Self-medication

Self-medication refers to the act of diagnosing and treating one's own medical conditions with over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, or substances not prescribed by a healthcare professional. It can encompass a wide range of behaviors, from taking aspirin for a headache to using illicit drugs to manage anxiety or depression. While Self-medication can offer temporary relief from mild symptoms, it carries significant risks, including misdiagnosis, delayed proper treatment, adverse drug interactions, dosage errors, potential for substance abuse, and masking of serious underlying medical conditions. The motivations behind Self-medication vary widely, including factors such as cost concerns, lack of access to professional healthcare, feelings of shame or stigma related to mental health conditions, and a desire for autonomy over one's health. However, for any condition it is always advisable to seek advice from a health professional before making a diagnosis and getting treatment.

Self-medication meaning with examples

• After a particularly stressful week, Sarah started drinking more alcohol to cope with her anxiety, a classic example of self-medication. While it provided temporary relief, it worsened her sleep and overall stress levels. She realized the need to seek professional help after she nearly had a car accident whilst over the alcohol limit. Instead, she should have consulted a therapist for healthy coping strategies.
• John, suffering from persistent back pain, began taking high doses of ibuprofen, an over-the-counter pain reliever, to alleviate his discomfort. He did not get any advice from a medical professional, which resulted in stomach issues. His use of the medicine resulted in a misdiagnosis because the pain was masking a slipped disc that required urgent medical intervention. This became Self-medication gone wrong.
• Maria, feeling down after losing her job, started self-medicating with herbal remedies, convinced they would improve her mood. Without consulting a doctor, the mixture had a negative impact on her and she failed to find solutions, leaving her with untreated depression. Her belief in the remedies was a misguided attempt to control her feelings and avoid professional help.
• During a bout of insomnia, David purchased a sleeping aid online, ignoring the warnings of potential side effects. This form of Self-medication was driven by desperation for rest, but he wasn’t able to get enough sleep even with the medication. The product caused him to feel nauseous and increased his dependency on the medication to sleep at night. It was important he talked to a doctor.
• Amy, experiencing social anxiety, turned to alcohol before social events, believing it would make her more relaxed. This form of Self-medication was only a temporary fix to her social anxiety, and led to increased dependence on alcohol. Eventually, the alcohol started to impact on her social life. It also masked underlying social anxieties that would continue to create problems for her.