Posted by Bob on October 7, 1999, at 10:07:57
In reply to Re: National Depression Screening Day, posted by LD on October 7, 1999, at 8:11:31
When it comes to the "good intentions" of pharmaceutical companies, I get suspicious as well. But the most basic fact of the matter is that we live in a culture that stigmatizes people with our disorders. For example, a subway ad for paymybills.com says "Are tiny green monkees eating your toes? We'll pay your psychiatrist's bills." Half of me is insulted, the other half still has to chuckle because laughter is one of the best ways to defuse a sensitive issue (if handled correctly). Now, besides that Paxil ad in TV Guide, they're running 30 second spots parallel to the print ad that takes a shot at putting a human face on Social Anxiety. I see it as analougous to the Bob Dole Erectile Dysfunction thing. The ad said nothing about Viagra, but every one KNOWS that the ad is about selling Viagra all the same. If those companies want to generate the big bucks so that they put a human, neighborly face on these issues -- well, I might hate the ads but I'll still support the effort. The promotions are just the bathwater; anyway raised perceptions or destygmatization (if that's a word) of these issues is the baby we'll want to keep and nurture.
Bob
poster:Bob
thread:12690
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991001/msgs/12725.html