Medication without perspiration and dedication is wasteful

There are an alarming number of individuals, mainly children, on medication but why? For some diagnosis, it's a must no way around it. Like schizophrenia and even Bipolar depending on the type of life you want to have.  There are people with Bipolar who are able to hold jobs, raise families and have relationships. The problem often is, they are sometimes shut out because of "how they act". Their relationships are often not healthy ones and often their victims (children, spouse, siblings) develop coping skills so they can manage being around them. But my point is, its possible to have a life without medication, but not a quality, fulfilled one, where your good days out way your bad.

Medication is to assist. Like any other medication, there also has to be lifestyle changes and changes to your thought process. For example, diabetes.  If you take insulin, do you not have to also change your eating habits and exercise habits. Medications in mental Heath are really not that different example, ADHD. If you are taking a stimulant or a nonstimulant you still may need classroom modification, a written out schedule, constant help with organization and increase fruits and vegetable intake.  I also find it helpful to have this population write out positive affirmations; I am a good student I just learn differently, I can be in life whatever I want to be, I am a good person.

Depression is treated with antidepressants. It tends to be worse for some in the winter months (cabin fever, no vitamin d from the sun) and holidays, may have lost a loved one, reminded when families gather. Medication will help, but so does knowing what triggers your symptoms and preparing for it. If your house is where you deal with your symptoms, spruce it up, play lively music, light candles or even safer put in a plug in, eliminate clutter.  Avoid eating heavy foods all day, eat energy foods (fruits, nuts). Then make short term and long term goals and again daily affirmations.

After the birth of my girls, I had post traumatic stress disorder. I couldn't sleep, I only ate honey buns Doritos and drank Pepsi, I would sit in a dark room daily.  One day I literally said, "what the hell"! I was having flashbacks of being in the hospital (July 6-27) and all I endured and was sad on the inside but moving on doing what's expected on the outside. I knew this was not me.  So I started off on Wellbutrin didn't like it, mood swings, so I went to Celexa. I saw a therapist weekly for 4 sessions stayed on meds for 6-8 months. I started going to the mall, (anything to get out of darkness), going to the park, journaling and back to cooking and eating real food. I also told myself I am a going to be just fine, I have three beautiful people who need me and I am stronger then what's going on in my head.
I use to have moments where I would visit that dark place, but it was like visiting someone you don't particularly care for. First, I will visit but I won't stay long, eventually nothing good comes from this so why do it?

Love your self, work towards happy. Popping a pill won't cure what's in your heart, .why do you think most drug addicts use..to coverup pain. The end thought to this, if you are not going to do the work to heal yourself, the medication alone may assist with your symptoms. But won't bring you long term joy.