Mental Health Treatment: How to Stick to Your Medicine Plan

Finding out what works for you

If you find it hard to stay on your medicine, think of this as an opportunity. This is a good time to look at your medicines and how you take them. If you often forget to take them, you can look at ways to remind yourself. And if a medicine does not work well for you, it’s time to talk with your provider. What works will differ for each person. It might take time and patience to find the right medicine for your needs.

Looking at your beliefs

It can be easy to believe that medicines for mental health won’t really help. If you had a bad experience with one medicine, you might think none of them will work for you. But that isn’t necessarily true. Or you might be worried how it looks to take medicine for mental health. You may worry that it’s a sign of weakness. But it’s really a sign that you want to take charge.

Speaking up

Remember that you have a say in your treatment. And the more ownership you feel, the more you will want to stick to your plan.

To take an active role in your own care:

• Be part of medicine decisions. You are an expert on your own experiences. Your view on treatment is vital for coming up with a plan that works for you. Talk with your healthcare provider about side effects that you have or concerns you feel about your medicine plan.

• Discuss your beliefs and attitudes about treatment. If you don't want to take a certain type of medicine, talk with your provider about your reasons why. They may help you look at it differently, or find you another medicine.

• Explain your circumstances. Factors like your access to health insurance, income, and how much family support you have affect your odds for success with certain treatments. For example, if your provider prescribes a medicine that costs a lot, you’ll be less likely to take it. Make sure your provider understands any problems like this you may have.

• Ask questions. Ask every question you have. For example, how should you take your medicine? Should you take it in the morning or at night? On a full or empty stomach? What if you miss a dose? Having a complete understanding of your treatment plan is necessary for sticking to it.

• Have an advocate. Bring a trusted family member or friend with you to appointments. This person can help support you and learn about your provider’s recommendations.

Taking charge of your medicine routine

Once you’ve established your plan, it’s important to stick to it. This can be hard at times. Ask your provider what to do if you miss a dose. Skipping a day may not harm one person, but it may be a serious problem for another. You’ll need to do your best to stay on track. You can:

• Set alarms. Many medicines work best when taken at the same time each day. If you have multiple medicines with different times, set alarms for each.

• Pair your medicines with a daily activity. This can help make taking your medicines into a habit. For example, take your medicines with breakfast. You can even put your pill bottles next to the food that you eat every morning.

• Use weekly pill boxes. This is an easy way to track your use.

• Enroll in autofill programs. Many pharmacies have this option. With autofill, you don’t need to call your healthcare provider for a refill.

• Use mail services. Having medicines shipped to your door can be even easier than using autofill.

• Spread the word. Make sure your loved ones know your treatment schedule. That way, they can help remind you.

Keeping in contact 

Keep an open line of communication with your provider. They can offer advice or adjust your treatment plan if something isn’t working. They can also tell you about community resources to help decrease the barriers you may face.

Remember, no matter how you feel, never stop taking your medicines without your provider’s consent. It can be unsafe to stop a medicine on your own. Your provider will adjust your treatment plan to help you feel your best.