Does Requiring Certain Prescribed Medicines Cause You Deep Shame?

[Red Baron]

Meds

My doctors understand I am a control freak. I don't like anything that affects my mind which is the reason I don't drink. I take insulin and blood pressure meds as well as a couple for my liver cirrhosis. Four plus the insulin is enough and they really had to be justified to get me to take those. Regardless of what people say psych drugs do carry a stigma.

 

[patrick]

Sally,

Thanks. I do understand what you are saying, and when I am in one of my more rational states, agree. I have done some reading about PTSD over the last couple of months. It's easy for me to cognatively get my mind around the idea that it's not my fault and that I deserve help and support in my recovery. I was raised to be fierce in my self sufficiency - had to be to escape severe damage - so as crazy as it sounds, my knee-jerk reaction to any problem, physical or mental, it that it's my fault, I deserve exactly what I got, and that it's my responsibility to dig my way out of whatever it is.

When everything fell apart in October I just couldn't believe how deep it got. I couldn't pull myself up. My bootstraps were broken and none of my usual methods would even begin to work. It's humbling - no humiliating. I've never needed anything from anybody, which is probably PTSD related, and why I've had so much trouble over the years maintaining any meaningful relationships.

I really do appreciate your support. I hope you know that. I'm just awful at accepting support from anybody.

Pat

 

[NarcSis]

Hi,

I agree that there is a HUGE stigma to taking/accepting psych drugs from your doctor...I am of the belief that if I do not "mask" the symptoms I can better gain control over them. I have been good at it so far, but sometimes there are those periods when you get so low it seems there is no future - have faith, because they are phases. I think that the strongest thing you can do is admit when you need help, if that means accepting and taking the drugs to help you cope then do it. Everyone is different. No one person is better than the next. I went to therapy, I asked for help. I am strong - there are still times when it is hard to believe this, but I am. I accepted "sleep" medication from my doctor, I take it when I need it. Its really an anti-anxiolytic but I accepted it - no stigma.
Believe in yourself. You can get through this. You are not Atlas, it is not up to you to support the world on your shoulders, let others help you bear this burden. Believe.