4 Reasons My Antidepressant Makes Me Feel Like a Badass
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When I first started taking an antidepressant, I was afraid it would change me for the worse. But in fact, it’s helped me feel on top of the world. Here are 4 reasons my antidepressant makes me feel like a badass.
4 Reasons My Antidepressant Makes Me Feel Like a Badass
Recently, I started taking an antidepressant to help with, you know…depression. While I had some reservations about taking it, it’s ultimately been the best decision I made in 2020.
With the rocky year we all had, I’m sure I don’t need to explain the details of why I decided to start taking them again. However, I’ve struggled with depression for all of my adult life. So, in a nutshell, the stress of 2020 pushed me to a place where I knew I needed them again.
After several months on them, I’ve never felt better about myself. Here are 4 reasons I feel like a real badass on antidepressants.
#1 My Thoughts Are More Hopeful
One of the inner battles I’ve had to fight A LOT is with my inner critic. Yep, that voice in my head is mega critical, mean and has impossibly high standards. And I’m never good enough for that voice.
Honestly, making my mind a more positive place to dwell is something I’ve had to work long and hard for. But nowadays, that battle happens so much less.
While the antidepressants aren’t a magical cure, they make it so I don’t use so much energy on my inner critic. Now I spend less energy wondering if I’m good enough, doubting myself and feeling so overwhelmed. My thoughts are lighter and I feel like I have mental space to just be.
And that feels amazing.
#2 I Have Energy to Conquer the Day
Another big benefit from my antidepressant medication is that now I have so much more energy to get through the day.
2020 came with its fair share of difficulties that were life altering and heavy. But instead of constantly dwelling on all the stress, I feel like I have the energy to focus on my goals. I actually want to get up in the morning. My will to live has been strengthened. And I feel I can cope with life’s challenges more now.
Of course, bad days still happen. There are times I get sad and overwhelmed. But those days have become more rare. And after many MANY bad days, that feels miraculous.
#3 I Control the Narrative of My Mental Health
Thirdly, taking an antidepressant actually helps me feel in control of my mental and emotional health.
Getting a diagnosis of depression, anxiety and chronic insomnia can feel really debilitating to me. And it can really get to me sometimes.
But taking my medication gives me the power to feel better. It’s a choice I make every single day when I take it. And making that choice enables me to feel powerful and like I’m in control of my mental health.
#4 I Feel Like the Best Version of Myself
Finally, taking my medication helps me feel like the best version of myself. My mind feels more clear. I laugh and joke around more. I cry less. I’m more present in my marriage.
And I’m more present for myself. Which is the biggest gift of all.
Do I have side effects? Yes. But it’s manageable and worth the benefits for me.
For the first time in my life, I feel like my goals and dreams are truly within my reach. Also, I have the sense of using my potential, which always felt vaguely out of reach before. But that was probably the mental illness talking.
I’m really enjoying getting to know the version of myself that I am on my medication. And that version feels like a badass.
Conclusion
Struggling with mental illness is incredibly difficult. But finding a medication that helps balance me out is so empowering. I have happier thoughts, more energy, feel empowered and like the best version of myself. And that little by little, life keeps getting better.
