I am afraid to take my meds (Managing Medication Anxiety)
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- čas přidán 18. 10. 2023
- If you hear yourself saying, "I am afraid to take my meds", you are in the right place. Today we are going to take a deep dive into a VERY common fear that impacts many people and their recovery and that is the fear of taking medication.
This episode is specifically for those who want to take medication but are afraid of medication side effects or have shame about taking medication.
My hope is to empower you to make medical decisions that are not fear-based and help you manage medication anxiety.
Reasons people are scared to take an antidepressant or other psychiatric medications:
I am scared to take medication because of the side effects
OCD fear of taking medication
Emotional Contamination
Health Anxiety
Pharmacophobia (AKA medication phobia or phobia of drugs)
Fear of medication Sexual Side Effects
kimberleyquinlan-lmft.com/sex...
Other fears about taking medication include feeling ashamed or weak (stigma)
Fear that they will become reliant on or addicted to medication.
Managing Medication Anxiety:
Find a skilled and trustworthy psychiatrist and medical team
As lots of questions (but not compulsive) Know what to look out for and what is considered “normal.”
OCD fear of taking medication or pharmacophobia: Consider using ERP
Challenge your faulty thoughts or beliefs about medication
Be willing to have side effects (patience)
If you have sexual side effects, seek out a sex therapist, try sensate focus or speak with a medical professional.
Give yourself lots of space to rest as you start a medication
Be mindful of the side effects (do not catastrophize).
Put your values first
Be flexible (What if I go on it and I don't like it)- You can change it with time
Log any changes (noncompulsive)
Challenge shame about stigma
Remember, it's a beautiful day to do hard things
DISCLAIMER: This episode or any content by Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT should NOT be considered therapy, nor should Kimberley be considered your therapy.
PLEASE SPEAK TO A TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION
I am not a medical doctor.
This episode should not replace professional medical care.
I am not in any way telling you you should take medication or talking you into taking medication.
Every person is different, and each case requires its own medical team to assess your medical needs.
This episode is specifically for those who want to take medication but are afraid of medication side effects or have shame about taking medication.
My hope is to empower you to make medical decisions that are not fear-based and help you manage medication anxiety.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Work with Kimberley and her Team
www.kimberleyquinlan-lmft.com
Time Management for Optimal Mental Health: www.cbtschool.com/timemanagement
ERP SCHOOL: Online course for OCD using ERP
www.cbtschool.com/erp-school-lp
Overcoming Anxiety & Panic: Online Course for Anxiety, GAD & Panic Disorder
www.cbtschool.com/overcominga...
Overcoming Depression: Online Course for Depression
www.cbtschool.com/depression
Breaks my heart there's someone in my life who needs to hear this video, but they're in denial of the situation and won't consider meds anymore at the moment due to fear. But not very many things in their life, if any, are in my control as a family member, and the stoic in me finds comfort in that. Thanks Kimberly, your book has been useful in our life even if it's collecting dust at the moment. Why can't we clone therapists such as yourself so more people would get quality help!
Hi Kimberly, your presence on the internet is soothing. I've been a long-time listener of your podcast, and I am so grateful for you. I want to contribute to "I did a hard thing". Where can I send my story?
Really good advice
I have almost all these fears... I'm supposed to take meds to help me sleep at night because I suffer from nocturnal panic attacks... I'm up late tonight because taking my meds has made me so nervous I can't sleep 😢
Thanks for this video & emotional help. I always try to remind myself the reason I'm taking them in the first place, then I ask myself does the good outweigh the bad? Then I try to find some gratitude & acceptance.
Today is my first day of Paxil, wish me luck.
How was it?
i got put on antibiotics. my only fear was that they would be large. they are huge. i have to take two for 10 days and im only on day 6 and today i almost choked. i always end up shaking and not being able to even swallow plain water. sometimes i even choke on food. i dread having to take my medications. i’m just happy they aren’t capsules so i can at least cut them
This is a good one
I am so happy to hear that!
You have really helped me refrain my thoughts. I took new meds after watching this , it was hard and I’m having a few side effects but I’m not pushing them away I’m monitoring them and will talk to my GP if I need to.
any updates !!
update?
A few years back i had a bad allergic reaction to an antidepressant that i was put on.. thats was ok i got off it its on my allergy list drs know thats a big no no... my problem is i now am afraid of all medications. I recently had an abscess tooth with an emergency root canal done and i have been a ball of anxiety all week due to having to take these antibiotics and ibuprofen... how can i calm this anxiety.. i know i have to take them so i do but im mentally struggling everyday
I am afraid of an anaphylactic reaction to antibiotics. I am a nurse and know it is real. I need to take the antibiotic for a dental procedure. My fear is of dying from a reaction. Living so far away from the hospital is worse fear of dying from a reaction is a lot to overcome. Like going to the dentist lol
Hi kimberly, Do you take antidepressants?
I got a bunch of supplements I’m terrified.😅
She has an Australian accent but then sounds a little american as well. Anyone struggling geert love panic attacks helped me alot and I hope everyone checks that course out
I’m not afraid but I fear the side effects and I always get dizziness when I take a new medication or supplement even if dizziness isn’t listed as a side effect. Could that be from anxiety induced dizziness?
yes, when i get overwhelmed from my anxiety i get dizzy and disoriented very easily. My anxiety is very physical for me and medication side affects scare me like crazy. I hope that helps and i want you to know that you aren’t alone
@@gabbyharju5497 it does help. Thank you very much!