Vitals & Voices

Is Mental Health Medication Right for Me?

• Lexington Regional Health Center • Season 2 • Episode 22

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In this episode of Vitals & Voices, we sit down with Stephanie Reutlinger, PMHNP, a Family Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner at Family Medicine Specialists, to have an honest, compassionate conversation about mental health medication what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can support whole-person care.
Stephanie shares why she chose to pursue additional mental health certification after years in family practice, how mental health care fits seamlessly into primary care, and why medication should be seen as a tool—not a label. Together, we unpack common fears, misconceptions, and stigma surrounding mental health medication, while offering practical insight for those considering treatment or supporting someone who is.
Whether you’ve been quietly wondering if medication might help, feel unsure about starting the conversation, or want to better support a loved one, this episode offers clear guidance, reassurance, and encouragement rooted in real-world care.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • When mental health medication may be helpful—and when it may not be the right fit
  • Why treatment is never one-size-fits-all
  • Signs it may be time to talk with a provider
  • What to expect when starting medication, including timelines and follow-ups
  • Why regular monitoring and shared decision-making matter
  • Common myths vs. facts about mental health medication
  • How to support a loved one without creating shame or pressure


Why This Episode Matters:
Mental health medication often comes with hesitation, fear, or misunderstanding but for many people, it can be a life-changing part of care. Stephanie emphasizes that needing medication doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you; it means your brain may need support, just like any other part of your body.
The good news? Care is personal, confidential, and flexible. Many people benefit from medication short-term, others longer-term, and some not at all. What matters most is having a trusted provider, open communication, and a plan that evolves with you.
If you’ve been unsure whether to ask for help—or you’re supporting someone who is—this episode is a reassuring reminder that questions are welcome, options exist, and help is available right here in our community.

Vitals & Voices is a podcast powered by Lexington Regional Health Center, offering meaningful health conversations that matter to you. Each episode features authentic stories and expert insights from the people behind the care — including healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, community leaders, and patients — all aimed at helping you live your healthiest, most informed life.

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SPEAKER_01

Welcome to Vitals and Voices, brought to you by Lexington Regional Health Center. Your community, your health, your care. This is your trusted source for health-related content that matters to you. Each episode, we will bring you real conversations with the voices behind the care, from medical experts and wellness champions to community leaders and patients, sharing insights, stories, and tips to help you live your healthiest life. Whether you're tuning in from Lexington or beyond, we're here to inform, inspire, and connect because at LRHC, your health is our priority and your voice matters. Hello, everyone, and welcome back to today's episode of Vitals and Voices. Today we are talking about something that a lot of people, I'm sure, wonder about, but always don't feel comfortable asking: mental health medication. So I am joined by Stephanie. Steph is a family practice psychiatric mental health board certified nurse practitioner. She practices at our family medicine specialist clinic. And Steph is going to share a little bit about, but her mental health certification is recently new, but saw a need for our community. And so we are very excited to have you on the podcast today.

SPEAKER_02

Thank you.

SPEAKER_01

So you were practicing over 10 years and was like, oh hey, I just want to go back to school. Talk to us a little bit about that. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_02

So in family practice, especially rural healthcare, there's a lot of crossover between many different specialties. And I really saw a need for some mental health support for not only our community, but for myself. So I thought, you know what, let's go back to school at a at an older age and get get another certification and see if I can help my community. And definitely, it was probably one of the better things I've ever done. I really enjoy it and I really learned so much that our family practice training doesn't touch on. So I did that it's maybe about a couple years ago that I've been certified. But I just every I feel like every week I learn new things. But it's been a huge, it's been a huge augmentation to my family practice that I did for quite a while. And I was a nurse before that for many years. So been around the community a lot.

SPEAKER_01

I think that's amazing. And at Lexington Regional.

SPEAKER_02

Yes, the whole time. 25 years. Yep.

SPEAKER_01

Well, I'm in the 26th year. In the 26th. Okay. That's I mean, that's so amazing. You can't get rid of me. Never will.

unknown

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

So the big question to start with when can medication be helpful? When isn't the right fit? What what do you talk about with patients who might need something like this?

SPEAKER_02

So the first thing we do is if you come in and have an appointment, we do a lot of screening tools and we ask a ton of questions, which it's really important to kind of drill down. How are you feeling day to day? When did this start? What are you feeling? Are you sometimes up? Are you sometimes down? Are you sad? Are you not sleeping? So we're really annoying. And I feel like I always like preface that with like, this is a lot of personal questions, but we it really helps us to know what we need to do. And a lot of times, like sometimes it's just simply, okay, medication isn't right for you. Let's try some counseling first. Or let me help you kind of arrange your healthy lifestyle or find that healthy lifestyle for you. The people that really need medication are the ones that like, I'm I'm worried about their thought content. I'm worried about what's going on, or simply you could sometimes you can sit with someone and tell they're really struggling. And sometimes people can't tell you that, but it's something that we can pick up on in an appointment. So it's very individualized. And I can't really tell you, oh, this group of people always needs meds. This group of people doesn't need medication. So it's very individualized. But like um, like I always tell my patients, like, let's just talk and get to know each other and I'll listen, you listen, and we'll see where we're at.

