Medication is not a solution to problems in your life—it’s a tool to correct brain-based issues that might be affecting your ability to cope with problems. The problems will remain, but you may be better able to deal with them.
Sometimes side effects are the worst for the first few days or a week. This is because your body is adjusting to the change. If possible, try sticking it out and seeing if it gets better. If the side effects are too severe, call your doctor or pharmacist to get instructions on safely stopping the medication.
It may take a while for you to feel the effects of medications such as antidepressants. It is especially important to stay in touch with your doctor while you wait for medication to kick in, as your condition may worsen as you wait.
Using a weekly pillbox is also helpful to keep track of doses, missed doses, prescriptions that need refilling, and multiple medications.
Even a 5-minute walk around the block, a quick trip to check the mailbox, or 15 minutes sitting on a porch is better than nothing.
If you’re feeling down and need a pick-me-up, wander around your house or call up your friends to see who is available to hang out with you. You aren’t being a bother—you’re being proactive and reminding them that you care. Most people would rather have you say “I’m struggling” than have you stay silent while they wonder what could be wrong with you.
If your go-to person is not available, find someone else you trust. It’s important not to suffer in silence.
Remember, they’d rather help you now than do nothing while you get worse and worse.
