let's make mental health healthy
starting therapy felt like climbing a mountain. but medication? that felt like admitting defeat.
i remember sitting in my therapist’s virtual office when she first brought it up. my stomach dropped. i wasn’t against medication in theory—i’d recommended it to friends before. but for me? that felt different. harder. scarier.
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starting lexapro can feel like stepping into a storm before you find the calm. if you’re reading this while struggling through those first few weeks of taking this medication, or if you’ve just increased your dose and feel like everything is falling apart, i want you to know that what you’re experiencing is not only normal but often a sign that the medication is beginning to work.
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lexapro (escitalopram) is a widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (ssri) used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. while effective for many people, it can cause various side effects, with headaches being among the most commonly reported. if you’re experiencing headaches while taking lexapro, understanding what to expect can help you manage this side effect and communicate effectively with your healthcare provider.
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if you’re thinking about starting lexapro (escitalopram), you might be wondering what it’s going to feel like. lexapro is a medication often prescribed for depression and anxiety, working by balancing serotonin in your brain to lift your mood and calm racing thoughts. it’s generally well-tolerated, but like any new med, it can come with some side effects as your body gets used to it. the good news is that most of these are temporary, and before long, you’re likely to feel a lot better. let’s walk through what you might experience and what to keep in mind, in a way that feels like a chat with a friend who’s been there.
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well, things have changed. while my first month was pretty smooth, around the sixth week i started to feel bad. the anxiety was intense, i didn’t enjoy any moment, and overall my mood was quite low.
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if you’ve ever found yourself spiraling into a funk—feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just off—you’re not alone. sometimes, the root of our mental health struggles can be traced back to some surprisingly basic needs. that’s where HALT comes in—a super simple, yet powerful, way to check in with yourself and manage your mental well-being. it stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, and it’s like a little mental health compass to help you pause, reflect, and take care of yourself.
so, let’s dive into what HALT is, how it works, and how it can help you navigate those tough moments with a little more kindness and clarity.
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it’s totally normal to wonder how something like lexapro might shape your everyday rhythm—especially when productivity feels like both a goal and a struggle. whether you’re navigating work, parenting, school, or just trying to get through your to-do list without feeling like you’re climbing a mountain in flip-flops, the thought naturally pops up: will this medication help me feel more like myself? more capable? more focused?
let’s talk about it—honestly, gently, and without judgment.
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let’s be honest: for a lot of us, caffeine is practically a love language. it’s how we start the day, power through the afternoon, or even celebrate a little “me time” with a frothy latte or a square of dark chocolate. it’s everywhere—at home, in the office, at the gym. and it’s hard to blame anyone. after all, caffeine is known for making us feel more alert, focused, and just a little more ready to deal with… everything.
but here’s the twist: if you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, caffeine might be quietly adding fuel to the fire.
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you know that feeling — you’re finally doing something good for your mental health. you’ve seen the doctor, started lexapro, and maybe for the first time in a while, there’s a little bit of hope in the mix. but then… the nights get weird. dreams get longer, louder, and sometimes downright terrifying. it’s jarring. you wake up wondering, wait — was that even real?
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creativity is a tricky thing. it’s not just about talent or technique — it’s often tangled up with how we feel. our highs, our lows, our quiet days and electric nights. so when something shifts that emotional rhythm, like starting a medication, it’s natural to ask… what now?
if you’re on lexapro — or thinking about it — and wondering what it might do to your creativity, you’re not alone. and you’re not being dramatic or paranoid. it’s a real, honest question that deserves space and care.
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