Is it ok not to suggest medication to a friend struggling with mental health?

[FlakyJadeCat]

My friend has had years of issues with her mental health. I think her parents aren't very emotionally nurturing and as a result she's been quite independent but gets bouts of not being able to cope with life.

She's such a lovely girl but also quite hard work when she gets down.

I know she's been on various types of medication and doesn't feel it's the answer for her.

I know lots of things have happened with her family ignoring her and she wasnt able to find a partner etc.

I know she's paying for therapy again (no children so never gets offered talking therapies as shes quite high needs due to her history)

Aibu in suggesting she needs medication as well as talking therapies?

It depends on the individual. As somekne who takes medication I wish I'd stayed off it at first as now it's a dependency. However, it does make my life just about bearable so I'm not sure I would recommend not taking it. Again you need to leave it up to them you can't force it

Not sure how to answer your poll as it looks like you've asked opposite questions in your title and your post.

She knows medication exists; it's up to her (and her doctors) if she wants to try it again. I don't think it's helpful for a friend to be "suggesting she needs medication".

Personally, I wouldnt.

i assume the GP organised the talking therapy, so presumably the GP would also have offered medication if suitable

and she has tried medication before

No, I'd leave it. She's already tried it and said she didnt like it.

She knows it exists and is an option, what's the point of suggesting it if she doesnt think its the answer?

It's not your job to suggest anything. She's an adult, she has a therapist.

You're her friend, just listen and suggest something social while she's dealing with her problems.

You’re not her doctor so no, it’s not appropriate for you to recommend medication to her.

I don’t know what you mean when you say no children so she never gets offered talking therapy? Talking therapy is never dependent on having children

Yeah I dont get this either. I have a friend who went through the most horrific experience and now has horrendous PTSD (wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy it was that bad) and she has kids and 3 years later is STILL waiting for therapy on the NHS.

I wouldn't suggest medication if she's already tried loads and feels they aren't good for her. It's so frustrating to be treatment resistant depressed but have someone pop up and insist you should try meds as if you hadn't already tried that.

You’re her friend not her clinician so you can’t possibly try to assess her and advise on the best course of treatment. Just listen and support her. If she tells you her doctors have recommended medication then maybe I’d encourage her to consider it.

I don’t see how medication would help her deal with any of the issues you have outlined. They sound situational.

What are your qualifications for recommending medication? Are you advising about the possible side effects? Has she other underlying health conditions which may mean certain medications are inappropriate? What medications has she previously tried? What reason did she give for discontinuing them if she did stop taking medication?

Seriously, you haven't a clue so don't interfere.

Let her make informed decisions, with a HCP without your undue pressure.

How do you think you telling her she's adulting wrongly will help her?

YABU to suggest she NEEDS meds but YWNBU to ask if she’s thought about taking meds.

I think this is between her and her doctor.

My sister won’t take antidepressants either. I don’t discuss it with her any more because I know she’s had medication in the past and was adamant it wasn’t right for her. Personally, I don’t think that’s actually the reason she won’t take it, but she wouldn’t react well to a discussion about that. Ultimately it’s not for me to tell her what she should be doing, and I’m not a doctor. She can have the medication conversation with a professional. Same applies with you and your friend.

I do completely understand your frustration - especially if your friend leans on you a lot for support.

I don't know what you mean 'she doesn't have children so she isn't offered talking therapy '?

She knows meds exist. It's not as simple as being a cure for everyone. It's not taboo to ask whether a good friend who is open about their MH issues has considered medication but I wouldn't take the issue any further than her response. Please don't be doing your own research and presenting it to her, for instance.

I don't think it's up to you to suggest anything? It's up to her GP or mental health professional.