From Hollywood dramas portraying “miracle pills” that instantly fix lives, to sensational headlines warning of mind-altering drugs, psychiatric medications are often misrepresented in popular culture. These stories fuel widespread myths, making many people wary of seeking support for their mental health. In reality, psychiatric medications are much like pharmaceuticals used to manage other aspects of our health: nuanced tools that can make all the difference in improving well-being, not the villains—or miracle cures—depicted on screen.

We sat down with Dr. Daralyn Morgenson, PharmD, BCPP, clinical pharmacist at WellPower, to debunk some of the most persistent myths shaped by movies, TV shows and media, separating fact from fiction so you can make informed choices about your mental health.

Myth # 1: Psychiatric medications change your personality.

One of the most common misconceptions about psychiatric medications is that taking them changes your personality in some way, whether making you visibly happier, more energetic, or more subdued.

Why isn’t this true? “The meds are not a personality transplant,” explained Daralyn. “Medications, when used correctly, are intended to help manage symptoms that make a person less like themselves. In that way, medications are actually designed to do the opposite of changing someone’s personality. “People find that the medications help them return to feeling more like themselves.”

Myth #2: All psychiatric medications are addictive.

The lines between medicines used for healthcare and those used recreationally are often blurred, with some drugs that are intended for symptom management finding their way into the pop culture and party scenes. This has led to the idea that all psychiatric medications are addictive.

Daralyn offered some nuance: “There are some medications for anxiety and some called stimulants that are often used for ADHD that can be addictive; we use those in specific situations for specific people. But most psychiatric medications are not addictive.” The potential for dependence is top of mind for healthcare providers, who work with patients on finding the medications that maximize benefits while managing possible side effects and other downsides.

Myth #3: Psychiatric medications are toxic.

People have been concerned about the toxicity of medicines for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Many of these worries are reasonable – there is a long history of questionable formulations being presented as legitimate cures for a range of ailments. The problem is when due diligence turns into blanket skepticism of all medications, including those with proven track records of both safety and efficacy.

“Anything you put in your body has a risk of causing a side effect – whether that’s food or a vitamin,” said Daralyn. Even when talking about substances that are natural versus human-made, a lot of poisons are “natural” – think arsenic or cyanide. So, just as something being natural doesn’t make it safe, medicines that are created through a scientific process are not inherently dangerous or toxic. “The vast majority of psych meds are very safe, even at high doses, especially newer ones.”

Factors such as dose are critical in determining whether something is helpful or harmful. As Daralyn explained, “With any medication, what’s important to think about is: are they helpful and beneficial for your specific situation. Not every medication is right for every person.” This often involves a conversation between you and your doctor.

Myth #4: Antidepressants will make you happy all the time.

One of the most durable societal fantasies throughout much of human history is the promise of a magic pill that will solve all our problems. This is particularly powerful in the world of antidepressants. Take a pill and always be happy – right?

Not so much. As anyone who has had an antidepressant in their healthcare regimen can attest, moments of sadness do not vanish completely. “The goal of psych meds is that you’ll have the full range of human emotions,” said Daralyn. “Antidepressants will bring you back up to a ‘normal’ level if you’re feeling really low and depressed for an extended period of time.” Like other medications that aim to help the body return to a more typical, sustainable baseline, antidepressants are meant to help you avoid feeling a low that’s abnormal for a long time.

Myth #5: Medications are only for the most serious cases (a.k.a. only for “crazy people”).

Medications can seem like they’re reserved for the most advanced health concerns, and depictions in popular culture of dangerous characters who are menacing precisely because they’re “off their meds” don’t help.

The truth, said Daralyn, is that “all of us struggle at times, and everyone can need help. Many people take medications for mood or thoughts, and those people are just as ‘normal’ as you and me.” According to one study, almost 17% of U.S. adults take some kind of mental health medication for conditions as wide ranging as depression, anxiety, poor sleep and more. Psychiatric medications can be game changers for the millions of people across the country who are looking for a comprehensive approach to managing symptoms and improving their well-being.

Myth #6: Once you start taking psych meds, you need to continue for the rest of your life.

If medications just manage symptoms, then removing the medication means the symptoms return, right? Yes, and no – it depends.

In some cases, medication can be a longer-term part of treatment, particularly with needs that can’t be resolved through other means. In other cases, mental health medicines are temporary parts of multifaceted treatment. For instance, an anti-anxiety medication can help alleviate anxiety symptoms in the short term to allow for fuller participation in therapy that addresses the root causes of anxiety for the long term.

In short, said Daralyn, “You take them as long as you feel like you need them. That’s a conversation with your doctor. You don’t always have to be on them forever or even on the same dose forever. It’s whatever helps you meet your goals.”

Myth #7: Taking psychiatric medications is a sign of weakness or lack of willpower.

Mental health is full of false narratives around willpower, or a lack thereof. Having good mental health is simply a factor of positive thinking, the story goes, and medication is for those who need to fall back on the “easy way.” This couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Everybody needs help sometimes, and it can be a sign of personal growth to reach out for help when you need it,” Daralyn explained. “Mental health is like diabetes and high blood pressure. You can’t ‘willpower’ your way to fix blood pressure; sometimes we need help.” Recognizing that it’s time to add more tools to your mental health toolbox reflects a place of strength and honesty – exactly the opposite of weakness or trying to find the easy way.

Seven Myths Down, So Many More to Go

Even though it’s more common than ever to talk about mental health these days, it remains an area of mystery and myth. Small misconceptions quickly become amplified by popular culture, introducing even more confusion in one of the most universal of human experiences.

Now that we’ve addressed a few myths, how did you do? Were any of these psychiatric medication myths on your radar? Are there any you’d like us to address in the future? Let us know at communications@wellpower.org.

As always, if you or someone you know is ready to add to your mental health toolbox, our expert clinicians are here for you. Find out more about mental health support at WellPower here, and feel free to give us a call during regular business hours: (303) 504-7900. For 24/7/265 support and help during a crisis, call or text 988.