Understanding Medication as Part of a Bigger Picture
Advocating for Yourself When Your Feeling Nervous About Medication Management
Before anything, medication isn’t always a part of therapy! And no one should be forced into treatment decisions they aren’t comfortable with. However, sometimes it might be recommended. Research has actually repeatedly found that combining psychotherapy and medication management often (although not always) leads to better outcomes than either treatment alone (Cuijpers et al., 2014; Cuijpers et al., 2017; DeRubeis et al., 2016; Reich & Hooley, 2022).
It’s common to feel nervous or uncertain about starting, adjusting, or even continuing psychiatric or medical-related medications. Whether you’re considering medication for the first time or have taken it in the past, these feelings are normal. Many people experience worry about side effects, long-term impact, or losing a sense of control over their own care (Reich & Hooley, 2022).
Feeling nervous does not mean you’re “not doing it right” or that therapy or medication will fail. It’s a signal that you care about your health and want to approach decisions thoughtfully. Your feelings are valid, and there are ways to navigate them while maintaining agency over your care.
Understanding Medication as Part of a Bigger Picture
Medication can be an important part of managing symptoms, but it is rarely the whole story. Psychotherapy, behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes, and social connection are all part of a holistic approach. Medication is not a sign of personal weakness. Rather, it can be another tool that works alongside other strategies (Cuijpers et al., 2014; Cuijpers et al., 2017).
At the same time, responses to medication vary widely. Finding the right medication or determining that medication is not the right fit, often involves monitoring, adjustment, and collaboration with a prescriber (DeRubeis et al., 2016).
When considering medication, it can help to think of it as one layer of support. For example:
It may help stabilize mood, anxiety, or sleep.
It can create space for therapy to be more effective.
It may reduce the intensity of certain symptoms, making daily life more manageable.
At the same time, medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone responds differently, and finding the right fit can take time and adjustment. Being informed and involved in the process is key.
Common Concerns People Have
One of the biggest concerns people often have is they “don’t want to feel like a zombie” and guess what? It is a concern! Medications aren’t supposed to “numb you out” and turn you into a heavily sedated human sloth. If a side effect is so intense that it makes life harder (just in a different way than the original symptom), chances are that medication may not be a good fit (Reich & Hooley, 2022).
Many people feel anxious about medication for reasons that are completely understandable! Some of the reasons people have concerns about medications are due to:
Side effects: Wondering how a medication will affect your body, energy, or personality.
Dependency: Worries about becoming reliant or losing autonomy.
Effectiveness: Uncertainty about whether it will help or how long it will take to notice changes.
Stigma: Feeling judged for needing medication or worrying about how others perceive it.
Control: Concern that decisions are being made for you rather than with you.
Having open communication with your provider about these valid concerns are a great way to feel more at ease about them (Cuijpers et al., 2017).
Advocating for Yourself
Advocating for yourself around medication is not about being combative; it’s about being proactive, informed, and involved in your own care. Research supports that collaboration is a core component about mental health care (Reich & Hooley, 2022). Some strategies include:
Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about benefits, risks, alternatives, and timelines.
Share your priorities: Let your provider know what matters most to you, whether that’s side-effect management, effectiveness, or ease of use.
Track your experience: Keeping notes on mood, sleep, energy, or other changes can help guide decisions.
Request collaboration: It’s reasonable to ask how therapy, lifestyle strategies, or other supports can be integrated alongside medication.
Use a support system: Bringing a trusted friend, family member, or advocate to appointments can help you feel seen and heard.
You are not a passive recipient of care. You have a voice in every step of the process.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
· What are each of my medications for?
· What side effects might I notice?
· Are these [insert concerns] side effects often reported?
· When should I call you about a side effect that feels too much?
· What should I do if I miss a dose?
· What would I expect if I missed a dose?
· How will this medication interact with my other medications, including other prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and other supplements?
· What should I be tracking to know if this medication is or is not working?
