Medication and Resources

Silenced by Stigmitization

To millions of people, the introduction of medication as a supplemental treatment for their mental disorders can often feel very extreme and out of reach for them. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that as early as 2021, 59% of people with depressive disorders and 63% of people with anxiety disorders did not seek treatment for their conditions. This is widely believed to be due to stigmatization surrounding mental health. The data indicates that most people who need treatment are not seeking out professional help through therapy, medication, or prescription exercise.

The Truth About the Use of Medication

Despite the stigma surrounding the use of prescription medications for treatment of mental illnesses, the truth is, medication as its core is to aid an individual's chemical imbalances and alleviate symptoms. Its sole purpose is to help, not to harm. The possibility of harm, however, is not unwarranted, and it is highly recommended that anyone seeking medication seeks professional help and regulation in order to receive the best results. The flaw that shadows the use of prescription medications, although, is that the effectiveness is temporary. For severe cases of mental illness, prescribed exercise, when used in conjunction with medication and therapy, has yielded the best results in exercise research. Studies also conclude that the use of antidepressants during physical activity fostered no adverse effects.

Choosing What is Right For You

When used in addition to exercise prescriptions and therapy, medications that help regulate mood and behavior are a powerful tool that can help completely irradiate the symptoms of mental illnesses.

- Antidepressants

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Antidepressants, typically SSRIs, work by restricting the neurotransmitter serotonin from being reuptaked in the synaptic gap of neurons. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating happiness. It also helps influence learning, memory, body temperature, sleep, behavior, and even hunger. By preventing this neurotransmitter from leaving the synaptic gap, serotonin is constantly bound to neurons, helping reduce the symptoms of depression. Common SSRIs include Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac), and Trazodone (Desyrel)

- Antianxiety

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are considered a first line medication for the treatment and containment of anxiety disorders. They specifically work by targeting the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), enhancing its activity. As a neurotransmitter, GABA is responsible for reducing the excitability of neurons by inhibiting neuron transmission. This enhanced activity sends the brain into a docile state with much higher action potentials needed to trigger a fight or flight response. Common medications include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and clonazepam (Klonopin)