I refuse to take medication for my mental health; I prefer therapy instead.

i will say you can take medication and still make yourself happy with your therapist. my medication by itself isn’t enough to help me 100% but i have my own coping mechanisms with my therapist that i use and that combined with my medication is what keeps me happy (:

That’s totally understandable! Do what you feel is best and most comfortable for you. My medications aren’t enough for me either but it serves as an extra boost. I don’t fully rely on it because I also have other ways of managing my anxiety/stress. Sometimes medication isn’t the best option and that’s okay too. It all depends on the person 🤍

I got on medication because I could not handle the intrusive thoughts, it was impacting my well-being and daily life severely. The medication helped tremendously on that end, but it makes me feel tired all the time, and it makes me feel numb. Also, if I do not take it for a few days, I physically feel awful from the withdrawals; so, I guess there are pros and cons. Ultimately I am gonna stay on it, but I do wish there were a better option, so I totally see what you are saying. I hope you are able to find ways to cope without medication.

If you have diabetes, would you deny yourself insulin? Mental illness is no different. The meds are TOOLS. They're not a be all end all. Trust me, I have suffered over 35 years. I thought I could be on my own, med free. I can't. If I had high blood pressure, would I not take a pill to help? The shame and stigma of mental illness needs to end. I understand where you are coming from as I have been there. But why deny yourself a TOOL that can make your life easier. Sure there are side effects, some small, some minimal, some big. You can always switch around until you find the right combo that works for you. I was in your shoes many moons ago, and it did me no good. Hang in there.