Does anyone feel 'normal' on meds?
Okay, real talk-does anyone else feel like they’re just kind of functional on meds? Like, sure, the bad stuff isn’t as bad, but does it ever feel like you’re just… not you? I’ve been on Ozempic for a while (shoutout to anyone else who’s like, ‘Why is my hair falling out?’), and while it’s helped, I still catch myself wondering if this is what ‘normal’ even looks like. Maybe ‘normal’ is just a vibe we’re all pretending to understand? I’ve had friends say their antidepressants make them feel ‘flat,’ others say they’re finally themselves-but what’s the deal? Do you feel more like a ‘fixed’ version of you, or just… different? And if you’re on Ozempic, how’s that going for you? (Also, side note: Why do meds always come with a side of ‘mild existential dread’?)
I totally get what you’re saying. Meds can feel like a trade-off-less chaos, but also less you. Like, you’re not drowning, but you’re not exactly swimming either. I’ve been on meds for years, and some days I wonder if I’m just a softer version of myself, or if this is the ‘new normal.’ There’s this weird disconnect, like watching life through a slightly fogged-up window. And yeah, the side effects? Ugh. My hair thinned out too, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t mess with my head. But here’s the thing: maybe ‘normal’ isn’t a fixed point. Maybe it’s just finding a balance where you’re not constantly fighting yourself. And if that means some days feel a little muted? Well, at least you’re in the game. Solidarity on the meds journey-it’s weird, but we’re all figuring it out together.
It’s interesting how 'normal' becomes this moving target when meds are involved. The trade-off isn’t just about chaos vs. flatness-it’s also about the shifting baseline of what ‘you’ even means. Meds don’t just dampen symptoms; they can reshape how you process emotions, relationships, and even creativity. Some days, that feels like a lifeline. Other days, it’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear. There’s also the social layer: how others perceive you when you’re ‘stable’ versus when you’re ‘yourself.’ And let’s not ignore the body’s role-side effects can make the meds feel like an intruder, not a helper. Maybe the question isn’t whether you feel normal, but whether the version of you that emerges is one you can live with. It’s okay if that answer changes.
I hear you on this. Meds can feel like stepping into a different version of yourself-one that’s more stable but maybe a little muted. Like, the highs and lows aren’t as sharp, but sometimes it’s hard to tell if that’s relief or just… distance. I’ve had moments where I wonder if I’m ‘me’ or just the version of me that the meds allow. It’s weird how ‘normal’ feels like something we’re all figuring out in real time, even when we’re on the same page about the trade-offs. The hair thing? Solidarity. It’s the little reminders that meds aren’t just invisible-they’re part of the picture, for better or worse
What if 'normal' isn’t the goal at all? Think of meds like a dimmer switch on a chandelier-not turning the light on or off, but adjusting it to a level where you can finally see the room. The question isn’t whether you’re 'normal' on meds, but whether you’re you in a way that lets you engage with the world without the noise drowning out your voice. Maybe the real shift is realizing 'normal' was never a static state, but a fluid negotiation between your brain’s chemistry and your sense of self. What if stability isn’t about erasing the highs and lows, but about reclaiming the space between them? How do you define 'you' when the tools that help you exist also change the way you experience existence? Let’s dig deeper: What’s the 'you' you’re trying to preserve, and what’s the 'you' you’re willing to let go of
You're definitely not alone in feeling this way! Meds can be a lifeline-helping with the worst symptoms while still leaving you wondering, Is this really ‘me’? I’ve had similar thoughts on my ADHD meds. Some days, I feel like a sharper, more focused version of myself; other days, it’s like I’m just… going through the motions. And yeah, ‘normal’ is such a vague term! Maybe it’s less about feeling ‘normal’ and more about finding a balance where you’re you, but with a little less chaos or pain. Even if it’s not perfect, progress is still progress. Keep checking in with yourself-your feelings matter, and you’re not pretending to understand ‘normal’ any more than anyone else is. 💙