Why Take Meds?
What is one reason a doctor might prescribe medication for mental health?
To help manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, or mood swings.
Your friend says, “You’re too young to be on medication.”
"Mental health can affect anyone, no matter their age."
Myth or Fact:
Taking medication for mental health is a sign of weakness.
Myth! Mental health is a serious issue, and it takes courage and strength to seek help for your well-being!
Feeling very sad or hopeless for most of the day, nearly every day.
Depression
What happens if you stop taking your meds suddenly?
May cause withdrawal, return of symptoms, or mood swings
True or False: Medication can replace therapy
False. Medication and therapy often work best together.
Someone tells you, “You don’t need meds, just be positive!"
"Being positive is important, but sometimes I also need medication to feel better."
Myth or Fact:
You will have to take medications for the rest of your life
Myth! It depends on the individual and their condition.
Having periods of very high energy, little need for sleep, and racing thoughts.
Mania
The process of gradually reducing the dose of a medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms
Tapering
Why might someone keep taking meds even after they feel better?
To stay stable and prevent symptoms from coming back
A family member says, “You’ve been on meds too long, aren’t you better yet?
"Staying on my medications help keep me feeling better"
Myth or Fact:
Medications will change your personality.
Myth
It helps to regulate emotions/symptoms but doesn’t change who you are.
Hearing voices or seeing things that others don’t.
Hallucinations
How long does it take for medications to work?
Up to 8 weeks
True or False: Medication starts working immediately after you take the first dose.
False. Most medications take several weeks to start working fully.
Your coworker says, “People who take antipsychotics are dangerous.”
"That’s a stereotype and most people taking them are just managing their symptoms like anyone else.
Myth or Fact:
The side effects of medications are worse than the actual symptoms.
Myth! Side effects can happen to some but medications help make symptoms more manageable.
Feeling extremely worried or fearful about everyday situations.
Anxiety
Medications for mental health work by changing these chemicals in the brain.
Neurotransmitters like Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, GABA
What advice would you give someone starting meds for the first time?
A friend jokes and says “I’m so OCD” just because they like to clean.
"OCD is a real mental health condition, not just a preference for being neat"
Myth or Fact:
Antipsychotics are only used for schizophrenia.
Myth! They're also used for bipolar disorder, agitation, depression augmentation.
Repeated, unwanted thoughts and/or behaviors you feel driven to do.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
This medication class helps prevent mood swings in bipolar disorder by stabilizing brain activity
Mood Stabilizers