Discussion about medication used for mental health.

I had a discussion with a client recently about the impact of medication. I’m noticing people showing curiosity in how medication for mental health works and what effects they might have, but it can seem overwhelming.

To briefly explain the typical interactions people may have when taking medication for their mental health, they tend to be used as such

🍋 Event based, to support them through a particularly intense period and then come off with 6-9 months once they feel more stable.

🍋 Seasonal reoccurrence, typically have medication along side therapy as a dual approach to increase the individuals stability and management curing difficult times. Roughly lasting 1-2 years depending on severity, This is probably the most common as people can come off/on them across their life.

🍋 Longterm prescriptions tend to be for those with a diagnosis or have been struggling for several years despite other methods of intervention.

How do they work?

Within the brain there are neurotransmitters which is how we send messages and manage everything. These neurons don’t touch to connect they send out chemicals to communicate within the tiny gap in between called the Synapse.

✨ SSRI’s = increase the serotonin levels as they are getting reabsorbed too quickly they can’t send the message.

✨ SNRI’s This is serotonin and noradrenaline, therefore seen as more stimulating.

✨ These are the most commonly prescribed, however some can slow down the uptake process or influence more aspects of the body.

It is Important to remember everything varies depending on the individuals symptoms and must be frequently monitored by you doctors to ensure you are supported in the best way.

The key point is they don't create a false happiness, they are rebalancing the brain signalling. This might toke some time to stabilise but doesn't mean the individual is dependant on this changing them.

This is a simplified explanation of how anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication works.