#42 - It's Okay If You Need Meds to Be Okay - A Chat About Depression with Nyemade Boiwu

#42 - It's Okay If You Need Meds to Be Okay - A Chat About Depression with Nyemade Boiwu

Imagine needing medication to manage your mental health and feeling judged for it. In this episode of the Stigma Podcast, Stephen Hays chats with Nyemade Boiwu about the often misunderstood topic of mental health medication. Nyemade, who penned a thought-provoking blog post titled 'It’s Okay If You Need Meds to Be Okay', shares her personal struggles with mental illness that began at the tender age of 13 and led to a suicide attempt.

She highlights a startling fact: around 50% of people who will face mental health issues start showing symptoms by age 14, often dismissed as mere teenage angst. Stephen and Nyemade both take medication for their mental health, and they dive deep into the societal and cultural stigmas that surround this choice. They discuss how toxic positivity can sometimes be more harmful than helpful and stress the importance of having open, honest conversations about mental health.

The duo also touches on the challenges of finding the right therapist and the crucial role a support system plays in recovery. This episode is a candid, heartfelt conversation that aims to break down the barriers and misconceptions around mental health medication. If you or someone you know is grappling with mental health issues, this discussion offers valuable insights and encouragement to seek the help you need.