I want to reword that.
Do you think taking medication for mental illness for life is harmful? If so in what ways?

I know I have to have my liver function checked each year. But it a price I pay for being stable.

I think that is wa-a-a-ay to big a question for a one-size-fits-all answer. Every case of mental illness is a complex and unique equation. Keep it personal. Details count.

Hi Carolin57,
Thanks for your comment. So you have to have your liver checked. Is that due to the medication? So taking the medication for you out ways the health issues that can possibly occur. But if it means being stable then that's definitely something to think about. Have a great day. Italianmomma4ever

Hi Arfie,
Lol. It is a big question. But it's something every individual needs to think about. Everyone does have their own things that they are dealing with. And you do have to also think about your overall health too. I think it's whatever people choose its up to the individual. If you need the medication then I'm down with that. If you can try other options than I'm down with that too.
I do think details count. And you just have to find your balance. Like you said it's not a one-size-fits all answer.
Thanks for your comment. Italianmomma4ever

I think some people do ok without it and some people would not survive without it. I wouldn't be alive without it. Medication is no fun though. The side effects can be awful. I do feel more like myself when I have the right meds. That's really important to me. Everyone is different though.

It depends on the quality of life you want with certain medical conditions that adversely affect the mental ability to respond in a range acceptable behavior.

Some conditions required constant medication to maintain the range of balance to meet the lowest of lows and the highest of highs while providing the edge for maintaining balance between the two endpoints.

I don't think there should ever be any shame in taking medication to help improve mental health- and some people do need to be on medication for life while some people only need medication for a time and some people don't need it at all and can improve their mental health with talk therapy or through the use of other modalities/ strategies. Some people have bodies that do not tolerate medication well and the trade off for their physical health puts them in the position where they have to decide if taking medication to improve their mental health is worth the impact on them physically.

I personally fall into the last category. SSRIs have been the only thing that help me with my depression when I am in a funk but, the side effects for me are worse than the depression- I've never found one that felt worth it and you name it, I've been on it. I can only tolerate off-label use of beta-blockers for my anxiety- anything else messes up my system. Unfortunately, I'm apparently someone with a sensitive system. But, that's my own experience- it's not to say no one should ever be on medication. The decision to start/ stop/ increase/ taper medication is a difficult one and a choice best left to the individual and the individual's prescriber.
I will throw out there that in the past I have been horribly over-medicated by a doctor who I feel saw me as a cash cow rather than a human being. I harbor a lot of resentment about that. So I'm an oddball when I meet with doctors because they really struggle to get me to take medication- for anything. I personally would rather adapt, change my lifestyle, find ways to cope than take medication but, again, this is how I experience medication.
What I think it most important is that some people really and truly do need medication- either for a time or forever- and some people don't. And to know this is unique to the individual. It doesn't make anyone "better" or "worse" than anyone else- just different.
My two cents.

Hi Tesla369,
It's nice to meet you. I don't think I have ever met you. So thank you for your comment. So your kinda of split on your decision. I'm glad it helps you and keeps you alive as you said. That's very important. There are DEFINITELY side effects. And they can be ugly. I'm glad the meds make you feel more alive and like yourself. I think that's important how you feel. You don't want to go through life feeling crappy. And I do believe your right that it just depends on the individual and their needs. Thanks again. You take good care. Italianmomma4ever

Hi Mid,
Excellent way of putting it. I do believe if medication is needed then that's the way you have to go. You have to feel good and be able to cope everyday. If there are other ways to cope then that's great too. I think it just depends on each individual and their diagnosis if medicine is needed. Your respond was perfect. The way you worded it and put it into perspective. Thank you. Italianmomma4ever

Hi Heart,
Yes I don't think there is no shame in taking medicine either. If it helps then that's great. Everybody's needs are different. It just depends on the diagnosis and if you need it for long term. Or just a short time or if your capable of doing other things and don't require it at all. And your right some medicines don't agree with everyone's chemistry. You have to find what works for you. So it sounds like you have tried different medications and no go on anyone of them. Well at least the beta blockers help. I totally agree with you on taking medicine or not taking it. It doesn't make you a bad person. If it helps then go for it!!!! I don't judge people. And everyone's needs are different. Like you said some need it for life, some for a short period and some can find ways to deal with it on their own. Thank you so much for your comment. This is kinda of what you specialize in. So I know you know a lot about it. Italianmomma4ever

Heart I gotta send you a friend request again too.

Thanks Heart for your friendship. And thanks for always commenting on my posts. I love when you comment because you know your stuff. Lol

I, ve been on medication for ages due to personal circumstances. I do wonder sometimes what it would be like without it. But I also know I live a stressful life and until that stops and I can focus on myself again. I am better off on it.

Hi Grass,
Hey your 2 for 2 on comments. Grins.
If you have been on medication for awhile and it helps then I would continue on it. And if you do live a stressful life and the medication helps. Then stay with it. Thanks again for your comment. Your doing well with commenting. Keep up the good work. Grins italianmomma4ever