Low Self-Esteem and Medication
March 24th, 2006 (Self Esteem)
Are you considering medication to treat your social anxiety and low self-esteem levels? No treatment is without side effects, even therapy can make people uncomfortable, and medications are no exception. In most cases, the side effects are minimal or at least quite tolerable. But the possibility of side effects is one reason you may prefer to try to seek self-help research material before taking medication.
On the other hand, there are times when you should see a physician (either a family doctor who is comfortable with and experienced at handling mental health problems or a psychiatrist) and start on medication early in the course of treatment. Examples of such times would be if you are so depressed that you can’t concentrate; you are having trouble separating reality from imagination, or you are having thoughts about hurting or killing yourself or anyone else.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you need the assistance of a professional. Self-help is not enough! What if your family physician recommends that you take medication for such low self-esteem issues? By starting medication early in the course of treatment, some difficulties associated with social anxiety (depressed mood, for example) may improve. This may make it easier for you to embark on a self-help program, and is a valid reason to start on a medication sooner rather than later.