Finding Balance Through Medication
“RxP medications have enhanced our clinic’s behavioral health program by improving our patients’ state of well-being. This allows our patients to effectively cope with life’s day-to-day challenges and work productively in society.”
Michaela Byrne, CPhT & Nadia Copeland, CPhT, Pharmacy Technicians
Western Tidewater Free Clinic
How Medications Support Mental Health
Medications play a crucial role in supporting mental health by helping to balance brain chemistry and reduce symptoms of conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. For many, medications make it easier to function and participate in therapy or other treatments. Just like insulin helps regulate blood sugar in diabetes, psychiatric medications help regulate mood, thoughts, and emotions.
In Virginia, nearly 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness, highlighting the widespread need for support. Additionally, about 34% of Virginians with mental health conditions do not receive treatment. Among youth, 16.2% of high school students report experiencing major depressive episodes. These numbers show the importance of accessible care. (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
While medications are not a cure-all, they can provide the stability needed to begin healing. Combined with therapy and healthy habits, medication can be a powerful tool. Taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength—and help is available.
Rx Partnership is pleased to partner with free and charitable clinics throughout Virginia, many of which offer mental health services and/or referrals. Our partners report that access to mental health medications makes a significant difference for their patients.
“Sylvia” at Community Health Center of the New River Valley
A Community Health Center of The New River Valley patient – “Sylvia” – is living with bipolar disorder. She receives several mental health medications (Escitalopram, Aripiprazole, Buspirone, and Trazodone) supplied by Rx Partnership because of this. Before she had access to this program, she was unable to afford her medications because her bipolar was uncontrolled and she couldn’t hold a job. Sylvia stayed secluded in her home and was unable to spend any quality time with her family and friends.
Since having access to these much-needed medications, Sylvia says that her life has made a drastic turn. “It’s like a light bulb has turned on in my life”. She is overjoyed that there is program like this to assist her and so many others who she knows are in the same situation.
Now that Sylvia can get her medications, she feels confident and comfortable leaving her house and for employment. She is now finding herself wanting to and being able to spend time with her family and friends. She can spend hours talking and laughing with them and “actually enjoy it.” She states this is one of the things that she missed the most while not having access to medications previously. The social interaction alone has made her life seem brighter and gives her hope that she lacked before.
“Thank you to all the wonderful people who have had and continue to have the ability to set this up for Sylvia!”
Kristin Johnson, Medication Coordinator
Community Health Center of the New River Valley
“Kathy” at Bernard Healthcare Center (Free Clinic of Franklin County)
This time last year, “Kathy” was a housewife and mother of two teenagers. That all changed in December when her husband of 20 years passed away suddenly, leaving Kathy with no income and no health insurance for her family. She took a full-time job working in a local convenience store, and was almost, but not quite, able to make ends meet.
Kathy came to Bernard Healthcare Center (Free Clinic of Franklin County) in March of this year. She had fallen into a state of depression and wanted to try medication. She was not interested in counseling. Kathy described her life as “miserable” and reported significant weight gain, lack of energy, and withdrawal from friends.
At her 30-day follow-up appointment, our Nurse Practitioner noted that Kathy showed improvement with just medication but recommended again that she try counseling. We explained how medications and counseling go hand-in-hand. Kathy agreed to try one session. It was not what she expected, and she found relief just having someone to talk to. That one session led to once-a-week sessions that continue to this day. Therapy combined with medications provided by Rx Partnership is making a difference; Kathy had lost some of the weight, reported having more energy, and felt better physically and mentally.
At her May doctor’s appointment, Kathy stated, “I wish I had done this sooner!”
Ellen D. Holland, Executive Director
Free Clinic of Franklin County, Inc.
Bernard Healthcare Center
Mental Health in Today’s Environment
Today’s political climate can add another layer of stress to our mental well-being. Constant news updates, polarized opinions, and uncertainty about the future can leave people feeling overwhelmed or anxious. It’s more important than ever to prioritize your mental health—whether through therapy, medication, mindfulness, or simply unplugging from social media. Staying informed is important, but so is setting boundaries to protect your peace of mind.
In a time when it feels like much is breaking apart, it can help to focus on what we’re building together through our work with our partners. We still envision a Virginia where everyone has access to the medication they need. We will still work towards that vision!
If someone you know is struggling with mental health symptoms but doesn’t have insurance, click here: https://buff.ly/3iohMMb to see if there is a partner clinic in your area that can help.