Understanding Fear of Taking Psychiatric Medications

Psychiatric medications can be a vital part of your mental health treatment. Medications can help to treat symptoms and restore your functioning leaving you feeling more effective in your everyday life. While this can be true for many, the thought of taking these medications can trigger intense fear, uncertainty, and even shame for some. This fear, while deeply personal, may also be rooted in broader social, cultural, and systemic concerns that often require a closer look. If you are interested in exploring medication management to treat your mental health symptoms but are feeling afraid, you aren’t alone.

Why Fear Psychiatric Medications?

1. Perceived Stigma

One of the most significant factors fueling fear is the enduring stigma surrounding mental health concerns and psychiatric treatment. Society still at times views mental health disorders as personal failings or signs of weakness, and this perception can extend to psychiatric medication management. Many fear that they will be viewed as “crazy” or “unstable” if they take medication, or that they will be seen as “giving up” by seeking help rather than “toughing it out.”

2. Unanswered Questions

There can be a lot of questions when it comes to medications. If you are fearful, you probably have even more questions, and when they are left unanswered this can lead to a great deal of anxiety. It is important that you are able to express your concerns and ask questions you have before committing to a medication management plan. When you find the right provider for you, you will be able to ask questions and feel more comfortable considering psychiatric medications.

3. Potential Side Effects

Psychiatric medications can come with a range of side effects—some mild, some severe. Fear of weight gain, dulled emotions, dependency, sexual dysfunction, or feeling like a “zombie” are commonly voiced concerns. In some cases, some may fear losing their sense of self or creativity, especially among those in creative professions.

4. Not Trusting Your Provider

It is important for you to feel that you can trust and talk to your provider. If you can’t, it’s difficult to make progress. If you have a long standing fear of the health care system it can be difficult to reach out for help. We have all heard the horror stories about misdiagnosis, over medication or simply being ignored by a provider. While this can be the case for some, it does not have to be your story. You don’t have to delay getting the help you need and deserve.

5. Fearing Loss of Self

Many worry that if they begin medication management they will change. The goal of psychiatric medications is to decrease and even eliminate intrusive symptoms, not change who you are. While you may understand this, the fear can be very real. Taking psychiatric medication can feel like a loss of autonomy. You may worry who you are without your medications if you need them to function. Your fear is understandable, however, it does not have to be founded when you find the right treatment plan for you.

Moving Through Fear

While the fears are valid and deserve acknowledgment, it’s also important to recognize that when you are on the right medication regimen psychiatric medications can be transformative. When you are properly treating your symptoms you can find relief and are often better able to show up in all areas of your life.

Experiencing fear surrounding medication management is natural, you deserve to be able to voice your concerns and process them with your provider. Together you can create a plan that best meets your treatment needs. Some choose to engage in therapy first to explore reservations associated with medication management. CCS contracts with effective licensed therapists as well who can help.

Carolina Counseling Services in Pittsboro, North Carolina contracts with caring, licensed psychiatric professionals. Find the provider and plan that is right for you. Call today to schedule your first appointment. Online appointments are available making getting the care you need and deserve easier than ever before.