the plague of darkness, which can be likened to the experiences of many living with mental illness and distress. The parasha also talks about how the Israelites, full of hope, could see through the darkness into the light. This special Shabbat is an opportunity for us to encourage conversations on mental health, raise awareness of mental illness and distress and share ideas on how to support ourselves and others within our community. “

Over the years, my Dad and I have given our talk about our lived experience of bipolar for this shabbat and in communities to hundreds of people including Bushey United and Chigwell United Synagogues, Belsize Square Synagogue and Edgware Yeshurun Synagogue. We also have spoken at Limmud Conference in Birmingham to share our story and had a question and answer session. This wasn’t easy for me with my anxiety as you can imagine!

This year, for personal reasons we are taking a break from speaking our mental health story, but we both support this shabbat and amazing charity. You can also read our story in my book ‘Bring me to Light: Embracing my Bipolar and Social Anxiety’

If you’d like to take part in the shabbat this year, please go to www.jamiuk.org/jmhs .

Let’s keep raising awareness of mental illness and distress and shine our light to the world. No one should ever feel alone in their community due to mental ill health.

Love,

Eleanor

Transforming Bedrooms Into Anxiety-Reducing Spaces For Kids by Amy Jones

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Kenny Eliason: Unsplash)

There is nothing more heartbreaking than to see your child suffering. What’s more, when their mind is playing tricks on them, and they’re experiencing spells of anxiety, it can leave you feeling helpless as the parent/carer. While you may be doing all the right things such as taking them to therapy and encouraging them to talk about their feelings, sometimes their environment can play a huge role in their emotions. Children spend a lot of their time in their bedrooms, especially when they’re feeling anxious about the outside world. Transforming their bedroom into an anxiety-reducing space could be the key to allowing them an environment to disconnect from ruminating thoughts completely.

Be sure to listen to what your children want for their bedrooms before taking the design into your own hands. If they believe a Minecraft bedroom will make them feel happy and give them a sense of security in their space, listen! Otherwise, consider the following tips for designing your bedroom into an anxiety-reducing space. 

Colour schemes 

Starting with the room’s backdrop, consider painting your child’s room a colour that inflicts a sense of calmness and serenity. There are a number of colours that are proven to create this mood, for example, cool colours such as blue, green and lavender grey are known to create a relaxing feel. Also, pastel shades of favourites such as pink and green are perfect for creating a sense of tranquillity. 

Connections to nature 

Nature has shown to have immense benefits for reducing anxiety, from going for walks to playing in the park, if your child is struggling to face the great outdoors, consider bringing it to them. For example, add touches of greenery in the space. There can be faux versions of vines winding round their bed, or perhaps give them real plants to take care of and give them a greater sense of purpose. If your child has been begging for an animal, why not start small and get them a fish? It has been proven that watching fish swim back and forth can relax the mind and ease muscle tension.

Blue LED lighting 

Lighting can be a hard element of the bedroom to influence. If your child’s bedroom is currently brightly lit with fluorescent light this may not be helping their state of mind. Blue light therapy has been raved for its ability to influence mood and the body’s biological clock. Dimming their bedroom lighting with blue lighting may support their night of rest. Several sensory light appliances can create this experience, in addition to adding texture to the projection that mimics ocean waves. 

Create “safe spots”

Sometimes, your child just wants to be alone, and that’s okay. Creating a safe space away from the world can be simple with the addition of a children’s teepee, or if your child has a bunk bed with underspace, make this area more private with curtains. Fill this space with comfy seating, pillows, and games for your child to play. It can be tempting to buy them an Xbox or PlayStation to enjoy in their bedroom, but this can worsen your child’s anxiety and keep their mind active when it’s time for rest. Keep technology away from their bedroom, and keep it comforting and quiet. 

Keep schooling separate 

Another mistake parents make with their child’s bedroom is adding a desk for them to complete school work. When your child is suffering from anxiety, school can often inflict feelings of discomfort or remind them of unpleasant experiences. Allow your child to do their school work downstairs where you can support them and be there for them. Allocated places for different activities can help them feel a sense of security. Reserve the bedroom for sleep. Having a small table and chair for your child to do artwork can act as a place to explore their creativity. 

Encourage rest & relaxation

Encouraging relaxation is essential when transforming your child’s bedroom into an anxiety-reducing space. This involves creating an atmosphere that promotes comfort and signals to your child that their room is a sanctuary for winding down and recharging. Start by investing in high-quality, soft bedding and cosy blankets that make your bed an inviting haven. Add plush pillows or weighted blankets, which are known to provide a sense of security and calmness.

(image: Pexels: Vika Glitter)

An anxiety-reducing space

Transforming your child’s bedroom into an anxiety-reducing space can have a profound impact on their emotional wellbeing. By focusing on calming colours, natural elements, thoughtful lighting, and creating safe and comforting zones, you’re helping to create a sanctuary where they can decompress and feel at ease. Remember, every child is unique, so it’s important to involve them in the process and tailor the space to their individual needs and preferences.

Small changes in their environment can make a big difference in their ability to manage anxiety and feel secure. While this is just one piece of the puzzle, pairing it with emotional support, therapy, and open communication can empower your child to navigate their emotions with greater resilience. A cosy, peaceful bedroom can become their haven—a place to relax, recharge, and truly feel at home.

