As I mentioned in my last post, I truly believe medication should usually be a last resort—not just because of the risks and side effects, but also because other forms of treatment can often be more beneficial.
However, over the past ten years, I’ve seen a significant increase in both teenagers and young adults taking psychiatric medications as a first option. Really, this is none of my business. I’m not a psychiatrist (nor have I ever claimed to be), and while I don’t know (or want to know) every single personal detail of these individuals’ psychiatric situations, I do care about the effects—both now and in the long run.
Taking psychiatric drugs isn’t funny, cool, or something to make “relatable.” These medications have a disturbing history that has ruined the lives of innocent people. There’s also little (and sometimes no) information on their long-term effects, especially in prepubescent children and teenagers.
But I’m continuing to see young people joke about being on these medications. While I understand the desire to make light of a stressful situation, the way it’s being done is not only inappropriate but also harmful. I’m really sick and tired of seeing young adults think it’s “cool” to drink alcohol while on medication, brag about mixing recreational drugs with it, or act like it’s no big deal to start taking psychiatric drugs—as if it’s actually a “fun” thing to do.
The longer you’re on medication, the less effective it may become. The side effects can be brutal. Some medications, if not taken seriously, can put you into a coma. You can develop serotonin syndrome from the wrong prescription or from taking medication you don’t need at all. Some can even cause symptoms of psychosis. These are extremely dangerous and serious issues that we should not be treating casually.
My entire life, I’ve wanted people to treat mental illness like physical illness—to offer the same sympathy and support, and to recognize improvements. But with this kind of attitude, people are only creating bigger problems for the future and influencing others to make harmful decisions. I’m not against medication, and I don’t think people who need it should stop taking it. But to say I’m disappointed with what I’m seeing would be an understatement.
Talya's life 