Why Pill Shaming is wrong and should be called out?
Pill shaming is wrong on so many levels and must be addressed. But how can we justify that it is wrong? For this purpose, we need to look out for the definition of pill shaming that what pill shaming actually is. Pill shaming is “the act of shaming or belittling people for taking pharmaceuticals for the betterment of their mental health”. This definition implies that pill shaming or medication shaming is a kind of harassment and bullying which needs to be addressed and we need to make people aware about this fallacy.
This topic is really close to my heart because somewhat I have been suffering from this for the last seven years and it is time to speak up about it.
Just like physiological disorders such as diabetes, cancer, tuberculosis have medication for their treatment, psychological disorders also have medication. There has always been a debate going on whether is it right to take anti-depressants, anxiolytics (anxiety-relieving medicines) and other medication for mental health disorders. As electronic and print media have always been reporting ruthlessly about these medications, it is a common idea among people that anti-psychotics, anti-depressants or anti- anxiety medications are always harmful and have more side effects than that of their benefits, boosting pill shaming as a result. So, generally people have this thinking it is better not to take these medicines even if you really really need them for your daily and proper functioning, rather choose an alternative approach for it.
Pill shaming and mental health stigma walk along the same path. Our “suck it up, buttercup” approach towards mental health leads to pill shaming. Though mental health issues are somewhat more acceptable than that of the pill shaming. Due to this generality towards pill shaming, many people have been struggling already and when they decided to go for the treatment, they have to suffer from pill shaming as well. This approach is shaped by mistrust of pharmaceutical companies and a typical and innate collective attitude towards mental health. And this needs to be changed.
In conclusion, you must not feel embarrassment in taking medication if it is helping you to manage your mental health issues. You must remember that it is like a tool in your toolkit and you cannot use the same tool for different issues, you need your tools according to your problem. Though pharmaceuticals aren’t really the only option but when it is essential to take them, you should not feel any kind of shame or guilt.
