(ThySistas.com) Many of us are working through life as it comes. This is not always easy, but we do what is necessary to be productive, take care of ourselves, and navigate from one day to the next. Everyone experiences levels of stress, anxiety, and mood changes. This is normal for any human being, however, some of us have mental health conditions whereby these are amplified for various reasons. Some of us are struggling undiagnosed and unaware that what we are dealing with is indeed mental health challenged. For far too long we have been told to be strong, we aren’t crazy, don’t make excuses, keep it pushing and many other things. Some of us have a legitimate fear of going to see healthcare professionals. This is often rooted in the experiences one has had with various providers and facilities throughout our lifetime; sometimes it is due to having a bad experience directly with mental healthcare professionals.
Nothing is more upsetting than realizing there is an issue, you decide to seek help, and the mental healthcare professional is horrible to you. Negative experiences can lead you to feel the outcome of mental health care is not in your favor. Yes, you have a diagnosis, but you don’t trust the provider to prescribe treatment that involves medication. You don’t know what the overall lasting effects will be if you are medicated; you also wonder how it will affect your interaction with the ones you love. There is nothing wrong with any of us seeking mental healthcare and choosing to medicate according to one’s diagnosis from a healthcare professional. We are about to look at navigating mental health unmedicated.
One reason some are unmedicated is simply because there is no diagnosis. For various reasons there has not been an appointment for a mental health professional so one may try to self-treat for what is assumed to be going on. One may start with diet, supplements, environment, managing stress as best as possible and paying attention to triggers. This is also how one might decide to see a doctor; when all of this fails it leads to something else being an issue. Furthermore, everyone is not capable of working through their own mental. Taking the step to make an appointment to get an understanding of what’s happening is taking control of your health.
Some of us are unmedicated out of fear of how we will be seen by those we love. Family and friends within our community are not always supportive of getting treated for mental health challenges. Even if the intention is one of concern, too many find themselves being talked down to, gaslit, and ridiculed. There is a constant use of the word crazy, and in those moments, one may feel the need to defend self or prove a point. Proving the point to your detriment is never wise. There are times when we must decide that one’s own wellbeing and sanity is more important than the words of others. It is important to center those that center you in a positive way. Mental health challenges are tough, and it helps to have supportive positive people with you as you navigate uncharted territory.
Lastly, for some navigating mental health challenges unmedicated is a conscious decision made after much research, thought, and mediation. Navigating without medication tends to mean one lives a very structured life with discipline the setup, and they have a support system that helps them navigate. I personally made that decision as a writer. I weighed what I was faced with against the side effects of the medications suggested for my diagnosis. I was concerned about how the medication would affect my cogitation, I had seen horror stories up close, and I wanted to be in control of myself as much as possible. I never discouraged anyone else from medication, nor did I suggest the path I chose to anyone else. I am so grateful for my village, primarily my parents and grandmother who helped me create the routine and boundaries that keep me functioning to this day. Yes, at times I adjust as life happens, but the foundation of how I navigate has not changed. There had to be an understanding of diagnosis and a commitment to life as organized as possible. I compartmentalize most things. As everything has a place in my home the same can be said for my mental. I have accountability partners, and they are truly a blessing. Environment and boundaries are key for me to function well. So, I tend to remove myself as much as possible from triggering situations, and I am adamant about my boundaries. Understanding when things begin to slip is important and I have learned to be vocal when I need help so that I don’t get to a far-gone space whereby I can not function.
Trust me, this is not as easy as it sounds, but with discipline, consistency, and communication it has been manageable. Navigating mental health unmedicated is not always a choice. However, either way you must weigh the pros and cons for yourself based on you and what challenges you face specifically. There is no right or wrong answer. Just know if one chooses to navigate unmedicated, within reason, it’s hard work but it can be done.
Staff Writer; Christian Starr
May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.