Take Your Meds!

Hi everyone! I wanted to make a post about how important it is to remember to take your medicine because I have been forgetting mine and am now remembering how much I struggle without them. Taking your medicine is crucial to recovery and keeping yourself stable. I have only been off my medicine a few days now and already am noticing a difference.

I have noticed I lack motivation more and my mood episodes are a lot more severe than when I am on my medicine. I have also been restless throughout the night and feeling like I do not need any sleep. I believe I started withdrawals from them as well. I felt like people were saying my name over and over again (psychosis). I also felt more irritable and could not control my mood. I was yelling, then calm after a few minutes. My paranoia has come back. I am also tired all the time because of the lack of sleep.

I wanted to share this short post to express the importance of taking medicine. Especially if you struggle with severe mental illness. I thought I was doing better and the first day I missed my medicine I did not feel any side effects, so I thought I was better. I am noticing now that I am not better. I really need that medicine to function. This is really common where people suddenly stop taking medicine because they believe they are better or they have healed from mental illness. The only reason you are feeling this way is because you are medicated.

I have been medicated for about 4 years now and I forgot how much I struggled off that medication. Please make sure you are taking your medicine, even if you feel like you are doing better mentally. I feel very overwhelmed and wanted to share my experience today. I do plan to take them again. I just needed to send out a little reminder for everyone.

I struggle with the fact that I am most likely going to be on medicine for the rest of my life, but right now I am realizing why it is so important that I am. You are not alone for the others that feel this way. I believe we can get through this together. This is a reminder that I am here to listen if you ever feel the need to reach out. Thank you for reading!