I want to start this post with the statement that I’m not a licensed psychiatrist and that you should always put their advice above any other. 

However, I have been on high doses of medication for mental illness for 3,5 years and I have also successfully quit that medication. Starting and quitting mental health medication is an entire journey in itself and, with this motivation I would like to advise you. 

It was explained to me as if you could see your mental illness as a broken leg and medication as crutches. It is an amazing tool that’ll help you move forward, but you will still have to deal with your broken leg. For the reason that you cannot walk on crutches for the rest of your life. The goal is for your leg to be healed in such a way that you do not need any crutches anymore. The same goes for your mental condition. 

This process can take years and please take your time. 

However, I do think being dependent on these medications for many decades should not be the intention. There are always cases where someone will have to be in a wheelchair for the rest of their lives, and the same goes for medication that helps you cope with mental illness.

On the other hand, if you do not belong in this category, I am speaking to you. 

A reason why a lot of people keep lingering on their medication is because it is really hard to quit if you’ve taken it for a long time. Personally, I suffered from a lot of withdrawal symptoms and because of this I would advise you to take as little of a dose as possible. Take whatever  you need to be able to function. The same advice goes for whether to start using medication. If you are able to go on with your daily activities, I would advise to not begin with medication. 

Therefore, combine your use of medication with constant physiological treatment. In this way, you will practically learn how to handle your symptoms. 

My last piece of advice is, if you want to quit with your medication, that you are stronger than you think. And It gets worse, before it gets better. 

Depending on the duration of your medication use, there will be a withdrawal period at first. This is the hardest part. However, if you find a way to get through that, the feeling of being in touch with your emotions and the clarity will be worth it. 

My biggest motivation for enduring my severe withdrawal symptoms was you. I wanted to show people that there is life after severe mental illness, and that it is not a world you have to stay stuck in. 

Quitting my cocktail of medication was terrifying and at times I thought I was not able to keep going, but with good guidance from professionals I (with the grace of God) made it happen. 

The use of medication is not a world where you have to stay stuck in. 

I will be your God throughout your lifetime until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.- Isaiah 46:4