Posted by Emily Elizabeth on November 16, 2005, at 23:23:48
In reply to Re: Article in NYT RE: Self-Prescribing/Medicating » willyee, posted by Nickengland on November 16, 2005, at 18:30:13
I must say I have mixed feelings about this article. As I was reading it, I found myself getting mad at many of the people who were being interviewed. It seemed that a lot of them were essentially using psych meds recreationally (e.g., taking a stimulant so that you can stay up and clean or party) First of all I guess that I would like to have that luxury--taking meds is my desperate attempt to feel OK, and it doesn't always work. I don't quite know how to express it, but I feel like well, maybe these kids that she is interviewing are spoiled or something. If you have been up late you have to go to sleep. That's how it works. Don't abuse a drug that some people need to just feel normal. It's almost insulting. Does anyone understand what I'm trying to say? Does anyone else feel this way?
Also, I worry that pieces like this help cement the idea in people's mind that psych meds are something people take simply because they want to. That they are optional and not an actual medical treatment for a medical problem. We don't need any more stigma.
That said, it was interesting. Although I agree w/ the person above that said that it was unfortunate that the Babble reference was somewhat unflattering. Why did she choose something that broke one of the rules of the boards? Not the most representative choice to say the least!
Best,
EE
poster:Emily Elizabeth
thread:579280
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051112/msgs/579505.html