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"Prescription for Positivity: Ditching Med Shaming Once and For All"

The Unbelievable Tragedy of Med Shaming: Why We Should All Just Agree to Live in a Permanent State of Anxiety...or Not


Ah, #medshaming. A delightful little sport that seemed to emerge from the dark corners of #socialmedia, where everyone is an expert and common decency seems to have taken a permanent vacation. 

What’s that, you’ve taken #medication for your #mentalhealth? How daring of you! Let’s put you on blast and remind you how “weak” you are for needing a little pharmaceutical pep in your step.


The Art of Shaming

Let’s break it down, shall we? Med shaming is just people showing their dazzling ability to judge others for the choices they make regarding their health. What’s that? You’re coping with anxiety through medication? Oh, honey, how unhealthy! Haven't you heard? It’s soooo much better for you to “just breathe” or “try yoga” while holding some rocks chanting an incantation—because obviously, the yoga mat has a PhD in #psychiatry. I’m sure your sister’s neighbors mother-in-law’s telephone psychic definitely knows exactly how to cure you.

We really need to talk about the sheer brilliance here. Why support someone who’s trying to improve their mental health, or whatever else they are taking medication for, when you can sit atop your judgmental throne, overlooking the plight of the “medicated masses”? 

It’s so much easier to put others down than to face your own insecurities, right? That whole log in your own eye thing and all…


The “Strength” of Suffering

Let’s not forget the jaw-dropping irony of promoting the idea that #suffering equals #strength. Yes, that’s right! The more you suffer, the stronger you are. So, why wouldn’t we continue to #shame those who seek help through medication? Clearly, anyone who chooses a #prescription over a side-eye or an unsolicited opinion is just waving a white flag. 


Like it’s ANY of your fucking business anyway!!!


It’s almost as if we’ve forgotten that mental illness is, you know, an actual medical condition. 

Perhaps we should follow the logic of the so-called “wellness warriors”—what’s next, shaming people for using crutches after an injury? Stop whining about that broken leg! Get up and walk you baby! 

After all, healing without a badge of honor is simply boring. 


Pretty idiotic if you ask me.


The Ripple Effect of Judgment

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the far-reaching consequences of med shaming. The next time you decide to cast your judgment, remember that your words might just deter someone from seeking the help they need. What a fun way to contribute to the ever-growing statistics of mental health issues! Bravo, you!

There’s a beautiful irony at play when we realize that while we’re shaming others, we’re actually creating a culture of fear. No one wants to openly discuss their struggles, lest they be met with the disdain of the “healthy”, or worse, their well-meaning but misguided friends. "just be happy..."

Why don't you just be more purple...hmmm...


The Final Thought: Kindness, Anyone?

At the end of the day, wouldn’t it just be easier to cultivate #kindness? Instead of shaming, we could embrace an era where everyone feels comfortable discussing their health without fear of judgment. Imagine a world where people uplift each other rather than resorting to snarky comments about how someone is “just taking the easy way out.” 

I have personally struggled with this myself in the last year. It’s been unlike anything I have ever experienced. I have been in therapy for several years but this seemed to come at me with out warning and it was rough. I’m on medication because I felt it was needed. I have a lot of love and support around me but it doesn’t make it any easier to admit you need #help. It’s usually my job to help people, not the other way around. This is a subject that has been on my mind for years because medication has always been a part of my treatment plan along with a strict diet and exercise routine. You can generally set your watch by my schedule. Everyone has a different combination of things that works for them. We have to give people the space to figure out what that looks like for themselves and their medical providers.


So, let’s ditch the judgement and start a new trend—support and understanding for those making choices that work for their health. 


Because honestly, in a world filled with Judgement, kindness might just be the best medicine of all. Isn’t that what we really want—a little less shame and a lot more positivity?

Just some food for thought...












 
 
 

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