What to do if medicines are not right for you
Everyone reacts differently to medication and some people experience a range of side effects some of them serious (check out our list of medications for the serious side effects you have to watch out for about each medication).
If you feel that the medication you are taking isn’t right for you its really important to go and see your Doctor. Don’t worry about appearing silly or that you are complaining unnecessarily its very important that you get the help and support you need. Alongside medication its also really important that you are offered therapy or counselling . For more information about mental health services go to YoungMinds.
Your GP or school will be able to give you details of local counselling services.. Counselling is sometimes available in schools and may also be provided in youth clubs and advice centres for young people. Your GP could also refer you to the local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), although not all CAMHS offer counselling services.
For info about counselling services go to Useful contacts and resources
What is counselling?
Counselling is a way of helping people with personal problems. Counsellors work with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, bereavement, loneliness, self-esteem, difficulties in relationships, self-injury and eating problems.
Counselling is based on building a trusting relationship between counsellor and client. It can help people talk about their experiences and make sense of them. Counselling can allow people to express difficult feelings and to learn how to manage them in a helpful way. Counsellors are trained to listen thoughtfully and carefully to people’s problems without judging or criticising. They do not give advice but support their clients to make positive decisions for themselves.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
There is considerable overlap between the two and many similar skills are used in both approaches. A great deal depends on the training of different counsellors and psychotherapists, on their experience and what they hope to achieve. Psychotherapy may take longer and involve greater exploration of someone’s past experiences, in order to make sense of their present life.
Who is properly trained?
The main accrediting body for counsellors is the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
The main registering body for psychotherapists is the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
It is a good idea to ask your counsellor or psychotherapist about their training, qualifications and experience.