SPEAKER_01

I love that too, that it's not, it's not a one size fits all. There's not a, I'm sure, generic med that everyone can be on to feel better.

SPEAKER_02

Well, and it's uh we get a lot of patients that come in and they're like, my friend's on this, or my my daughter told me to come get this. And I'm like, okay, that's great. And I love that you've done your research, but let's still talk about it. There's a lot of things out there.

SPEAKER_01

Right. Okay, that's that's good to know. What are some of those signs that it's like, hey, maybe medication is right for you?

SPEAKER_02

So severe anxiety is a huge one we see. And a lot of times in the adolescent population, I mean, you think about teenagers and we they're on social media, we force them to decide when they're 15 what they're gonna do for college. Like there is a lot of pressure on our kids, and it even starts younger. So that high anxiety, avoiding situations, panic attacks, even that's more extreme. So, like chest pain, health problems that you're like, man, I didn't have this and I don't know where this is coming from, but it hits me so suddenly. Um, not being able to sleep is another one. Like just thought con like thoughts not being able to shut off, like constantly thinking, thinking and never sleeping. That's another one. Or simply like another more obvious one being down, not wanting to get out of bed, sleeping constantly. Again, avoidance of things that you that make you really uncomfortable. Those are huge things. Another like less talked about um sign to watch for is like if you're feeling super high, like, oh my gosh, I have all this energy, I can do all this stuff, I don't need to sleep. And then having like a crash from that. A lot of times people are like, well, that's just great. I got a lot of stuff done and I can do all this, but it's really not super great. It's not great for your body, especially if you're having that crash because you're up and then you're down. So um, those are just some things. And of course, the most obvious one is if you're having thoughts of harming yourself or harming others. Those are those are the really scary, intrusive thoughts that that really need somebody to to listen to you.

SPEAKER_01

Okay. What would you say to someone who's nervous, they feel embarrassed about bringing it up? Oh, I just I don't want to be on medication. But sure.

SPEAKER_02

Well, first of all, I just want to say like everything is confidential. So nobody is gonna know. I mean, you can come to our clinic and just tell them, hey, I just want to talk to somebody about anything. And that we don't, we don't drill into that. Like nothing happens until we're in the room with you. And then it's kind of a conversation. Before I start people on medication, I always say, Are you comfortable with this? How do you feel about being on medication? So every visit I try to just kind of feel that out. Because some people very much they're nervous, they don't want people to know. Mental health has been such a taboo subject for so long. I do appreciate it, I feel like it's come more to the forefront in the last even three or four years. But it's one of those things, it's very individualized. No, it's not like you're gonna walk around in town with a sign on that says I have I'm on these medications. You can choose to share as much or as little as you want to. People also are very nervous about medications. So I really try to hit what are those pain points? What are you worried about? This is how it will make you feel. So it's just it's trusting your provider and having a good conversation really kind of eases that transition, I feel like.

SPEAKER_01

That's I mean, that's just good to know. Would you say stuff with this? A lot of it, what you hit on kind of the the symptoms of what might warrant it. But is part of it your body just doesn't have what it needs and and the medicine helps or it's situational?

SPEAKER_02

Absolutely. And without getting too technical, like we all have receptor, chemical receptors in our brain. And sometimes we lack a certain chemical or we have a little too much, or we just need something to calm us down. We spend a lot of time in a stressed-out state, especially we're moms, we're dads, we're doing all the things. You you gotta do this. And you know, it's really gotten very pressure-filled in in society with social media. And you see this person on Instagram that looks this way, and why don't I look that way? And it's very hard to like say exactly what it is, but some of it is simply physical. And it's not that your brain has something wrong with it, it's that maybe we need to just help your brain a little bit.

SPEAKER_01

I think that's good to know. That's I mean, it just resonates so much, I think, with the community and where we're at. Yeah. So someone comes in, you decide, you know, medication is the right, right step for them. What is what does that look like? How long does it take to notice changes? What is follow-up?

SPEAKER_02

Sure. So there's it depending on the diagnosis and depending on the medication, most antidepressants, which I feel like that's probably the most widely known, like an SSRI or something like that. That's what you hear in social media. Those medicines are very slow, slow moving. So it takes a long time. You kind of have to think about we're healing your brain. And that's, I mean, that's a really important organ in your body. It takes some time. So I really encourage people, give it some time. Like maybe at two weeks you'll notice a little bit of difference. But at a month, we're gonna get there. Like, and we we always start people on low doses and we go slow because I never want to overwhelm someone. Right. And these medicines do have side effects. Like we were very upfront about that. But I just feel like give it some time. And I really hit on that so that people understand. But there are some other medicines, like we have fast-acting anxiety medicines that will work within 30 minutes. It's just one of those things that we have to balance and it's very individualized too.

