Mental Health Research / 15.11.2024

Editor’s note: This piece discusses mental health. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 Do Not stop or change prescribed mental health medications without medical supervision and stopping medications can also have serious side effects.   In recent years, we've seen a huge rise in mental health awareness. The campaigns are everywhere around us, stressing the importance of getting help and treatment to those who need it. However, one thing most people still feel uncomfortable talking about is the medication for anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles. Many people feel hesitant to get on meds, and for a good reason: these medications usually have a profound effect on your life. And while that effect is usually positive, there could also be plenty of negative side effects. That’s why medication-free mental health management becomes an option. Here are the pros and cons of this approach, all to help people make the best possible informed decisions about their own journey.

Understanding Medication-Free Management

Generally speaking, medication-free mental health management involves using various non-pharmaceutical techniques and lifestyle changes to handle mental health challenges. This approach recognizes that mental health is deeply connected to our daily habits, relationships, and overall lifestyle choices. It includes things like therapy, exercise, mindfulness practices, dietary changes, and other holistic stress management techniques. (more…)