It helps to think of mental health in this way:

Imagine your mental health is a beautiful, unique building. Like any building, sometimes it needs repairs. Think of any repairs that need to be done as difficulties you're experiencing in your mental health.

Sometimes, you can go in and do the work yourself (self-help) or with the help of a friend or professional (therapist).

Other times, the repairs needed are on major components of the building, so there needs to be scaffolding set up to support the building while these repairs are done. The scaffolding in this analogy stands for medication and the role that it can take. Sometimes scaffolding (medications) are temporary, and once the work inside has been done, we can take them away. But sometimes, the scaffolding is something that the building is going to need in order to be safe and stable, so we find a way to make this medication fit in with the house and not feel out of place.

Finally, we need to make sure the building is safe: it isn't built on a flood plain or fault line, we being good caretakers of the building. In other words, we can make the most of the work we're doing by taking on the task of making sure we're safe and practicing good habits. Sometimes, the first two steps (therapy and medication) are needed while someone finds a way to keep their house safe and well cared for. Sometimes, people aren't able or ready for that step. I will work hard with you to help you, no matter where you are in this process.