Remembering to Take Your Meds Can Be Tricky, These Tips Can Help!

Psychiatric medication management can be an effective intervention when it comes to mental health. When you find the treatment plan that is right for you amazing things can start to happen. When your symptoms are properly managed you can begin to see a decrease in symptoms and improvements in many life areas including your relationships, functioning at work, school performance etc. It can be difficult to show up as you’d like when you are struggling with mental health symptoms. Taking your medication regularly plays a large role in how well they work for you. While you may know this to be true, it can be difficult to stay on track.

Try the Following

Not taking your medications regularly, for example skipping doses or missing days, can impact how effectively they work for you. You can delay your recovery and even increase the risk for side effects. These simple suggestions from Michigan Medicine can help you to stay on track and take your medications regularly.

1. Maintain a list of all your medications that you take each day. There are apps that can also help you to keep a list and stay organized when it comes to taking your medications. Some apps that may be helpful for you are MediSafe, Round Health and Mango Health.
2. Taking your meds at the same time every day starts to create a routine. Once we build a healthy habit it feels off to deviate. Pair taking your meds with something you do every day without fail to decrease the likelihood you’ll forget. If you plan to take medications before your morning coffee it’s unlikely you’ll miss your coffee!
3. Visible reminders help! Leave yourself notes as a reminder. We are also more likely to follow through on things when we write them down, this action can help you on multiple levels.
4. Daily pillboxes work! Especially if you store them in a high traffic area of your home where you are likely to see them and then take them. Be sure they are stored away from moisture, heat and light (as well as children and pets).
5. Keep a physical or electronic calendar to track doses and when refills are due. If you’re running low on your medication, contact your prescriber or pharmacist sooner rather than later. Many medications can be refilled three months at a time or even in advance, be sure to know the guidelines surrounding your medications and set yourself up for success.
6. Setting an alarm helps. Most of us are within arms reach of our phones most of the day, set an alarm and you’re more likely to remember to take your medications!
7. Talk to your pharmacist, they can be a very helpful resource. They may have reminder tops — caps with reminder alarms — for your medications. Be open to suggestions they may be able to provide you with.
8. Turn your bottle upside down after you take your pills to let yourself know you took them. Before bed, turn them upright to start fresh the next day.

This list is not an exhaustive one but rather a means of getting your wheels turning. You certainly don’t have to do ALL of these things, though they can be helpful. Start small, pick one reminder you think may work for you and start doing it. Build healthier habits for yourself.

Carolina Counseling Services Can Help

While being consistent with your medication is essential for recovery, finding the provider that is right for you is also important. Carolina Counseling Services in Cameron, North Carolina contracts with skilled licensed psychiatric professionals who care.

Find the provider who is right for you with CCS who will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Carolina Counseling Services also contracts with effective licensed therapists. You don’t have to choose where to start, you can work with a therapist AND a prescriber. Online sessions are also available making getting the care you deserve easier than ever before. Call today to schedule your first appointment!