Are pills really the answer?

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Medication is one way people suffering from mental health can relieve themselves from their stressors but it's not the only resource. There are a variety of coping mechanisms that can help someone feel better after a stressful episode.

In today’s society, many people seem to think medication is an easy fix to whatever issue they are having.

Whether it is a headache, stomachache or sore throat, there’s medication to treat the pain and make it go away.

However, sometimes medication is not always the answer to solving pain, and other remedies and coping mechanisms can work.

This is the same with regards to mental health disorder treatments. Sometimes medication helps patients deal with their case, but it can all depend on different factors whether or not it is the right path for you.

According to Christine Sansom, director of Clinical and Case Management at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Middlesex, a person who might be suffering from a mental health disorder would usually first have a consultation with their family doctor, and from there the patient may be prescribed medication in a low dose to help with symptoms, or they may be referred to counselling or a psychiatrist depending on what the symptoms are.

“I think medications are definitely not the right fit for everybody because we have to look at side effects. It’s one element potentially of a person’s road to recovery, but certainly it’s not the be all, end all. There are other factors that individuals have to look at,” Sansom said.

Sansom said students particularly have to look at what is causing them problems with their mental health, including sleep deprivation, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet and if there are enough personal supports for them within the city.

“You have to look at other aspects of a person’s wellbeing, and I think [with] medications, individuals have to definitely be informed,” Sansom said.

According to Sansom, sometimes it can take awhile for patients to find the right fit, and therefore should not only talk to their doctor, but potentially a pharmacist as well if they are thinking of taking medication to help with their mental health.

Sansom recommended that besides medication, there are other ways to deal with mental health.

She suggested first figuring out how students are coping with their stress and if they are engaging with high-risk behaviour like substance or alcohol abuse, that there are other ways to cope with stressors.

“Counselling has a lot of value as well for individuals, it’s a non-medical intervention,” Sansom said. “It’s really important to talk about their mental wellness and in a stigma free environment, we would certainly promote students to get the help they need.”

Sansom said it’s also really important to talk about how you’re feeling and when you need extra support.

Other coping mechanisms include getting out into the sunlight and getting some vitamin D and trying to eat healthier.

Sansom also said limiting social media use is another good way to help ease one’s high state of mental health, since people tend to get caught up in it for hours and it’s hard to see how people’s lives are presented online, which isn’t always accurate.

“It’s normal to have ups and downs and have situational stressors, it’s just a combination of having to deal with a lot of stuff independently and I think just being able to talk about those things openly and then seeking support as necessary.”

Sansom said intermittent support is available, including the London Crisis Centre or the Reach Out program online which is a good way for people who are having trouble talking to someone.

“We need to validate the stressors that individuals are feeling, but medication often will help with symptoms for some individuals but it really is a personal choice and it’s not a one size fits all and I would not encourage all students to look at medication as a first line of therapy.”

A Fanshawe employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, uses both medication and her selfcoping mechanisms to deal with her anxiety and depression.

Her stressors came from school and some personal things in her life, and she was able to get help throughout school, but has also recently been on a low dose of antidepressants.

“I think medication is always supposed to be combined with other forms of help,” she said. “Realistically someone who is on medication should also be getting counselling and should also be seeking help in other ways and not relying on the medication.”

She said taking medication to deal with mental health disorders is okay just as long as the patient doesn’t think everything [negative] will go away.

She has used the crisis line before, as well as selfcoping mechanisms including reading and watching movies. This is all to ensure her mental health is reenergized and that she is feels better after an anxiety attack.

“Medication is an important step for a lot of people who noticed their mental health is interfering with their regular life, like it was for me, so if the case is severe I think medication can really help certain people.”

“It’s not something you should take lightly, it’s something you should talk to your doctor about and really decide if it’s right for you,” she said.

She hopes that those who are in need of reaching out for medication do not stop themselves from it for fear of stigma associated with it.

“I don’t think taking medication is a sign of weakness. If you had an infection you’d take antibiotics, if you’re depressed sometimes you just need medication.”