Mental Health Treatment and Intimacy: Addressing Common Concerns

How psychiatric medication impacts your personality and personal connections.

One of the most frequent concerns patients bring to Telepsych 4 you is whether psychiatric medication will change "who they are" or negatively impact their intimate lives. These are valid concerns that deserve a transparent, clinical perspective. In reality, the right medication should help your true personality emerge by clearing the fog of anxiety or depression.

The Personality Myth

The goal of modern treatment is to alleviate symptoms like emotional numbness or irritability. If a medication makes you feel like a "zombie," it is likely not the right fit or dosage. The medication is a tool that clears the weeds of a disorder so your actual personality can bloom.

Navigating Physical Side Effects

Some medications, particularly SSRIs, can impact libido. However, this is rarely an unsolvable problem.

1. Open Dialogue: There are many classes of medications. If one causes side effects, others may not.
2. Communication: Explaining to a partner that a change in drive is a biological side effect of a life-saving medication can foster empathy rather than resentment.

Have questions about side effects? Chat with a licensed provider at Telepsych 4 you from the comfort of your couch.

Here’s a Tip

Use apps like "Paired" to improve communication with your partner during treatment.

Question

What is a myth about mental health medication that you used to believe?