Is There A "Happy Pill" That Can Change My Mood? | BetterHelp (2023)

You may have heard of a "happy pill" or a "magic cure" to change your mood or get rid of struggles instantly. These concepts may feel comforting for those who feel that there is no hope for their symptoms. Although many mental health treatments are available, including medication, there may not be a one-time "cure-all" treatment method for every condition or symptom. Talking to your doctor or mental health practitioner can be valuable in these cases.

Determining The Cause Of Your Mood Struggles

Understanding the cause of your underlying symptoms can be beneficial in finding a treatment. Many individuals who find themselves struggling to feel happy may be experiencing a condition called depression, which accompanies long-term sadness, energy shifts, and difficulty feeling enjoyment from previously enjoyed activities. At times, depression accompanies irritability or feelings of anger.

However, depression is not the only condition that impacts mood and mental health. If you're dealing with high levels of stress or fear, you might also struggle to feel happy. Some individuals experience a long-term mental health condition, such as an anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or stress-related condition. You might feel consumed by worrying thoughts or stressful physical sensations.

Physical health symptoms may also be a common cause of stress or feeling unhappy. Chronic health conditions can include anxiety, stress, or depression as symptoms or side effects. In some cases, prolonged stress can be a cause of physical illness. If you are preoccupied with health struggles, you might find it challenging to maintain a positive outlook or feel a positive mood. You might want to feel happy but aren't sure how.

In some cases, unhappiness may be caused by life stress, transitions, or change. You might not be experiencing a mental health condition in every case. Speaking to a mental health practitioner or primary care physician who can refer you to the proper testing, if necessary, can be beneficial.

Medication For Mental Health Concerns

Although there may not be one "happy pill" to fix everything, many individuals take medications to manage symptoms of mental health conditions, such as depression. Before starting, stopping, or changing medication, consult a medical doctor, such as a psychiatrist or a general practitioner.

Anti-depressants, commonly used to treat depression, may improve mood for some individuals. Anti-depressants often work to balance the chemicals in your brain. These are called neurotransmitters, and they are responsible for your mood, playing a role in your emotional health. Many individuals with depression may be low in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or dopamine.

People who are diagnosed with depression are often prescribed anti-depressants. For those experiencing another mental health condition, such as anxiety, other medications, such as anti-psychotics or anti-anxiety medications, may be discussed. Some medications may reduce nightmares, improve libido, or help individuals fall asleep.

While they do not work for everyone, medications can benefit many. They may not work immediately or reduce every symptom, however. Talk to your doctor to find out if medication would benefit you.

Are There Risks When Taking Medications?

In some cases, anti-depressants do not work for everyone. Some individuals may try several medications before finding one that helps. Additionally, if there was a misdiagnosis, anti-depressants may not work at all. You may wait four to six weeks to find out if a medication benefits you, which means medications are often not an immediate treatment for mood concerns and may be best used alongside other treatment options.

Often, medications include a list of side effects that may be harmful. Although anti-depressants and other common mental health medications are often safe, side effects could vary between individuals and medications. Common mild anti-depressant side effects can include dizziness, headache, insomnia, diarrhea, and weight gain.

In rare cases, individuals might experience extreme side effects, such as panic or suicidal ideation. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. They are available 24/7 to offer support.

Talk with your doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist if you experience distressing side effects after starting or changing a medication. You may also sign a release for your counselor and prescribing doctor to communicate about your treatment plan.

Other Forms Of Treatment

Although medications can be effective, they may be best utilized alongside other forms of treatment, such as therapy. Studies show that combined treatment methods can be most effective for conditions such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, medications may not benefit everyone. In these cases, other forms of treatment may benefit you.

There are many types of treatment you could try, including the following:

If you're unsure about the effectiveness of a particular method, talk to your doctor before starting, as some methods may have risks.

Therapy

Therapy is often the most indicated treatment for common mental health conditions like depression. Therapy may be effective in helping you determine the cause of a low mood and what you can do to improve your situation. A therapist may also provide homework, helpful resources, and therapeutic coping mechanisms to use at home alongside any medical treatments.

Meditation And Mindfulness

Studies show that mindfulness and meditation can improve your mood. They help you learn how to control your thoughts, focus on your present moment, and reduce stress. Additionally, research indicates that ten minutes of meditation or mindfulness practice daily can increase mood long-term.

Journaling can also be a form of meditation. It can be used to relieve stress safely. Studies show that journaling and expressive writing can reduce emotional distress and allow you to release pent-up emotions.

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Counseling Options

Within the therapy sphere, there are many counseling options. Online counseling could be rewarding if you are busy, do not have insurance, or want to find a flexible treatment form. Online therapy allows you to attend sessions from home and choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions.

Areportin theCanadian Journal of Psychiatry thoroughly outlines the case for the efficacy of internet-based counseling. The study cited several trials in which online platforms were found to be beneficial, noting that the benefits include decreased cost and increased accessibility. The overarching advantage of online therapy, as opposed to face-to-face counseling, was determined to be accessibility.

Consider contacting an online therapist if you are living with a mood disorder or experiencing distressing symptoms. Several platforms are available, including BetterHelp. You can peruse a vast database of counselors specializing in various subjects and conditions.

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