Author Bio

Amy Jones is a freelance writer and enjoys writing a range of topics, from mental wellness to home renovation and loves researching the latest news and updates. Having worked with a number of different businesses, including Petite Lumeire, Amy is now a freelance writer looking to specialise in children’s mental and physical wellness.

7 Important Facts About Depression Medication You Can’t Ignore.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Anthony Tran, Unsplash)

Explore 7 essential facts about depression medication, including types, benefits, side effects, and tips for safe use to support mental health.

Mental health issues like depression are on the rise globally. Medication can be very powerful for many to cope with symptoms, complicated feelings and chemical imbalances. The medication for depression helps even out chemicals in the brain so the symptoms of sadness, low energy, trouble concentrating, etc., lessen, but knowing how these medications work, what they can do for you, and what side effects they may have can make the trip a little easier. This guide covers seven key facts about depression medication to help you or a loved one make informed decisions for a healthier, happier life.

1. Types of Depression Medication and How They Work

Different types of depression medications work differently within the brain. The most common types of antidepressants include SSRIs, SNRIs, and atypical antidepressants. SSRIs are drugs that help increase serotonin, a chemical that affects your mood. Because they have fewer side effects than older medications, these are typically the first choice for treating depression.

SNRIs work similarly but affect two chemicals in the brain rather than one, and this may help some people respond better. Some other choices may have atypical antidepressants or tricyclics that work with different parts of the brain and are considered when other medications haven’t been effective. Everyone’s body and brain chemistry is different, so finding the best medication for you can take time.

2. Depression Medication is Often Part of a Larger Treatment Plan

Medication alone can assist, but it’s often most effective when combined with other forms of treatment. Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), helps people understand and manage their thoughts and behaviors. Many doctors suggest combining therapy with medication for better results.

Depression also needs to be managed with lifestyle changes. Many people have seen their moods and energy increase by eating healthy, exercising, and getting the right amount of sleep. A mental health professional can help create a holistic treatment plan so you can address symptoms and acquire skills to overcome day-to-day hurdles.

3. Medication Takes Time to Show Results

The most important thing to know about depression medication is that it doesn’t work overnight. Most medications take about 4 to 6 weeks to have an effect. When someone is ready to be relieved, patience can be hard.

Your doctor may ask you to report any positive or negative changes during this time. Your doctor can use tracking how you feel to make any needed adjustments to the medication. It is also important to take the medication on a consistent basis because missing doses can slow or prevent effectiveness. If the changes feel slow, stick with the treatment, and you can get better, lasting results.

(image: Christina Craft: Unsplash)

4. Possible Side Effects of Depression Medication

Depression medication can be very effective, but it has some side effects. Nausea, fatigue, headaches, and sometimes weight changes are common. The effects of these medications vary from person to person and from medication type to medication type and often diminish over time as the body adjusts.

You must talk to your doctor if side effects are overwhelming or don’t improve. Your doctor may change your dose or have you switch to a different medication. Although most people say that the benefits of medication outweigh the initial discomfort of side effects, monitoring your experience and communicating with your doctor will help ensure a positive one.

5. Stopping Medication Requires a Doctor’s Guidance

It’s not recommended to stop depression medication abruptly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as dizziness, headaches, and bad mood. Your doctor can instead help you taper off slowly, giving your body time to adjust. The method for doing this is called “tapering,” where the amount of the drug slowly decreases over time to try and avoid withdrawal.

Some people may feel better and think they don’t need their medication anymore. If you are thinking about stopping, talk with your doctor first. They can help you decide when is the right time and lead you through a safe process. Never stop the medication without a doctor’s advice; otherwise, you risk your progress.

6. Medication Can Be Safe for Long-Term Use with Monitoring

For others, depression medication is a short-term tool to use during difficult times. For others, ongoing symptoms require long-term medication. These medications have been used safely by many people for years under a doctor’s guidance. Regular check ins with your healthcare provider will ensure the medication is still working and that any side effects are being watched.

The doctors may also check for blood pressure or weight to ensure no other side effects in the long run. Depression medication can be a safe and influential part of long-term care if it is properly monitored and can help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

7. Depression Medication Isn’t a Cure but Can Support Recovery

Medication helps manage symptoms of depression, but it doesn’t ‘cure’ depression. Depression is often a condition that needs to be watched. Medication may help, but they work best combined with other strategies.

Working with a therapist, staying active, and connecting to supportive people are all very important for recovery. A complete, balanced approach will lead to better mental health, which in turn will decrease the chances of a relapse. This is just one part of the puzzle, alongside other medications that can help someone feel stable and work towards a healthier future.

Conclusion

Depression medication can be a helpful tool for managing symptoms and improving one’s daily life, but it’s important to know how the drugs work their magic, as well as their limitations. Knowing these seven key facts will help people make informed decisions and feel more comfortable using medication for their recovery. If medication is needed for a few months or some years, working closely with a medical provider will ensure medication is used safely and appropriately.

If you or a loved one is seeking help for depression and addiction treatment and you are in the USA, contact Virtue Recovery Las Vegas at 725-777-5685 for guidance on treatment options. Our team is here to support you on your journey to wellness.

This blog was written by a freelance writer and contains paid links.