These are some of the concerns patients may express when discussing psychiatric medication.
"Dawai shuru kar di toh zindagi bhar khani paray gi."
"Yeh dawaiyan aadat daal deti hain."
Myth 1: Psychiatric medications are addictive.
Reality: Most psychiatric medications are not addictive, although some can cause physical dependence and require careful tapering.
"Neend toh aa jati hai, lekin sara din susti rehti hai."
"Mujhe apni personality badli hui lagti hai."
Myth 2: Medication changes who I am.
Reality: The goal is not to change your personality but to help manage symptoms that interfere with your life.
"Ab theek hoon, ab dawai ki kya zaroorat hai?"
Myth 3: I feel better, so I can stop taking medication.
Reality: Improvement may be a result of treatment. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms or relapse.
"Logon ko pata chal gaya ke main psychiatric medication leta hoon toh meri shaadi ka kya hoga?"
Myth 4: Psychiatric medication is only for people who are severely mentally ill.
Reality: Medication can help people experiencing a range of mental health difficulties.
"Main pagal thori hoon jo psychiatrist ki dawaiyan khaoon."
"Ghar walon ko pata chala toh kya sochain ge?"
Myth 5: Taking medication means I am weak.
Reality: Seeking treatment is an act of self-care, not a sign of weakness.
Myth 6: Medication will solve everything.
Reality: Medication may be one part of recovery, alongside psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and social support.
"Yeh sab Allah ki taraf se imtehaan hai, dawai se kya hoga?"
"Bas namaz parho, sab theek ho jaye ga."
Myth 7: Prayer and medication cannot go together.
Reality: Spiritual practices can provide comfort and support, while medical treatment addresses mental health symptoms. They do not have to be alternatives.
The decision to take psychiatric medication can be complicated by stigma, misinformation, fear of side effects, financial barriers and personal beliefs.
Patients deserve to have their concerns heard rather than dismissed.
Medication should always be discussed with a qualified psychiatrist, and doses should never be changed or stopped without professional guidance.
Mental health treatment is not about losing yourself. It is about finding ways to feel like yourself again.
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Ms Maryam Umar, Consultant Clinical Psychologist