No! I Won’t Take My Medicine!


No! I Won't Take My Medicine - Anchor Of Promise





The biggest drawback for mentally challenged teens are the side effects from medications.  Teens often express feelings of being lethargic, not themselves, worse than before, and even embarrassed that they have to take medication in the first place.

The other complication is that mental illness is tiring in itself.  It drains your teen emotionally, mentally, and physically because the brain is trying harder to undo the symptoms of mental illness that is happening inside.  They are constantly at war with their thoughts that race in their mind which leaves them exhausted, depressed, acting out, unusual behaviors, and more.

In their eyes, the future is bleak for them or they try other sources such as drugs and alcohol to numb what they are going through inside their mind.

As a parent, the last thing we need is for our teen to end up with an addiction on top of a mental illness.  So, how are we to win this fight?

Years ago, those in the psychiatric field often gave out a one size fits all medication for mental illness.  Much has changed since then and doctors who treat mental illness today have learned a lot through trials and research.

Here are some lessons they have learned and what you and your teen can do:

  • Each medication works differently on each individual.  What works for one may not work for another. It takes time to see any difference and keeping a journal of what helps and what does not is productive in figuring out the right type of meds your teen can tolerate or do well on.
  • Some homeopathic treatment can help along with therapy. But it has to be discussed with those who prescribe prescriptions.
  • Staying away from certain foods that can aggravate mental illness.  Healthy choices have always shown great success for those who have suffered from disorders and illnesses.  Ask for references by your mental health advocate for a nutritionist.
  • Medicine needs to be measured out by the weight of the teen and built up from a very small dosage to a higher one IF and when needed. Communication is the key to make sure your teen and the doctor prescribing the medication are working closely together and to monitor any changes along the way.  
  • Doctors are more open to collaborate on what teens are comfortable to use and more willing to continue on.
  • The stigmatism of being on medication is becoming less due to the amount of young people who take medications for various medical reasons.  Taking medication for mental illness is not a death sentence.  It is to give normalcy in one’s life.
  • When a teen’s body matures as they age, often times a medication change is necessary.
  • Doctors and patients must have a good rapport with each other in order for the patient to be compliant with taking the medication.  If your child does not like the doctor, maybe it is time to  look for a new one.
  • The more the teen is involved in the decision making of the medication/therapy, the more apt they are in wanting the treatment to continue.  Ask your teen to participate and even take the lead to figure out what medication will work best.  

Finally, the best medicine I have found is prayer mixed in with the wisdom of the medical field professionals. Praying for God to put upon your teen a desire to get better is always a benefit to your child.  We may not have control over what our teen does or how they will respond, but God knows their fears, worries, their capabilities, and their heart. Your job as a parent is to support your teen and encourage them in their journey to not give up as they find the best solution to establish a healthy mental attitude of healing.



Bible Quotes take from NIV Copyright 2011

2 thoughts on “No! I Won’t Take My Medicine!

  1. i think it is a violation of their rights as humans to be forced to take psychotropic drugs. there are enough children who desire drugs like the ones being given to teens who don’t want them, that a parent should be grateful their teen wants to learn to cope without being medicated. feel a little sick inside to think their our teens being forced to swallow pills. it’s actually gross. i guess the zombie apocalypse will come after all, with all our grown up, medicated kids.


    • Thank you for responding and for sharing your thoughts and concerns on this very touchy subject. I think it’s important to include a teen in the process and also to incorporate homeopathic methods (drug-free options) first. Most kids really do want to feel illness free and are open to any options. You are right in that there are too many medicated kids who don’t need it. That is why I like to encourage parents to try other options out there before thinking about medications. I do believe however there are instances that medication IS needed in severe cases to protect the teen and others around them. There isn’t a one size fits all answer. Each family has to make this very personal decision on their own. In the end, the teen needs to do all that they can to better their health because it is something they will carry with into their adult life. Thank you for your response. I appreciate it.


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