It seems that every few months, a new article makes waves in the media about the supposed dangers of certain medications and their side effects on mental health.

From birth control pills to antidepressants, we are constantly warned about the potential risks of taking these medications and told to be cautious about relying on them. But why are we so quick to blame the pills themselves for changes in our mood?.

The impact of mental health stigma

One of the biggest reasons for our tendency to blame medications for negative changes in our mood is the persisting stigma surrounding mental health.

Many people still hesitate to talk openly about their struggles with mental health, and may feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit that they are taking medication to manage their symptoms. Consequently, when they experience negative changes in their mood or behavior, they may be more likely to attribute these changes to the medication rather than a natural fluctuation in their mental health.

Moreover, the stigma around mental health may lead people to look for a simple explanation for their struggles. It may be easier to blame the pill bottle on the counter than to confront the complexity of one’s own mental health.

Unfortunately, this can lead to people unfairly demonizing life-changing medications that can be crucial in managing mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or depression.

The placebo effect

When we start taking a new medication, we may be heavily influenced by our preconceptions and expectations about how the medication will affect us.

This can lead to something called the placebo effect, where we experience changes in our mood or behavior simply because we believe that the medication is having an effect. Conversely, if we expect negative side effects from the medication, we may experience those as well, even if the medication itself is not actually responsible for the change.

Additionally, many people start taking medication during a particularly tumultuous time in their life, such as following the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a major career change.

It can be difficult to separate the natural fluctuations in our mood during these periods of upheaval from the potential impact of new medications.

The complex relationship between medication and mental health

It’s important to remember that the relationship between medication and mental health is a complex and multifaceted one.

While certain medications may be associated with negative side effects, it’s important to consider the larger context in which medication is used in the management of a mental health condition.

For example, many people with depression find that antidepressant medication is crucial in regulating their mood and allowing them to function more effectively in day-to-day life.

While it’s true that some antidepressants can have unpleasant side effects, such as weight gain or reduced libido, it’s equally true that these side effects may be a very small price to pay in exchange for the significant benefits that come along with managing depression.

Similarly, the use of hormonal birth control is often criticized for its potential impact on mood.

While it’s true that some people may experience emotional changes as a result of hormonal birth control, it’s also true that those changes may be far outweighed by the many benefits of using contraception. Additionally, many people find that they are able to manage any negative side effects by switching to a different type of birth control or adjusting their dosage.

Addressing the real issues

When we focus so heavily on the potential risks of medication, we may be overlooking the more complex underlying issues that affect mental health.

For example, the stress of work or school, a difficult relationship, or a history of trauma may all be contributing factors to our struggles with mental health, independently of any medication that we may be taking.

Furthermore, it’s important to consider the ways in which society contributes to our struggles with mental health.

Issues like poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare can all take a toll on our mental health, and may be more worthy of our attention and concern than the potential side effects of medication.

The bottom line

Treating mental health conditions is complex, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution that works for everyone.

While medication can be a valuable tool in the management of mental health conditions, it’s important to approach these medications with a critical eye and to carefully consider any potential side effects or risks.

However, it’s equally important to recognize that medication is not the enemy, nor is it always responsible for negative changes in our mental health.

By working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, we may be better able to have open and honest conversations about the complexities of managing our mental health, and to approach our treatment with a more nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to our struggles.