Lemondrop

It probably comes as no surprise that more Americans are taking medication for mental illness today. And while we love that some of the stigma of these diseases is going away and making it easier for people to seek treatment, we wonder about the consequences: namely, side effects, possible addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

We talked to some women who have figured out the best way to deal with their mental illnesses, be it by taking the prescription route or something more alternative.

Bad Medicine

Mental illness is a huge problem for women. A new report claims they are twice as likely as men to suffer from major depression, two to three times more likely than men to have an anxiety disorder and three times as likely to attempt suicide. Medication can work wonders for some depression and anxiety sufferers. Users have reported less severe mood swings, improved mood and fewer panic attacks.

But the side effects can outweigh the benefits for others. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), such as the popular Prozac and Paxil, can produce sexual problems, drowsiness, sleep difficulties and nausea. Newer drugs, such as Wellbutrin and Cymbalta, can cause nausea, fatigue, weight gain, sleepiness, nervousness, dry mouth and blurred vision. Most drugs also carry a risk of suicide.

Continue reading after the jump.

Withdrawal from any of these drugs can produce symptoms ranging from a temporary but more intense depression and anxiety, agitation, insomnia and muscle spasms.

Jagged Little Pill

Krista from Wisconsin takes medicine to help control her depression. The only bad effects she's experienced are temporary loss of sexual desire and continued societal prejudice against mental illnesses.

"The positive effects I've experienced are still being alive, having more energy, increased enjoyment of things, better mood, easier waking and sleeping, better concentration ... basically feeling like a human being instead of a worthless lump."

Krista doesn't think she's hooked on the medication as far as needing increased doses, but she does think she'll probably need to stay on something for the long run.

"I've tried cutting back or stopping meds, and it usually dumps me right back into a major depressive episode," she said. "I never want to do that again. It's too painful, both physically and mentally."

Drug Free

Kelly* from Maine was diagnosed as bipolar about 15 years ago. She also suffered from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and night terrors. She refused medication after researching the sometimes scary side effects.

At the time of her diagnosis, Kelly was very active and wanted to have children. She was afraid of how medication would affect her. Some years after her diagnoses, Kelly read about research claiming omega-3 fatty acids, often found in fish, were good for treating bipolar disorder.

"So I started taking a lot of omega-3s, which have helped with the bipolar enormously," she said. "As a by-product, it helps with my acute and chronic night terrors. Doing a lot of yoga also helps, as do regular body treatments like massage and energy work."

Kelly is now married with a 5-year-old son. She says personal struggles this year have stressed her out, but she continues taking omega-3s and hopes to return to yoga and massage once finances are back in order.

All I Want Is a Remedy

Malia from California has struggled with mild to severe depression and anxiety throughout much of her life, and post-partum depression after the birth of her youngest child. Even though she does not view medication as a solution to all ailments, she decided to take Prozac for a year.

"I found that Prozac helped tremendously. I did not like the sexual side effects, but at that point it didn't take priority."

Other family members of Malia who suffer from mental illness have taken medication and met with success. "We have all found that medication, even with the side effects, makes a tremendous difference in our lives and the lives of everyone that surrounds us."

Hormonal changes continue to spur Malia's depression from time to time, but she now uses more herbal remedies such as Doctor's Best Best 5-HTP (a naturally occurring metabolite in the body), nerve tonic and brain tonic, all of which she says "keep my life pretty well on track."

*Name has been changed.

Tell us: What kind of experiences have you had with mental illness, and what's worked for you or your friends?