Charting a Personal Course in Mental Health

When I finally decided to talk to a counselor and began taking medication , I made an appointment with my doctor and told him that I was going to try medication again , but this time I was for real . He warned me of the challenges ahead . He said that we would try various medications , some that I may or may not be able to tolerate .

Some may only work for a short period of time , but I wouldn't know until I had taken them for at least six to eight weeks . Of course , if I had an allergic reaction I would know sooner and then we can move on to the next treatment . I didn't , like what I was hearing , at least he was being honest .

I appreciated having a real conversation about what I was about to get into . I started switching medications back and forth and let me tell you it was a trip, I'll be fine for a few weeks , but then I wouldn't . I'd stop and start again , but I kept trying until I found something I could stand for a little while before moving on to the next .

With my skin issues and low tolerance to medications , it was hard for me to find one that worked . The only thing that was comforting at the time was that I was a stay at home mom , so I could try new medications often and see what the side effects were . Without having them affect my daily schedule .

I've tried several prescriptions that didn't work , but I found a couple that I can tolerate that help with my anxiety and help me balance my depression . I also use supplements like Omega three , vitamin D and vitamin B . I also use daily techniques such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation techniques .

Taking walks or journaling, I use all of these things to help me balance my not so good days . I take medication every day for mental illness and depression and don't feel bad about it , lady Gaga . At first , my doctor and I agreed on everything . I didn't want to go to therapy as much as he didn't want me to go .

This was my attitude when I was dealing with the stigma . He thought that counseling never solved anything . All therapists would do was poke around in your head forever and you never got better . I felt the same way and it was a mutual agreement . But after the intervention I changed my mind . I asked him for a referral and he'd be honest with you .

He didn't have any . I was shocked . What should I have been ? He was very against therapy , so why should he have any referrals ? Right ? I told him I thought it was time to try it , because the medications weren't working at that time and I needed additional help . He suggested I try cognitive behavior therapy or talk therapy .

But there is more to it than that . You're probably thinking . I hope she got rid of that doctor . I did . It was divine intervention . One day I went in to pick up my medication refill and the receptionist at the front desk told me oh , by the way , your doctor no longer works here , so you need to find a new doctor .

I was like , wow , okay , thank you Lord . I was getting ready to let him go , but you did it for me and no further communication was given . So I need to find another doctor . OK . I had no idea how to start looking for a counselor . I didn't know who was suitable and I was scared . I didn't know what to do so I prayed and asked where should I go ?

So I googled . Yes , I googled . As my son say's , it's worth a Google . I googled find a cognitive behavior therapist in my area . To my surprise , the center was Christian based , as was my counselor . I couldn't have asked for more .

I didn't know what to expect , I never actually gone into a room and literally sat on a couch to talk about what was going on with me . I couldn't believe how well my first session went .

I was a little angry at myself for waiting so long to go, To talk to someone who isn't judging you , who's there to listen and help you unpack all the things that's going on inside you that you didn't even know existed . I'm glad I made the decision to choose me and , yes , I still see him to this day .

Another great resource that I'm blessed to have access to is my veteran support team . They are a team of doctors and specialists that I see regularly to further help manage my mental wellness . I regularly see a medication management specialist , a psychiatrist yes , another one a nutritionist and a sleep doctor .

They are all here to work together with my regular physician to make sure I'm on a steady path to healing . My children and husband have seen how much I've changed . One day they each told me at different times , but it seemed they all said it in the same weekend Mom we're so proud of you , I didn't know what they were talking about .

When I made it to the birthday party of my mother-in-law , my daughter was like Mom , you actually got dressed and drove downtown to a party . I'm so proud of you because you haven't done that in a long time . My youngest son was like Mom , I'm so proud of you . You're actually getting up every day , getting dressed , driving me to work and school .

This is epic . My oldest son said something similar Mom , I have no idea what you're doing , but keep doing it . You're doing really well . And my husband was like babe , you're doing so well , I'm so proud of you . Hearing these words from my husband and children , who have seen me at my weakest moments , is the most important thing I've ever heard .

Besides , we love you . Mindful moment . Today we talked about having a doctor who starts out having the same values as you , and how views change . You want to go in another direction or you feel like the doctor is no longer right for me anymore .

I don't know why I stayed as long as I did , maybe because we felt the same way but his plan was to give me medication and not look into additional methods to help me get better . He recommended massages and other activities , of course , but there were things that needed to be addressed to heal from within .

To be honest , I didn't want the headache of switching doctors . It's a pain and that's part of the reason why I stayed , but in the end it was worth my help . I started to feel better , move around more and just do well

. Remember to trust your instincts . If you feel you need more help than what's being offered , speak up . I wasn't one to do so . I just took what was being offered because they're the specialists . Right , but you're the specialist . You know what's best for you . You get to make the decisions that you think is best .

Now listen and try , but if it's not working , we need an alternative . Keep asking and searching until you find it . I hope you have enjoyed this week's conversation . I'm your host , Shannon Martin . Join us next Wednesday when we talk about the healing power of self-compassion .

If you enjoyed today's episode , please share with someone you think would like to join the conversation . Disclaimer I am not a licensed mental health professional . The information provided here is for general informational purposes only . It should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health advice , diagnosis or treatment .

If you need help , please consult a qualified mental health professional .