Medication isn't always my answer

Portraying teens as lazy, entitled, and moody is not a modern cliche. The phase of teenage life is often packed with intense emotions as teens work through the process of discovering their place in the working world, especially those who are students. With all the drama and stress that is brought on by high school and college life, students often face symptoms of anxiety, depression, or both.

Those students who are aware of their mental insecurities often, but not always, seek help from a doctor. Now I want to be clear that I'm not promoting the idea that seeing a doctor is the wrong thing to do. In fact, I want to emphasize that seeking a doctor or medical professional is ALWAYS the right thing to do.

From my experience, I didn't really know what depression was until my sophomore year of high school. I recall the constant sadness I felt, but I often could not understand why, or even come to consider, that I had an undeniable brain disorder. After seeing a doctor I gained a new perspective and was prescribed the antidepressant, Lexapro from my general physician.

After being on the medication for just one day, I began to experience heavy side effects of dizziness and confusion. While antidepressants help many people recover from mental instabilities, I realized that they were just not for me. Through my minor experience with this drug, and upon realizing how easily doctors could prescribe antidepressants to almost any patient, I began researching small and creative measures directed towards independently combating anxiety and depression.

Here are a few examples I'd like to share/promote:

1.

#LookoftheDay