SPEAKER_01

I I mean, you and your team, you're gonna know what's right for someone and meeting with them and seeing.

SPEAKER_02

And you know, we always make sure that somebody doesn't go out of the room without understanding what they're gonna be on. And like I said, I very, very much you have to think about your, I mean, if it takes a while to heal your stomach, your brain's the same way.

SPEAKER_01

Right. It's not gonna be an immediate No quick fixes, unfortunately. Unfortunately. So you're on medication. What does that monitoring, you know, post look like maybe once they're starting to notice some of those changes? Sure.

SPEAKER_02

So usually when we start people on something, I make them come back. I make them. I ask them to come back.

SPEAKER_01

We schedule another appointment.

SPEAKER_02

Right. We schedule another appointment in one month. And then typically there's a few months where we do monthly appointments. And if everybody's you know comfortable with where we're at, we're doing great, then we can push it out three months, six months. Usually six is as long as I'll go, just because I don't like that period of time where we don't like touch base about things. But it's kind of individualized too. Like if we're adjusting med still, you need to talk to your provider monthly and make sure nothing crops up, like side effects that may come later aren't aren't hounding you, like things like that. So it's kind again, it's an individualized plan, but monthly for a while is definitely something to count on.

SPEAKER_01

Talk to us too about the importance of, you know, if you're on a medication, you're feeling good, staying on it, or what what those next steps look like.

SPEAKER_02

Absolutely. So I I feel like this is always the biggest question is how long do I have to be on this? Is this a lifetime medicine? Absolutely not. Like we start it and like typically, and again, diagnosis specific, but a lot of times six months to a year is what I tell people to anticipate, just because it's going to take some time again. So typically, like people feel better in that like one to two month time frame. We'll have people that will stop. And I think some for some people, they have to stop and realize they need the medicine. So that's a thing that happens. That's true. But there's a lot of folks that are like, oh my gosh, I don't know how I functioned without this. So giving it the time, but and it's not a quick thing. Like this, this is not like a one and done medicine and we're gonna fix you in a month. Like it's plan on a year, six months, and it's it's situational. Like grief situations, sometimes those change. Sometimes a situational work thing changes. And so then sometimes your situation can change, so the medication needs can change, but definitely not a short, quick process. And please don't stop your meds if you feel better. Because chances are you'll be back saying, I really need these. Right. Or maybe even worse, would you say? Sometimes, and sometimes it just the thought content changes and you're like, Whoa, I did not want that to happen to me. So it's very important to listen to the healthcare provider. Yeah. Well, especially when your body, I'm sure, gets used to that. Absolutely. But there is, I mean, there's a section of people that are like, well, I'm gonna try it off. And then they really do truthfully come back and say, Oh my gosh, I don't know why I did that to myself. But it does in the long run, it does kind of help them know, oh yeah, I did need that.

SPEAKER_01

Right. And and should somebody eventually, I mean, not need medication, I'm sure there's a weaning process.

SPEAKER_02

Absolutely. Yep. We talk about it. That's why we keep doing the pretty routine follow-ups. We talk about what's going on. We do those screeners every time. We kind of look at them, we talk about them together. And absolutely, like I'm a proponent of if you feel like you're doing well, okay, let's wean and let's see how you do. Like, let's see. And sometimes people have to process trauma. They have to do some things, and they've done that work in counseling. So once they've done that, then absolutely you can we can try something new or lean off or see how it goes.

SPEAKER_01

Okay. We want to help you, but let us let us work together. Do it the safe way. Yes. Do it a safe way. So we kind of talked a little bit about this, but the stigma about, you know, being on a medication, if you are on one, you don't, I mean, you don't have to tell the entire world. But for those who maybe told a spouse, a child, or things like that, maybe how can you support someone who's on a medication? Absolutely.

SPEAKER_02

So if you're the family member, I think it's just a very, a very sensitive topic and a very like approach it with kid gloves almost. Like, hey, I I support you. What do you need from me? A friend. Like I most of my patients will have like, you know, that support person, and that's great, but like not all, not everybody's a support person. So learning to be, okay, so maybe you don't agree with that or you don't think that that's the best way to go about it. Maybe keep those opinions to yourself. Like, maybe don't don't put out there everything that you you hear about it. Because truthfully, medicine is a very individualized thing, and it takes a lot for a person to come in and get that medicine. So support however that looks in your relationship or saying nothing is is probably better than than your opinions.

