It is normal to worry about this. You want to feel like yourself. You also want to get better. Here, we will help you understand what can happen. We will use straightforward language and ensure our communication is kind and clear.
What Is Personality?
Personality encompasses your typical thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It reflects your preferences, your sense of humor, and your approach to problem-solving. Personality develops gradually and is not formed overnight.
How Medication Works
Mental health medications can enhance cognitive clarity and stabilize moods. They may reduce anxiety and elevate feelings of sadness. However, these medications are not intended to change your identity.
When Medicine May Feel Like It Changes You
Sometimes you may feel different after starting a medicine. This can happen for a few reasons:
- Your mood gets better. When you feel less sad or worried, you may act more like yourself. People might call that a change.
- The medicine can make your energy go up or down for a while. That can feel like a personality change.
- Some side effects, like feeling sleepy or tired, can make you act quieter. This is usually not your true self, it is the medicine’s effect.
- If you stop medicine too fast, you can feel worse. That can also seem like a personality change.
Short-Term Versus Long-Term
Short-term changes are common. They can start in days or weeks. These often go away when the body adjusts or when the dose is changed.
Long-term changes that truly change “who you are” are rare. Most people return to their usual selves after the right dose and time. If a change lasts, talk to your doctor.
What to Watch For
Keep an eye on how you feel. Write down notes if you can. Tell your care team about:
- Big mood swings
- New anger or very low mood
- Trouble thinking or making choices
- Very low interest in things you liked
- Sleep or appetite changes
If you feel unsafe or have thoughts of harm, get help right away.
How We Help at Integrated Health & Wellness Services (IHAWS)
We want you to find peace and joy. We help teens and adults in Wilmington, Delaware. Our care includes:
- Psychiatric medication management. We watch how medicine is working for you.
- Counseling, including family and group work. Talk therapy helps your true self come back.
- Substance abuse treatment. This is important because drugs or alcohol can change how medicines work.
- DNA drug test. This test can show how your body may handle some medicines. It can help us pick a better plan.
We work together with you. We listen. We check side effects. We change the plan when needed.
Tips To Keep Your Sense of Self
Here are easy steps to help you stay you:
- Tell your doctor about how you feel. Be honest.
- Keep a small mood note. A few words each day help.
- Ask about side effects and what to expect.
- Do not stop medicine suddenly. Talk to your prescriber first.
- Pair medicine with therapy. Talk helps the changes make sense.
- Tell your care team about any alcohol or drug use. This matters for safety.
When to Get Help Now
If you feel very different and it scares you, call for help. If you think about hurting yourself, get emergency care or call a crisis line.
Final Thoughts
Medicines help people with mental health issues. They can help you return to normal, but finding the right one may take time. Integrated Health & Wellness Services, LLC wishes to be part of your journey. We offer medication, counseling, and support for substance issues, creating plans that fit your needs.
You are not alone. You matter. Your diagnosis is not who you are. With good treatment, people return to feeling like themselves again.
FAQs
Q. How long until I feel better?
It can take a few weeks. Some people need more time. We watch and help along the way.
Q. What is the DNA drug test for?
It can show how your body may use some medicines. This can help pick the best plan for you.