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Originally Posted by Mean Mr. Mustard
I can actually see where Peter is coming from with regards to his statements on medication, antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications in the western world, they are a massive business and they are often administered because it is relatively cheap and easy to do so and it forces people not to have to deal with the actual issues in a constructive manner. That isn't to say that antidepressants don't serve a purpose however popping a pill isn't a cure, it is a masking of the symptoms, the use of therapy, talking to people, improving living conditions, making more sustainable and healthy communities (not only in the physical sense but the connectedness and emotional sense)... also exercise is a key aspect to mental health and well being as well as effective sleep.
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To say it isn't a cure is not true. I take pills for anxiety and depression. On top of that I exercise 5-6 days a week, sleep 8 hours a day and have used talk therapy in the past. Take away my pills and my life will spiral downward. I would do anything not to have to take these pills and the side effects that go with it. I've done lots of research on anti depressents and it's dark side. That said I tried living life without them for long periods of time only to have the above come back.
On a short time basis they can be quite effective as they help stabilise a persons moods so they can deal with the talk therapy in an effective manner.
I agree that meds can be a quick and easy fix but it's also a doctor problem where they don't want to deal with the issues the patient is dealing with. For example I had at one time a doctor who sat with head down and picked at his finger nails as I explained what was happening with me. He returned a few minutes later without looking at my face and handed me a sample package of Paxil and said try this. No mention of getting talk therapy, nothing! Lets just say I quickly found another doctor willing to help me.
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Programs designed to decrease the stigma are great however short term awareness programs generally aren't effective, if people really want to make a difference they should push for more education at a primary school level to teach children about mental illness and mental health where you have a captive audience... but that takes time and money.
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Making talk therapy affordable for everyone is a huge issue. If you're not lucky enough to have an employee assistance program it can cost upwards of a $100 an hour or more to see a psycologist.
Kids and adults should be taught that just because someone has a mental illness they are not be feared or avoided.