My first exposure to medication and mental health came from a 15-minute consultation with a psychiatrist. I shared my feelings of persistent low moods and chronic anxiety and was immediately put upon Escitalopram, 10mg a day for the rest of my life. I was told to get repeat scripts from my doctor and sent on my way.

No talk therapy, no long-term planning, no contingencies, no connection. Nothing.

Very quickly I realized two things…