Like most things, choosing a holistic route vs western medicine is so absolutely freaking personal.
AND ABSOLUTELY DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
Let's dig in.
I, normally, propose a client talk to a med provider, when distressing emotions such as anxiety and depression have been persistently affecting day to day life and therapy is proving too challenging for the client to even try any coping skills because they are too distressed. I can do everything I can to make you comfortable, but if your leg is broken- it's broken right? Medication also doesn't mean it has to be forever. So let' bust a couple of those myths.
"Once I start meds, I will be on them the rest of my life"- No. Some people choose to and plenty of people use them for a shorter time to get through the hump of a particularly difficult time.
"Meds will change my personality forever"- No. Rest easy my friends, you will not completely change your personality. If it is the right fit, you will be a hundred percent you- just without the noise.
"Meds are addicting"- Again, some may be, and there are plenty that are not. Also, our own biology adds to whether or not this is something we may struggle with. But if it is the right fit, chances are it will be okay and calm our brain down enough to be able to learn coping skills in therapy and practice them long term. This will encourage us to actually be able to get off medication in future.
ASK QUESTIONS. If you choose to try medication, get yourself a med provider that can handle questions. Nothing irritates me more than a doctor who says "oh looks like they just wikipediad everything. (Eye Roll)" HECK YEA. Google it. Ask questions. Advocate. If we are going down the path of western medicine, we might as well do it right and that means knowing the facts and our options. So here is what to ask.
Ask you primary care physician to do a full work up. Check your iron level, vitamin levels, and thyroid. All of these bad boys can totally wreck havoc on our mood and knowing if there are any deficiencies can determine whether a holistic approach may be even more beneficial. These tests should* be included in most insurance plans.
If everything comes back okay- ask for a neurotransmitter comprehensive panel (it is usually a urinary test) and it will actually let us know the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, glutamate, GABA, glycine and histamine, etc. This will let us know how is our body producing these chemicals in our body. Is there a deficit? If so- again this will help us determine if we do a holistic route and try alternative supplements to manage these deficiencies or do we need some extra help? This test is not normally covered by insurance but, some providers may be able to offer an affordable rate.
Once we get this info back and if the results have again pushed us towards western medicine, it is time to see our Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Choosing between one or another is truly a personal preference. If you have a primary care physician that is comfortable managing your medication that actually might be a cheaper solution in the long run. However, if you want a comprehensive assessment for OCD or ADHD even PTSD, scheduling an appointment with a Neuropsychologist would be essential as many med providers will not prescribe ADHD medication without that testing.
Next- what are your goals? This is incredibly important. Because, sure, we might want to manage our depression, but what if that means forgoing our libido? What if we want to manage our anxiety, but we need something that doesn't effect our ability to wake up and function in the morning? Figure out your goals and what side effects are non negotiables. It is absolutely okay to have non negotiables. Some providers may push and say what's more important your depression or your sex life? NO. Do not settle. Let's find the right fit and a provider that is patient and listens will be an awesome partner on this journey to get you through this hump.
Totally ask for Gene-site testing. This test will help determine how you and your genes metabolize and react to different medications used to support mental health. This test is not normally covered by insurance but, some providers may be able to offer an affordable rate. Some physicians may give you push back on how the test is not fool proof; however, it is better to have more information than less. No one wants to be a test guinea pig in the midst of dealing with life's chaos. So, let's get as much info as we can to determine what best steps to take next.
Ask your questions. Set your goals. And gather as much data as you can. Whether it is meds or no meds, you got this friend.
L-A