Posted by Christ_empowered on June 14, 2011, at 14:12:13
In reply to Re: Medicating Unhappiness, posted by phillipa on June 14, 2011, at 11:28:24
I think there's some truth to this. I mean, yes severe depression, bipolar disorder,schizophrenia, and severe anxiety can have terrible effects on one's life and they should be dealt with, but I can't help but think that some (a lot?) of people, at least here in the US, are being medicated for unhappiness that results from other causes--un(der)emplyment, bad relationships, "affluenza," etc. I don't know if that's the case in other countries.
Personally, I wish we could just dispense with the prescription system and have the drugs on an open market. That's what Dr.Thomas Szasz advocates, and i have to say I see his point, even though I'm definitely not a libertarian. I mean, if we had an open market, who on earth would take 1/2-2/3 of the "medications" that are currently popular? I know if I had the choice between an antidepressant and some PRN Ativan, or an opiate, I'd take the "fun" stuff, use it responsibly, and go about my business. I also think this sort of a system would discourage the creation of "me-too" drugs and might make drug makers actually innovate and create psychiatric meds that (gasp) made you feel better. Quickly.
I don't have a problem with drugs to get by. Whether you're hearing voices, anxious and unable to leave your house, or just plain melancholy, careful use of drugs/medications can make life better.
poster:Christ_empowered
thread:988052
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110610/msgs/988079.html