Key Takeaways
- Psychiatric medication can be an important part of mental health treatment, but some misconceptions may prevent people from getting the care they need.
- Some common myths about mental health medication are that it is addictive, is a sign of weakness, and can change your personality.
- It’s best to get your information about medication and other treatment options from a mental health professional you trust.
For many people, medication is an important part of their mental health treatment plan. But, with so many misconceptions about mental health, you may find yourself wondering whether medication can make your mental health worse.
Even though more people are talking openly about mental health, several myths persist around psychiatric medications. Below, we break down seven common misconceptions and how they may be preventing you or a loved one from getting necessary mental healthcare.
1. Myth: Taking medication is a sign of weakness
If medication is part of your treatment plan, you’re not alone. According to 2020 national data, 20% of adults received mental health treatment in the past 12 months, and 16% of those people took prescription medication for their symptoms.
Despite this, many people fear being judged or shamed for taking medication. If you were taught that taking medication is a sign of weakness, remember that choosing to prioritize your mental health is actually a sign of strength, self-awareness, and commitment to personal growth.
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2. Myth: Medication is a quick fix
Some people view medication as a shortcut or a quick fix for dealing with mental health issues. But anyone struggling with their mental health knows that managing their concerns isn’t as simple as taking a pill.
Psychiatric medication is just one of several tools used to help people address their mental health symptoms and improve their quality of life. In most cases, it actually takes a few weeks — if not months — for medication to effectively manage symptoms. For example, antidepressants typically take four to eight weeks to be effective.
3. Myth: Medication can change your personality
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), people may worry that medication will change their personality or how they feel about themselves. But the truth is, your symptoms can make it hard to enjoy things you once enjoyed. They can also make you anxious or afraid of things to the point that you avoid important experiences. With the right medication, you can reduce your symptoms and begin to feel more like yourself.
As mentioned earlier, finding the right medication can take time. It’s important to work with your psychiatric provider by telling them about improvements in symptoms, symptoms that are still present, side effects, and how you feel on the medication overall.
4. Myth: You’ll become addicted
While it’s understandable to have concerns about addiction — especially if you have experience with unhealthy substance use — psychiatric medications aren’t typically considered addictive.
These medications were created to manage certain mental health symptoms and don’t trigger the same desires and cravings associated with addictive substances like alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine. You may experience temporary withdrawal symptoms after stopping certain medications, but this isn’t the same as addiction.
5. Myth: Medication has too many side effects
Headaches, drowsiness, and sexual dysfunction are just a few of the possible side effects associated with psychiatric medication. But, while most medications have possible side effects, that doesn’t mean you’ll experience all or even any of them.
Medication affects everyone differently, so be sure to bring any concerns to your provider. You may find that you can tolerate certain medications better than others or that adjusting your dosage minimizes your risk of adverse effects.
6. Myth: You can stop taking your medication whenever you want
Another misconception is that you can stop taking your meds whenever you start to feel better. While it’s true that you may not need to be on medication forever, it’s important to discuss your thoughts and concerns with your mental health provider.
Stopping your medication abruptly or without the support of your provider can lead to withdrawal symptoms and additional mental health concerns. While everyone’s situation is unique, most medications have recommendations for how to safely discontinue use. For example, the best practice with antidepressants is to continue use for six to nine months after your symptoms have resolved.
7. Myth: You’ll have to take medication forever
With so many misconceptions around when and how to use medication to manage your mental health, it’s no wonder that some people think you can never stop. While conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia typically benefit from long-term medication management, there are plenty of cases where medication is a short-term solution.
Many people fear that psychiatric medication will change their personalities or identities. However, I find that that fear usually fades once we find the right medication. With time, you’ll start to notice parts of yourself that you haven’t seen in a while starting to come back.
Find care with Rula
When it comes to your mental health, it’s best to get your information from a mental health professional. They’re qualified to listen to your experience, recognize your symptoms, and create a treatment plan — with or without medication — just for you.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
About the author
Alex Bachert
Alex Bachert is a freelance copywriter and mental health advocate. Since earning her masters degree in public health, she has focused her career on creating informative content that empowers people to prioritize their health and well-being. Alex has partnered with organizations like Ro, WellTheory, and Firsthand, and her work has been recognized by the Digital Health Association.
When she’s not writing about mental health, Alex is usually playing pickleball, meeting with her local board of health, or enjoying time with her three kids.
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Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
