Realizations of Medications

In our culture, of special needs, many families are faced with decisions to medicate, or not to medicate. Over the years I have some experiences and opinions to share. Feel free to comment, as nobody usually does, but I bet there will be some thoughts as you read this.

So, I am a firm believer that there are times when medication is a valuable piece to progress. Luke typically feels that many mental health and behavioral problems do not need medication for mending. Until recently, he suggested medication for a child and I know then his limits of intervention have been exhausted and he acknowledges there may be some relief.

My understanding of medication, for mental health issues have been termed to these truths:
1. Doctors in general, are very quick to prescribe medication- they over medicate and offer that biological solution for emotion problems easily.

2. Families need to make their own decisions based on as a whole, what will benefit their situation currently.

3. Medications are not necessarily a life-time necessity and often times they can be effective for managing the biological issue so that behavioral and other interventions are better received by the persons brain.

4. We would not deprive our children of diabetes insulin, first aid treatment, or eye glasses; in the event that our child has mental health needs that are increasing or unmanageable there should be no stigma attached to it that we are doing something better by allowing them (and usually us!) to suffer.

5. Medication is not best as the only solution, but a supplement to other interventions depending on the roots of the issue. Very seldom are mental health issues strictly biological, and even if so there are behavioral and emotional practices that can be crucial to recovery and or management.

6. There is no magic pill.

7. God allowed us the medical technology and wisdom to assist serious mental health issues. We are in this world and if using pharmaceuticals appropriately puts us of it, then we should quit driving cars and eating grease too. The Good Lord will guide you to safety and comfort your heart as you navigate what may be necessary for stability and success in your family or child. Pray.

8. Second opinions are valuable. There are differences in even what ages can be diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar, and other mental health labels. A child's brain is developing and as parents we need to protect them from anything that may harm them. Are their behaviors more emotionally, physically, socially, or cognitively impairing than the medication that is COMMONLY used to treat such? Be objective.

9. With good communication public schools, private therapies, county professionals (i say that one loosely) may become important team players to guiding your youngster to success, reiterating that medication alone is often reckless.

and finally...

10. Keep it real! If your kid has mental health issues it is not your fault, their fault, or any reason for shame. There are resources and tools for recovery and yes, medication should not be ruled out.

Ok, so I got 10, isn't that the rule of thumb on lists? Our personal experiences is that Adam came to us over medicated. If you are on a time released ritilin there be no reason for an additional dose, next thing you know they will be pushing sleep meds too. One doctor had him drugged up like that, immediately we cut that and our pediatrician confirmed that was a strange choice to have the additional dose. We knew our son that quick. Ok, maybe it was common sense. To this day I attest that he would not have learned to read without those ADHD meds and he outgrew the need. It was about 4 years later, but he just wasn't displaying the hyperannoying (yep my word) behaviors and we are sober. ODD, well wait and see if we have any relief there, that again, we are assuming will be only assistance as we work on regulation, skill building, and behavior modification without the biological components screwing it up every time- ie, shutdown.

I once heard a radio program with an adult ADD person and their reflections of meds, they said that the classroom was too difficult because it was two radio stations playing in their head and the medication finally shut it off so they could learn. I don't function well with two radio stations playing, I can't imagine that being internal. Reany has a lot of "neurological busyness" going on, as disclosed by her auditory processing eval at SCSU (awesome btw.) We tried one med after a discharge from therapy that the attention issues need to be addressed before her brain will be able to conquer the continuing target areas. But doc said we would know right away if effective (concerta, the same good one for Adam at that age.) It didn't do anything and we are still sober. She continues to do well and we will likely wait for her to have obstacles academically, and with her executive functioning impairments that should surface in the structured classroom setting when they are given greater independent responsibilities. Waiting games suck!

I know traumatized children that have been on up to 17 meds in one day, and I think that is WRONG! I think that is mere negligence by the county (as they were in care,) and for that foster family.

Wishing any of you dealing with mental health issues the best. Pray that God grant you wisdom to know what your family needs, what your child needs, and how you can have peace with whatever that may bring. Keep it real.

Ok, now your turn!