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What role should medication play in managing emotions like anxiety and depression?

15 Answers
Last Updated: 04/28/2018 at 11:19am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Alex DS Ellis, MA, LMFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

Feeling depressed or anxious can be so overwhelming. I want to help you feel better and be able to enjoy life. You are not alone and you deserve emotional support.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
March 13th, 2015 12:51am
For severe mental illnesses (bipolar, schizoaffective, and schizophrenia primarily), meds are often necessary to stay even keel rather than turning into a psychological shipwreck. For milder difficulties, meds are a stepping stone but not a cure-all. People who benefit the most from meds are people who use meds as an extra tool to allow them to develop the coping skills, support systems, and resources to overcome their challenges. It's like anything; the easy way isn't usually the most helpful in the long run...If you put in the work to heal, meds can help you get there. They just cannot do the work for you.
rebecca947
April 28th, 2018 11:19am
In regards to medication, they should be used to help you stay afloat, when you feel like you can’t function or have little functioning ability in daily life. When you can’t participate in therapy or cant do helpful techniques (for anxiety, eg relaxation fechniques), medication could have a role in managing your problems. However, medication shouldn’t be relied on forever, and it shouldn’t be the sole thing that helps you. You won’t have to stay on medication forever, just enough to help you stay afloat and participate. :)
KKGunner
January 9th, 2015 9:44am
It mostly depends on what medication you take. Usually medication lowers your levels of anxiety and depression, it doesn't completely eliminate them. Medication is important, but it shouldn't be the only thing someone relies on. Other ways of coping will vary depending on what works for you.
0Arc
February 17th, 2015 7:08pm
Not a big role, but if you need those medications then you need them, no need to be ashamed for it..
Anonymous
June 8th, 2015 1:01pm
It really depends on the severity of the symptoms and the patients ability to manage these emotions. I personally know that without medication for my severe depression I would probably be dead now. Think of the principle applied to trauma therapy: first you have to stabilise and treat the symptoms, so you can safely tackle the underlying causes. However I believe that treatment should never solely rely on medication and and that those should be prescribed and administered as little as possible.
Anonymous
June 30th, 2015 9:44pm
That's up for you and your doctor to decide. For some, medications are the only therapy needed, whereas, for others, they merely serve as therapeutic supplements (e.g., in conjunction with CBT).
WonderlandRabbit
July 13th, 2015 9:18pm
Medication should lessen the symptoms not completely get rid of them. A big part of depression is also related to relationships with people.
playfulMango43
August 4th, 2015 11:17am
Medicine is a good thing. If you are depressed and you refuse medication and therapy, you are putting yourself at preventable suicide
Drimezan
August 31st, 2015 8:35pm
Medications should only be taken when it is deemed necessary. Please consult first a professional for the right medication to use and I would suggest to try and avoid taking one as much as possible and look for another ways like therapy that could help before deciding to go for medication.
olimaar
October 26th, 2015 3:22pm
Make sure they are prescribed by a doctor. I would avoid buying unprescribed medicine, to avoid unwanted outcomes.
mysteriousWillow50
November 16th, 2015 12:33am
The role of medication is to deal with the chemical side of anxiety and depression. Being a sufferer of both myself, the medication helps balance out the chemicals in your brain that cause the anxiety and depression.
Greatlistener87
- Expert in Managing Emotions
July 4th, 2016 6:33am
Normally medication is given to control over aggressive anxiety and depression conditions that causes harm or even hurt to that particular individual.
Anonymous
July 18th, 2016 2:12am
That depends. Medication and its role is different in every circumstance and case. If you are experiencing anxiety and/or depression, it is best to speak to your doctor to arrive at that conclusion.
avocadoallyson
February 7th, 2017 7:52pm
It is up to you whether or not you want to use medication for managing emotions such as anxiety and depression. I recommend talking with a professional and telling them your concerns so that they can help you make an informed decision.
Jennifer164
February 27th, 2018 11:37am
Meditation enables us in controlling our bodies and minds[but only after you do it properly(it's difficult at the beginning) and regularly].So when you have the ability to control you body and mind,you will be able to control your thoughts.This will help you get through disorders like depression and anxiety disorder.