Along your mental health journey, medications can play a big role in helping you feel better. Before we dive in, it’s important to note that deciding to use medication is a big step. It is not something you should decide on your own. So, it is best to talk about this with your clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be your best guide on this matter. They’ll work with you to figure out what might be the best fit for your needs. It’s a team effort, where your thoughts and feelings matter, and their expertise helps guide you towards the best possible solutions. Keep on reading to learn more!
When do you need medication?
You’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition
If a psychiatrist has informed you that you have a mental health condition, like major depression disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or anxiety, they might recommend using medication as one way to help you start feeling better. It’s an extra tool for managing tough times.
Your progress in therapy is lacking
Sometimes, even after talking to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist for a while, things might not be getting better as much as you hope. In such cases, they might suggest trying medication to help you tackle the challenges you’re facing.
You’ve got a history of positive response to medication
If you or someone in your family has responded well to a medication for a similar mental health issue, it may be a good sign that medication might be helpful for you too.
You’re experiencing severe mental health symptoms
If dealing with your mental health makes it hard for you, the psychiatrist or clinical psychologist might suggest using medication. Medication can help you handle hard parts and get back on track.
You’re at risk of self-harm or harm to others
When there’s a risk you might hurt yourself or someone else, a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist might recommend using medication to help you in a crisis and ensure everyone’s safety.
How can I get prescription?
In Malaysia, only psychiatrists can prescribe medication for mental health conditions. If you’re seeing a clinical psychologist and they believe medication could help, they can write a referral letter for you to see a psychiatrist. This letter can get you the right help from a psychiatrist who can prescribe the medications.
Where do I get prescriptions?
Here is the list of places that can prescribe you with medications. Please note that the information is correct as at posting date.
Klinik Mentari Malaysia
Where: Available at every state
How: To set up an appointment, you can call or email the clinic closest to you. Click here to check the full list of their location!
Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Where: HKL, Jalan Pahang, 50586 Kuala Lumpur
How: Get a referral from a Klinik Kesihatan near you and take it to the hospital. They’ll set up for a session for you, and the practitioner will decide the next steps.
Pantai Hospital
Where: 8, Jalan Bukit Pantai, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
How: Set up an appointment directly via their website. You can also get a referral letter from Aloe Mind detailing your condition and reason for visit so that the psychiatrist can use it for reference!
Ara Damansara Medical Centre
Where: Lot 2, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang. Seksyen U2,40150 Shah Alam
How: Set up an appointment directly via their website. You can also get a referral letter from Aloe Mind detailing your condition and reason for visit so that the psychiatrist can use it for reference!
How do medications help in mental health treatment?
Managing symptoms:
For those dealing with schizophrenia or other similar issues, a psychiatrist might suggest antipsychotic medication. They can reduce experiences like hearing or seeing things that aren’t real and make thoughts less confusing. ADHD medications can help you pay attention and control impulses. Ultimately, they help your mind stay on track
Supporting cognitive function:
In conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, some medications can give your brain a boost, improving memory, thinking, and how well your brain works overall. It’s like having support for your brain!
Complementing therapy:
By easing symptoms, these medication can make it easier for you to get the most out of talk therapy. When some obstacles are cleared, you can work together with your therapist more effectively.
Supporting overall well-being:
Medications aren’t just about tackling specific issues – they can help manage mental health symptoms. By managing symptoms, it can be easier for you to manage your daily life. With that, you are on track to live life to the fullest!
Reducing anxiety and panic:
Some medications, like anti-anxiety drugs or certain antidepressants, can make panic attacks happen less often and be less intense for people dealing with anxiety disorders. It can help you feel more at ease when things get overwhelming.
Myths and truths about mental health medications:
Myth: Mental health medications are a “quick fix”.
Truth: Medications for mental health don’t work overnight. They can take a few weeks or months to work. It’s important to take them as advised by a professional and be patient for them to do their best.
Myth: Taking medication is a sign of weakness.
Truth: Seeking help with medications doesn’t mean you’re weak. Sometimes, our brains need that extra support, and that’s okay! Taking them is a smart move to feel better and navigate life more effectively.
Myth: It’s okay to stop taking medication once you start feeling better.
Truth: It’s really important to stick to the amount was prescribed. If you want to stop or change it, talk to your psychiatrist first so they can help you do it safely. Stopping medication without psychiatric advice can lead to unwanted side effects.
Myth: All mental health medications lead to addiction.
Truth: Most mental health medications are safe and not addictive, especially when a psychiatrist is keeping an eye on how you’re doing with them. You can always discuss any side effects with your psychiatrist during the session.
Myth: Alternative treatments are always better.
Truth: The effectiveness of alternative treatments might vary. Not all of the alternative treatments have strong scientific proof that they work for mental health issues.
Myth: Medications can change your personality.
Truth: The medication for mental health are meant to help with symptoms and get things back on track, not change who you are. With the right help from your psychiatrist, medication can help you feel better without changing the real you.
Myth: Medication is the only solution for mental health conditions.
Truth: Not everyone needs medications. It’s important to know what works for you. Hence, talking to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may be helpful for you to learn if you might need it!
Myth: Your medicine dosage stays the same for your whole life.
Truth: It’s normal for a psychiatrist to adjust how much medicine you take to fit with your current needs. The change of dosage can affect you in some ways. Hence, it is best to consult with your psychiatrist about the effects that you may feel.
What if I am still not sure?
You can always speak to our clinical psychologist to seek clarification! Go ahead and book the first session or the pre-assessment consultation with our clinical psychologist!
Book a session on our website, or Whatsapp us at +60 17-803 8384!