Feeling isolated because of medication use

[wompwomp]

hi! i have diagnosed depression (and anxiety) and have finally found meds that help me: effexor and lithium. i am so so grateful that i have had access to treatment that has ultimately saved my life, but i still feel this extreme isolation because of being on a medication that is so incredibly stigmatized. i brought this up to my psychiatrist and she suggested that i look for a support group at my university but had no luck, so now i'm here!

has anyone else had a similar experience with lithium or another highly stigmatized medication? my loved ones have compared it to horse tranquilizer and i worry that people see me as "crazy" or "insane" because of the medication that i have to take so that i don’t kill myself. i really just want validation that there are other people out there living normal fulfilling lives while still on medication!!! i want to know that i truly *can* live a good life even though i have to take "horse tranquilizers."

[Dolphin14]

Welcome to the community.

I'm sorry you are getting negative reactions from people regarding your medications.

It's crazy to be judged for getting help. The stigma is so prevalent due to lack of education.

Yes, I've been judged and felt shame but I'm over that now.

Hopefully you will reach a point in your recovery where this won't matter anymore.

🐬

[gajh]

Hello and Welcome. The important thing that you said is that you found medications that help you. Would your loved ones have a problem with you taking medication if you had high blood pressure or heart disease? There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking medications for depression and anxiety. It is no different. You have a medical condition and you are receiving treatment. You should be proud of yourself for getting treatment. Please don't listen to people who are clueless. Just keep taking care of yourself.

[Downinil]

Hi Wompwomp, I’ve finally realized that my well-being outweighs the importance of others opinions.