SPEAKER_01

So, on kind of the flip side of that, if if I notice, oh, hey, my mom needs this, what how do you talk to someone about maybe seeking help for medication? I'm sure that's tricky. Sure.

SPEAKER_02

So actually, um, I have some family members that I was like, you guys, like let's talk. Like you are really irritable. How can I help you? Like, what's going on? And a lot of times family members aren't even, they don't even know what's happening. Right. And then you kind of say, like, just I'm a direct person, I like a direct conversation. We know this about me. So I just am like, let's just, let's talk about it. And I mean, both of the family members I'm thinking of were like, oh yeah, like I do feel that way, but I didn't even realize it. I'm like, okay, well then let's get you somewhere and let's have them have you talk to somebody. So I think it doesn't have to be like a super aggressive conversation, but also just saying, hey, I'm noticing this. How are you feeling? Maybe we should talk to somebody. Super simple.

SPEAKER_01

That's a good way to put it. Yeah. Just it's very direct. We're yeah, we're not, we're we're not diagnosing you, but just saying because like you said, I think some people they don't notice it in themselves or they're so used to it or oh, I'm so mad at my work and all the time. But if it's affecting your daily life, absolutely. And I don't I think for anyone, sleep.

SPEAKER_02

That's the sleep is the other huge thing too. Like, are you sleeping? Because if you're not sleeping, it it creates a whole nother realm of problems for you. So it's important.

SPEAKER_01

It's important. So, Steph, are you up for some myth versus truth? Sure. Okay. So I'll give you just kind of a little statement: myth versus truth, short answer if you want to elaborate on it. Okay. If I start medication, I'm gonna be on it forever and ever.

SPEAKER_00

Myth.

SPEAKER_01

Medication changes your personality.

SPEAKER_00

Myth.

SPEAKER_01

If therapy didn't work fast, medication won't either. Also a myth. Therapy's great, by the way. I love counseling. We hit on this in a little bit too, but if I feel better, I can just stop. I'm good. Medication worked. Myth. Myth and a truth, because we can help you stop the medication, but let us help you. Let us help you. Well, Steph, what else do you think our listeners need to know? What else about this topic, you know, is important?

SPEAKER_02

Sure. I just think it's really important for communities, surrounding communities. We have a really robust mental health service in Lexington. Um, there's Ann Young and I prescribe the medications. We manage all of that. We have three excellent counselors. We see all age groups, child to adolescent to geriatric. Like we are very, we're very lucky and blessed in what we have. Please use us. And absolutely everything is confidential. We don't, and your family doesn't have to know if you want to come in. Like it's just, it's very, there's services here, let us help you. And we're very blessed to have them because not every community, especially a rural community like ours, has access to this. Right. Use us. We really like and we love what we do, so we want to help you.

SPEAKER_01

I love one thing too, just about our clinic being in or our our mental health clinic being in our family medicine clinics. So obviously small town, but if I mean, they're gonna see your car in the parking lot, oh, I have a cold. I mean, it's it's nothing, and like you said, it's it's all confidential on our end.

SPEAKER_02

So and Ann and I also do family practice, so we can see you for other things too, and like touch on your mental health. It's just it's a great combination of things. A good, well-rounded approach. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_01

So, Steph, if this topic resonated with someone, what would you say some of the first steps are? How can they, you know, get in touch with us? What should they do?

SPEAKER_02

Absolutely. Just um family medicine takes appointments. I we just revamped our phone system, so hopefully that's better. Um, but I would just call and make an appointment and say, hey, I just want to I'm gonna talk to Steph. I want to talk to Ann about some things. Call it a follow-up, call it whatever you want to, and we'll get you in and we'll have a conversation. And if if medicine's right, great. If it's not, we have counselors, and sometimes you just need somebody to talk to and we're here for you.

SPEAKER_01

And sometimes I think it's nice too that it's not your friend, it's your spouse. It's a good third.

SPEAKER_02

It's somebody that can well, and we can sit objectively and listen to everything. I think sometimes you get into that like mode of I don't know, the people that know you know you, you know. And so we're we're the objective piece of that.

SPEAKER_01

I love that. Well, Steph, thank you so much for helping, helping with this and to our community too. Like let's all work together to reduce the mental health stigma because it's I mean an illness as much as anything else. Absolutely. So Steph, thank you. Thank you for helping us dive into this topic today. So if you've been listening, wondering about mental health medication, mental health in general, let us be this reminder that questions are welcome. Your care is personal. Medication might not be the answer for you, but it's a great, great tool in your toolkit, um, can be helpful in getting part of your life back. So, or if you're supporting someone you love, encourage, encourage them to be seen, follow up with that care. And if you want to learn more, please reach out to our Family Medicine Specialist Clinic. And until next time, stay well.