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Convenience vs. Crisis-- My Battle to Stay Compliant

Avoiding a crisis with the aid of medication or any form of treatment should always take precedence over convenience. I missed a couple of days of medication. I did not forget to take my medicine, instead I told myself it was not convenient. Therefore, I continued on with my busy schedule, and regretted it in the days to come. I followed up on taking my medicine after I starting experiencing the side effects of my antidepressant, my inability to maintain focus with my eyes. This discomfort prompted me to take my medication for the side effects and also my mental health medicine.

Reflecting on my actions I know how careless and risky it was to opt out of taking my medication to treat my mental illness. I've had my share of bizarre thoughts, disconnection from reality, and psychosis among several other scary symptoms of schizophrenia. I generally motivate myself to stay compliant with my medication regimen because I do not want anyone to see me when I am in a state of confusion, but I am starting to think this is not enough.

What helps you master taking medication to treat your illness?



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Comments

Chris said…
Hi Ashley,

I've taken my medication every day as prescribed for over 21 years except on one day I missed a dose when I had to take a medical test.

I have a 7-day pill box with AM and PM compartments for each day. You can buy it online from containerstore.com and it's a worthwhile investment.

I believe in my vision that people with schizophrenia and bipolar and other mental illnesses can recover. Thus first of all I take the SZ meds to remain true to my vision, because if I didn't take the medication I couldn't possibly inspire others to flourish living with a mental health condition.

It's a two-fold approach: an intrinsic motivation to do well for myself, and an altruistic motivation to tell my story as living proof.

Cheers,
Christina
February 10, 2014 at 7:05 AM
Scared Mom said…
I wanted to thank you for this blog. My daughter is 17 and they're not sure yet if the psychosis she is experiencing is because she is schizophrenic. But I've been trying to learn as much as I can.

Your blog has given me hope for her future if indeed she has it. For the first time since I was told she might be schizophrenic, I don't feel like I am waiting to hear whether or not she has a terminal illness.
February 22, 2014 at 9:24 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Ashley,

I have just watched a YouTube video which you were in, and then turned to your blog to read more.

My Mum suffers from psychosis (albeit undiagnosed) and has done for around 15years.

I have yet to convince her to get the help she needs, but like the previous lady, watching your video has given me renewed hope.

You have inspired me, and Im sure countless others. I hope that means that you are able to keep the ritual of taking your medication at the very top of your priority list :)

Many thanks for sharing your experiences xxx
March 9, 2014 at 6:32 PM
Ashley Smith said…
Hi Chris, you are an awesome example for me and our peers!

Thank you,
Ashley

March 12, 2014 at 2:42 AM
Ashley Smith said…
Hi Scared Mom,

Whatever the diagnosis of your daughter know that recovery is possible. If I could lose my mind, and get it back and share a positive outcome I believe recovery is possible for anyone can recover with proper treatment, support, and hope and faith in God.

Please know I want the best for you and your daughter in recovery.

Take care,

Ashley Smith
March 12, 2014 at 2:48 AM
Ashley Smith said…
Hi Anonymous,

Thank you for the support I need encouragement too. Although taking my medication can be a challenge from time to time, I do understand its significance in my recovery and I will continue to press forward with my treatment plan because it worked in the past, and I believe it can work for the better in my future. My heart goes out to you and your mother and family I can only imagine the worry you must have experienced out of love and concern. I hope your mother will accept some form of professional treatment whether that include traditional approaches or holistic and other alternative approaches.

Sincerely,

Ashley Smith
March 12, 2014 at 2:53 AM
Anonymous said…
I am also a mother of a young man recently diagnosed with "psychotic episodes with meaning bla, bla, bal". Sorry, I forget the exact phrase. He is now on anti-psychotics and starting to recover. I am hopeful for his recovery and grateful for your blog writing. It is really helpful. Thank you.
March 15, 2014 at 5:49 PM
Ashley Smith said…
Hi Anonymous,

I am so glad my experience is helping you gain a better understanding. Thank you!

Ashley Smith
March 17, 2014 at 2:49 AM
Duane Sherry, M.S. said…
I spent several thousand hours researching non-drug options for serious mental health conditions; and put together a non-commercial website with some helpful links:

http:/discoverandrecover.wordpress.com

Please see the warning page.

Duane Sherry, M.S.
Retired Counselor
April 5, 2014 at 12:19 AM
Duane Sherry, M.S. said…
Please take a look at some of the links on this website:

http://discoverandrecover.wordpress.com

Duane Sherry, M.S.
Retired Counselor
April 5, 2014 at 12:20 AM
Anonymous said…
I have a question, I hope it is appropriate for this blog , but I feel very desperate at this point in my life, and I just need to hear from someone who has schizophrenia…. my dad is very ill right now and not on any medication. He talks to himself and has just really gone down hill to say the least. How can I get him to take medication? His health is going down hill rapidly and he's very secluded. I don't know how to help him get meds…..should I force him to go to an institution? I've been praying to God for years to help me understand him, until recently, I realized he is schizophrenic….. I used to believe all his bizarre stories growing up. Sorry if this post is inapproripate. I just can't watch this suffering anymore. It is affecting all my family too. God bless you!
April 9, 2014 at 11:33 PM
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