You’d Treat High Blood Pressure—Why Not Your Mental Health?
By Jeffrey Panko, MSN, PMHNP-BC
3 min read
If a friend opens up about starting medication to take care of their physical health—like blood pressure medication—most people would likely respond with encouragement, support, or even relief, knowing that their loved one is taking care of themselves. But what if that same friend shared that they had started taking an antidepressant? Would the reactions be just as supportive?
While mental health medications are talked about much more openly than before, there’s still a long way to go. Awareness is growing, mental health medications don’t always get the same acceptance as treatments do for physical health. These medications are commonly misunderstood, unfairly judged, and often stigmatized. The reality is that treating conditions like anxiety or depression with medication is no different than taking medication for physical health conditions. Your mental health is a vital part of your overall well-being, and it deserves the same level of care and attention.
Mental Health Is Health
Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are not a matter of “toughening up” or simply “thinking more positively.” These are real, complex conditions influenced by genetics, biology, environment, life experiences, and many other factors—most of which are outside of a person’s control.
Michelle Obama highlights the contrast between how we treat mental and physical health: “We would never tell someone with a broken leg that they should stop wallowing and get it together. We don’t consider taking medication for an ear infection something to be ashamed of. We shouldn’t treat mental health conditions any differently.” Her perspective encourages us to approach mental health care with the same understanding as we do for our physical health.
Medication and Lifestyle Choices
One common and effective type of psychiatric medication is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are antidepressants that help ease depression by balancing serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical in our brain that affects our mood, anxiety levels, and overall emotional well-being. Just as some people take medication to balance their blood pressure, others with mental health conditions may use medication to restore balance with the chemicals in their brain.
However, medication is just one part of the equation. Many people also find relief through other methods, such as therapy, exercise, proper nutrition, and getting enough sleep. The best treatment often combines multiple approaches, and psychiatric medications can play a supportive role when needed. Mental health professionals like us psychiatric nurse practitioners work closely with their clients to create personalized treatment plans that aim to help them achieve their mental health goals.
Some people also hesitate to begin taking psychiatric medication because they assume they’ll have to take it for the rest of their life, but this isn’t always the case. While some people certainly do benefit from long-term use, others take medications like SSRIs for a period of time and then gradually taper off under the guidance of their healthcare professional as symptoms resolve. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—your mental health journey is your own and is unique to you, that’s why the best treatment plan is the one that is tailored to your specific needs by your healthcare provider.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and seeking treatment should be viewed no differently than getting care for any other medical condition. Taking steps to support your emotional well-being is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of your resilience and strength, which is something to be proud of.
If your mental health isn’t where it used to be, support is within reach. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both can strengthen your emotional well-being. Get started with Lavender and see how we can support you on your journey.