Is There A "Happy Pill" That Can Change My Mood?

You may have heard of a "happy pill" or a "magic cure" to change your mood or get rid of struggles instantly, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These concepts may be comforting for those who believe there is no hope for their symptoms. Although many mental health treatments are available, including medication, there is 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, as not everyone responds to antidepressants in the same way, and other treatments may be more suitable for different individuals.

Determining the cause of your mood

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.

High levels of stress or fear

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, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, or stress-related condition. You might have the sense of being consumed by worrying thoughts or stressful physical sensations.

Physical symptoms may deprive happiness

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 lead to physical illness. If you are preoccupied with health struggles, you might find maintaining a positive outlook or mood challenging. You might want to feel happy but aren't sure how. 

Life stress, transitions, or change

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 like antidepressants 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.

Antidepressants, commonly used to treat depression, may improve mood for some individuals by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain. Many individuals with depression may have imbalances in neurotransmitters, affecting their emotional health.

Patients diagnosed with depression are often prescribed FDA-approved antidepressants by physicians. 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, improve energy levels, or help individuals fall asleep.

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

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action (including starting, stopping, or changing medications) without consulting a qualified medical professional.

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, including those marketed for mental illness, come with 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. Talk with your doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist if you experience distressing side effects after starting or changing a medication. Many physicians may also have you sign a release for your counselor and the prescribing doctor to communicate about your treatment plan. 

Other forms of treatment

Although medications like “happy pills” can be effective, they may be best utilized alongside other forms of treatment, such as therapy. For example, studies show that combined treatment methods can be most effective for conditions such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, medications may not benefit everyone, and more serotonin may not always be the answer. In these cases, other forms of treatment may benefit you. Types of treatment you can try instead of medications may include: 

Types of treatment you can try instead of happy pills

• Mental health counseling 

• Physical therapy and exercise 

• Meditation and mindfulness 

• Lifestyle changes 

• Electroconvulsive therapy 

• Ketamine treatments 

• Spiritual or energetic healing, such as Reiki 

• Equine or animal therapy

• Yoga

• Acupuncture 

• Massage therapy 

If you're unsure about a particular method's effectiveness, 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 medical treatments. You can consider therapy as an alternative or supplement to medications, especially for individuals with a history of substance use, addiction, or alcohol dependency, as a controlled substance might not be the best option in such cases. Talk to a doctor to determine whether medication may be helpful for you alongside therapy. 

Meditation and mindfulness 

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

Journaling can also be a form of meditation. This technique 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.

Counseling options 

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

A report in the Canadian 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 availability. The overarching advantage of online therapy, as opposed to face-to-face counseling, was determined to be availability. 

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.