I know so many people who have decided at some point in time, that they are no longer in control of their own thoughts, emotions, and/or reactions. Sadly most of the people I know are young and have their whole lives before them. Everything should be new and fresh. Every moment should seem exciting or adventurous. But instead they go talk to some doctor, who then turns around and prescribes anti-depressants, anxiety, and probably sleeping medications.
Lets break this down the way I see it.
Anti-depressants are suppose to make all those little thoughts of "I'm not good enough" subside.
Anxiety medication is suppose to prevent all over-excited emotion.
Sleeping medication is suppose to turn the brain off so all thoughts do not disturb sleep.
What ever happened to big hugs? Girls night with ice cream and chic flicks? Guys weekend fishing? Cute "I love you's"? Why does it seem like everyone is more worried about what time they have to take their Prozac then the time they spend with really good friends. I mean the people who care about you more than those doctors ever will.
Don't get me wrong. Doctors do amazing jobs day in and day out. A lot of America would not be here if it were not for doctors. I would not be here if it were not for the amazing cardiac team in Boston. But I honestly want to know what good can those pills do for the average person, that a good friend, or a big sibling, or sometimes a parent, can't fix also.
This doesn't seem like a big matter to people. I thought it would be. Oh well...
"keep dreaming, just dream with both eyes open" -- Alicia J. Grover
If you had posted it as a blog. You posted it in the forums, and sadly, things get lost here. I bet if you reposted it as a blog, it would get more attention, because it is an important issue, and one about which people have strong feelings and opinions.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Depression and anxiety are both valid medical conditions due to chemical imbalances that can be tested and must be treated accordingly in order for the patient to have a decent quality of life. Without treatment, these conditions can lead to suicide or violence towards others in addition to the person being miserable.
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All I'm saying is that people are just to eager to jump to the conclusion that they have one or the other. then they are medicated for it when they really don't need too. Rare is the case that the person actually needs either medication. It does exsist...just not as widely as those taking them.
I am one who has been on every medication out there for one thing or another. So that's where most of my opionion lies.
"Keep dreaming, just dream with both eyes open" - Alicia J. Grover
The testing for these conditions is quite extensive in most cases. I have a hard time believing that most people on medication for these conditions do not need it.
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But it's supposed to be. Too many doctors are willing to prescribe after asking a list of ten questions.
I know from experience that there are plenty of cases in which medication is really truly medically necessary...I don't mean to argue that at all. I just wish doctors were more consistent.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I know for some people it is important to have the chemical assistance until they can get help from a psychologist or other forms of help and some people do have the natural occuring imbalance that does not stem from trauma. I have a friend who was put on anti-depressents and have witnessed first hand (as well as have heard from her) that they are not pleasant to deal with. She hates being on them and has gotten the dosage halved and plans to get off them as soon as humanly possible, but they did assist when she needed them the most.
The side effects are horrible though. If anyone goes on anti-depressants, especially at college where family is not readily available, I strongly advise having a best friend keep close track of you. I have my best friend's doctor's number in my phone and I am usually with her when she takes the pill. We eat dinner together every night and there are other times when we are careful that I am with her to watch her progress and be wary of any negative problems that may be caused by the medication. We went through the medication instructions and warning together so we both knew what to expect and watch out for. Nothing is more important than friends when mental health is involved (just like the commercials say).
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The withdrawal is worse. All kinds of crazy stuff can happen when people come off them, no matter how careful one is about it. That said, I'll take crazy withdrawal symptoms for a week or two over the intense need to off myself any day.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Having a friend to monitor your actions is a great idea. That is actually a good idea for any medication, but especially medications that are designed to adjust any chemical balance/imbalance.
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I have had a doctor tell me that he needed to get control of my emotions because they were too...( I can barely remember but I think he said, inconstant). At the age of 14 I looked this doctor in the face and said, "I was suicidal since 4th grade. I pulled myself out of it by 8th grade. A year and a half later you think YOU need control of my emotions?" I was livid. I just walked out. My family and friends have tried pushing the issue. But I refuse to take medication so someone else could have control of me.
I know that this is completely one sided, but I also have some of the most renowned doctor in the area working on me. Being a special case as far as my medical history suggests. I like having control of myself.
"Keep dreaming, but dream with both eyes open" - Alicia J. Grover
I think that's great if you are able to control them. Some people can, others can't. Just be careful and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it! Any time I start to slip into a depression, I try journaling. It seems to help for some reason.
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Thank you but I was trying to show how ridicules it all sounded. How people can't have control of themselves anymore. It's hard to fight all those doubts anyways, but to have someone tell you how you are feeling just doesn't fit.
I hope that most people want to think for themselves. I sure don't like having a puppeteer.
"Keep dreaming, just dream with both eyes open" -- Alicia J. Grover
I think, depression is a kind of self exile imposed by a person who isnt getting what he wants from his life or people around him, you are right in a way that to get out of depression one doesnt need tablets but a little does of enjoyment or hapiness.
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mark osborn
Addiction Recovery Colorado
A person who is clinically depressed is not physically able to feel enjoyment or happiness. To suggest that a dose of happiness is all a depressed person needs is tantamount to saying "it's all in your head," or "you're doing it to yourself."
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Actually, there's a correlation between MAO oxidases (something that breaks down dopamine, serotonin, and some other happy neurotransmitters) and depression. People with higher levels of these MAO oxidases are more likely to be depressed because these enzymes are oxidizing a lot of the neurotransmitters that are responsible for causing feelings of pleasure, happiness, etc. This is why depression is treated with MAO inhibitors, which you may have heard of from all of the drug commercials warning you to not take their product with an MAO-I. The person does need a little dose of happiness, but happiness is a perception, not a specific activity or action. In order to percieve happiness, we must first have the appropirate neurotransmitters stable and functioning. .
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