Is it true that once started, I will need them forever?
From the book – Chapter 15: Medicines and Medical Treatment
The fact
Some people need long-term medication (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia); others take medicines for a limited period and taper under supervision. It depends on diagnosis and severity.
Myths
Myth 1: Psychiatric medicines are always addictive. Fact: most antidepressants, mood stabilisers, and antipsychotics are not. Some anti-anxiety and sleep medicines can cause dependence if misused.
Myth 2: Medicines change your personality. Fact: they aim to reduce symptoms so the person can function better and be more like their true self.
Myth 3: Once started, I will need them forever. Fact: some people need long-term medication (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia); others take medicines for a limited period and taper under supervision. It depends on diagnosis and severity.
Myth 4: Medicines are the only treatment. Fact: best outcomes often combine medicines with therapy, lifestyle, and social support.
Read the full chapter – Chapter 15: Medicines and Medical Treatment
Stories from real life
- Day Ten of the Little White Tablet – Sunita, 38, a teacher in Jaipur, began a prescribed medicine for depression ten days ago. She feels slightly nauseous and sleepy, and nothing seems better yet.…
- Neha Asks About the Baby – Neha, 31, has lived with bipolar disorder for eight years, steadied by a regular medicine and her doctor's plan. She and her husband Rishi are hoping…
- The Boy Who Could Finally Finish His Homework – Aarav, 9, in Bengaluru, cannot sit still. He loses his books, interrupts, and his homework takes three hours of tears. His teacher says he is bright…
- Mr Fernandes and the Sleeping Strip – Mr Fernandes, 74, a retired clerk in Goa, has taken a sleeping tablet every night for years, first prescribed after his wife died. Lately he has…
Shloks
- Bhagavad Gita 2.47 – Your claim is to action alone, never to its fruits. Do not make the fruit the motive, and do not cling to inaction.
More on this topic: Counselling, therapy and psychiatric medicines explained
More questions
- Is it true that medicines are the only treatment?
- What is true: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are commonly used to treat…?
- Who should prescribe psychiatric medications?
- Which statement about psychiatric medications is TRUE?
- What is true: benzodiazepines are typically used for…?
- What is true: medication compliance means…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.47 mean for the mind? (Chapter 15)
- Day Ten of the Little White Tablet – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Neha Asks About the Baby – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Boy Who Could Finally Finish His Homework – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What happens in counselling or therapy?
- Myths and facts about mental health medicines