Sometimes people ask me about medication for a mental health condition. Mom suffered from bipolar beginning in her early twenties until she died in 2021. She was hospitalized several times to stabilize her health. My father was her main source of support and cared for her at home until she was in her middle sixties. Mom’s care took a toll on Dad’s health. Mom’s doctor thought it may be a good time to pursue assisted living. Together my parents agreed with the doctor and mom remained in assisted living for the remainder of her life.
In the late 60s and early 70s, there were few medications available to treat people with a mental health condition. During Mom’s late teens, she was prescribed Valium. When she was diagnosed with bipolar a new medication was approved called lithium. This drug helped her remain stable enough to live at home and function well. During her lifetime several new medications were introduced by the psychiatry community. She took others with lithium which gave her mood an added boost.
At age 30 (1994) I began taking prozac for depression and anxiety. Throughout my lifetime I have had others prescribed with some success. Due to aging and hormonal changes in my body, I am in regular contact with my psychiatrist when an adjustment may be warranted. I have made several attempts to go off medication with little success. I now radically accept I will require this therapeutic support for the remainder of my life.
Six months ago I traveled to Mayo in Rochester, Minnesota to meet with my psychiatrist. Lithium is one of the medicines I take. Utilizing a blood test I am regularly monitored to ensure the drug’s level does not induce toxicity. During my appointment, the doctor said, “Your level is higher than I want it to be”.
My psychiatrist wanted to decrease the amount I was taking. I responded, “Doc I am stable right now and like where my mood is at”.
We discussed my options together. I could continue taking the medication as prescribed but run the risk of impacting my internal organs. Another option was decreasing the amount of lithium I was taking, doing another blood test in a few weeks, and determine how to proceed. A final option was to increase venlafaxine (anxiety/depression medication). We agreed to meet again in three months.
After a month I did the blood test and the lithium level came back within the therapeutic range. However, I was noticing a dip in my mood. I decided to monitor my anxiety and depression for two months until I had an appointment with my doctor.
When I met with my psychiatrist we discussed my mood. We agreed to increase venlafaxine which is drawing me closer to where my mood was before decreasing lithium. I have another appointment in two months to again evaluate my mood and determine the next step.
I am sharing this with us to better understand the role of medication in treatment. These are some of my thoughts:
- Taking medication for a mental health condition or substance misuse is similar to taking a prescription for diabetes, hormonal imbalance, or heart condition. We lack certain chemicals in our brains that impact mood.
- When we take medication it may stabilize us for 1, 5, or 10 years. However, due to aging and hormonal changes, it can be necessary to adjust. During mom’s early 70s, the doctor discontinued prescribing lithium but she continued on other medication to manage her symptoms.
- Let’s say we have a cherry pie and we cut it into eight pieces. Medication is one piece of the pie. The other pieces that manage and stabilize our moods include; spiritual, exercise, nutrition, social relationships, mindfulness (emotional and mental), therapy-support groups, and purpose (employment, hobbies, volunteer, etc.).
- When we have a severe mental health condition and substance misuse seek out a psychiatrist rather than a primary Physician. We may find it difficult to find a psychiatrist who can care for us. It may be necessary to see a primary Doctor during the interim. Request to be placed on a waiting list to see a psychiatrist.
- Encourage feedback on our mood from people who see us regularly.
Would you do me a favor? Tell me about your experience with medication or if you support someone taking medication.
What could you add to the list I created above?
I will begin training crisis responders in 2025. I will be sharing with them as a person with lived experience of how to respond, intervene, and provide compassionate person-centered care. Rest assured your name will remain confidential.
SuperHuman Being
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/