I’m onto you trigger.

Always a complex creature…because I’m the human kind.

I was triggered tonight by something I had seen on Facebook. (I know, I know too much Facebook isn’t good for you).

Before I delve into the trigger and reflection, I want to acknowledge that I am so thankful and grateful that I am able to recognize the trigger and the why. Knowing and having something in my consciousness is a gift. Self discovery is beautiful.

Back to the trigger. As I’ve mentioned in a previous blog post Eastern Healing vs. Western Medicine – No judgement either way., I am on an anti-depressant and thyroid medication.

The Facebook post was in relationship to “natural” healing and the masking of symptoms western medicine is accused of.

I love many of the modalities that eastern medicine offers and I do my best to incorporate them into my daily life but I also need to be on western medicine to function in life.

I understand full well how dysfunctional our society is. I don’t know all there is to know, but I am keenly aware of how damaging capitalism, patriarchy and the Protestant work ethic are for people and ultimately societies in western culture.

I can acknowledge that there is corruption in Big Pharma and it’s easy for doctors to throw medication at their patients…but the medication that I am on works for me.

It gives me quality of life, so that I can actually practice yoga; I can get a good nights sleep; I can ride through the waves of life in this society dictated by traditional ideals.

In my mind, there is this punishing narrative that because I am on conventional medication it means that I am not trying hard enough; I am not eating clean enough; it’s ultimately my own fault that I am not “healed”.

There is this underlying belief that western medicine is “bad” and natural medicine is “good”.

And if I examine that objectively I don’t think that is true. I don’t like the corruption that is behind the companies that make the medication, costs, profits, etc., but I can also acknowledge that there is corruption in spiritual communities or brands that market themselves as “healthy” and “natural”. It doesn’t matter where it’s coming from, they want you to buy their product.

If I knew a small vendor that could actually make Effexor I would buy it there. But I can’t.

There is also part of me that worries about the long-term damage being on medication is causing to my stomach, kidneys, etc.

But I am doing the best that I can. Simply, Honestly. Truly.

So the Facebook post triggered a response in my that left me feeling like I wasn’t trying hard enough. I was healed enough. I wasn’t perfect enough. I wasn’t woke enough.

It triggered me enough to write a snappy response. I didn’t feel the greatest after I wrote it but I was also upset. I felt personally attacked. The poster was someone that was selling a marketed, pyramid scheme health product. How are they any different?

A huge part of this is how I actually feel about myself. A need to be “perfect”. Yuck. I am responsible for own own well-being and what I put into my body. I get to make that choice and feel good about it.

A huge part of this is the shame baggage that I carry and the stigma around mental health and medications used for mental health issues.

I am actually so grateful that western medication exists because it can help people live better lives in conjunction with other healing modalities.

As we say in social work, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Just because I work on helping myself differently than someone else doesn’t make my approach any less valid.

Self Compassion is key for me here.

These are the things I need to remind myself of.

Oh, and I am always worthy.

Karla xo

Published by karlaveens

Lover of life, yoga, books and deep conversations.

3 thoughts on “I’m onto you trigger.

  1. That Western medicine bad/”natural” medicine good dichotomy is so harmful. I find it fascinating that so many people are quick to criticize Western medicine for being all about the profits, yet they don’t seem to pay any attention to the fact that companies promoting “natural” alternatives are raking in the money, often for things that likely have no benefit other than placebo. I say do what works for you, whatever that happens to be.


  2. Thank you for writing this Karla. Guilt and shame play a big part, in what decisions we make when addressing our own mental health. Just being able to acknowledge that we suffer is one step closer to being balanced both mentally and physically. Medication does not work over night and sometimes we need to try various amounts of medication, before finding something that supports you being you again.

    I think you are brave and strong. Never, feel ashamed of making decisions, in regards to your health and your body. Its yours and yours alone to care for.

    Be proud of reaching out, as so many find it impossible. Your choice may have saved your life, and I am beyond thankful for your choice.



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