Episode 334: Letting Go of Control & Drinking on Meds

Hello, friends! In this episode, I answer two very interesting listener questions relating to overcoming the need to carry out or control every situation or task, and how alcohol impacts the effectiveness of medication for your mental health.

Question 1:

Hello! Hope you’re doing well. Recently I’ve been really struggling with control issues. I’ve always had these issues, manifesting in many different ways. Since moving in with my boyfriend and a roommate about a year ago it’s been particularly bothersome for me. We have evenly split chores and tasks including cooking and cleaning things, but I find myself struggling with that. I find it hard to let them do tasks as I always feel it’s done improperly or not in the way I want, even though it’s probably actually fine. I always have an intense need to take over cooking tasks so I can do it how I specifically want it done. This is counterintuitive though as I often feel a lot of pressure and stress from juggling everything ‘myself’.

I try to let it go and leave it be, but I always have this itching feeling that it’s not how I want it or would do it. I’ve talked to my boyfriend about it and he agrees it’s a problem, but is unsure how to help as I’m very persistent and get stuck. I don’t yell at them or anything, really I just say nothing at all, which leads to this building feeling of having to take care of everything, even though that’s not the case. Ironically, I want to be able to control the overwhelming feels I’m having because I feel like I always need control of everything. Thanks for reading!

Question 2:

I have a medication question.  I have been taking a max dosage of Lexapro, Wellbutrin, and Bursar for a while now.  Each time a new med is added it helps but only for a short time. The next step if we don’t see some improvement is to add Vraylar.  Starting an antipsychotic is very scary to me.  Also, I have not shared to my therapist or prescriber that I have a bit of an issue with alcohol. My therapist knows I drink often but not to the extent that I have been.  If I agree to the Vraylar, I am not confident that I will not drink while on it.  But, I also wonder if it will make me feel better enough that I don’t want to drink as much. How dangerous is it to drink while on this medication? Is the drinking what is causing the other meds not to work at all? I know it makes them less effective WHILE I am drinking but what about AFTER?  I have also recently received my medical marijuana card.  I am just searching for a way to feel better. Do you have any advice?

Sponsor:

This episode of Hardcore Self Help is sponsored by BetterHelp.

If you are in a mental health slump, consider reaching out to a licensed professional to help. BetterHelp has a large counselor network and you can begin chatting with someone very quickly. Check out betterhelp.com/duff to get 10% off your first month.

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