· How will I know if it’s working?
· How long will I need to be on this medication?
· Can I take this medicine on an empty stomach?
· If it’s a once-a-day dose, is it best to take it in the morning or at night?
· Should I avoid any activities, foods, drinks, alcohol or other medicines while taking this prescription?
Communicating Concerns (With or Without Fear)
Many people hesitate to speak up because they worry about disappointing their provider or being labeled as “noncompliant.” In reality, a thoughtful prescriber wants to hear your honest experience. Open communication allows them to make adjustments and collaborate with you to find the most supportive plan and help you achieve your goals (DeRubeis et al., 2016).
Some ways to express your concerns:
I’m concerned about side effects, and I’d like to understand how we can monitor them.
I’m interested in trying this medication, but I want to know what options exist if it doesn’t work for me.
I’m nervous about feeling different on medication. Can we discuss what changes to expect?
· What are each of my medications for?
· What side effects might I notice?
· Are these [insert concerns] side effects often reported?
· When should I reach out about a side effect that feels too much?
· What should I do if I miss a dose?
· What would I expect if I missed a dose?
· How will this medication interact with my other medications, including other prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and other supplements?
· What should I be tracking to know if this medication is or is not working?
· How will I know if it’s working?
· How long will I need to be on this medication?
· Can I take this medicine on an empty stomach?
· If it’s a once-a-day dose, is it best to take it in the morning or at night?
· Should I avoid any activities, foods, drinks, alcohol or other medicines while taking this prescription?
Timing and Pace
It’s okay to take time when considering medication. You do not need to decide immediately, and you have the right to ask for follow-up conversations, trial periods, or gradual adjustments. Feeling rushed or pressured often increases anxiety and makes it harder to advocate for yourself (Cuijpers et al., 2014).
Therapy and self-reflection can support the process of medication management. Sometimes, having a safe space to process uncertainty, fear, or hope makes it easier to communicate with your prescriber.
Remember: You Are the Expert on Your Experience
While providers bring knowledge and expertise, you bring lived experience. Together, your insight and the provider’s guidance can lead to a plan that feels respectful, manageable, and supportive. Research consistently emphasizes that integrating both perspectives leads to more effective and sustainable care (Reich & Hooley, 2022). Being nervous is not a flaw. It’s part of caring about your well-being and wanting to make thoughtful decisions.
Medication, like therapy, is most effective when it is part of a holistic approach that includes reflection, support, and self-awareness. Feeling nervous, asking questions, and advocating for yourself are all steps toward care that truly works for you.
Moving Forward
If you’re feeling uncertain about medication, you’re not alone. Taking time to gather information, voice your concerns, and collaborate with your provider is always a step in the right direction. You do not need to navigate this alone, and the right supports can make the process less overwhelming and more grounded by approaching these decisions thoughtfully, safely, and in a way that aligns with your values, goals, and needs.
References
Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., Hollon, S. D., van Straten, A., & Ebert, D. D. (2014). Adding psychotherapy to antidepressant medication in depression and anxiety disorders: A meta‑analysis. World Psychiatric Association. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24497254/
Cuijpers, P., van Straten, A., Bohlmeijer, E., Hollon, S. D., & Andersson, G. (2017). The efficacy of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and their combination on functioning and quality of life in depression: A meta‑analysis. Psychological Medicine, 47(2), 225–235. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27780478/
DeRubeis, R. J., Cohen, Z. D., Forand, N. R., Fournier, J. C., Gelfand, L. A., & Lorenzo‑Luaces, L. (2016). Effect of cognitive therapy with antidepressant medications vs antidepressants alone on the rate of recovery in major depressive disorder: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry, 73(6), 789–795. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25142196/
Reich, J., & Hooley, J. M. (2022). The efficacy of psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies for mental disorders in adults: An umbrella review and meta‑analytic evaluation of recent meta‑analyses. PMC. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC8751557/