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
https://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
https://www.kimberleyquinlan-lmft.com

Time Management for Optimal Mental Health: https://www.cbtschool.com/timemanagement

ERP SCHOOL: Online course for OCD using ERP
https://www.cbtschool.com/erp-school-lp

Overcoming Anxiety & Panic: Online Course for Anxiety, GAD & Panic Disorder
https://www.cbtschool.com/overcominga...

Overcoming Depression: Online Course for Depression
https://www.cbtschool.com/depression