Posted by Questionmark on November 9, 2008, at 22:17:31
In reply to Re: I better leave before I mess up the study » SLS, posted by Maxime on November 9, 2008, at 17:00:10
I am going to have to disagree with some of those in this thread, including even some of those who want him to stay (though not with wanting him to stay of course). There is some talk about-- as West mentioned-- this board being a place to "provide support and encouragement for those seeking it." While that is certainly true, i think more importantly, it is-- or at least should be-- a place to become more knowledgeable and informed and therefore decisive about our psychopharmaceutical choices and overall mental health-- even if and when some of this knowledge may be discouraging at times, at least temporarily. For knowledge gives one a greater likelihood of improving mental health and well-being *long term*, whereas feeling positive and encouraged about something, without adequate knowledge and perspective-- particularly about something that may possibly not be the most ideal option-- is more likely to leave one worse off in the long run potentially. Now where these lines exactly are when it comes to specific examples is debatable, but I think having a greater amount of informed perspective is almost always better, even if some of it is sometimes discouraging when it comes to certain tools or concepts-- as long as the perspectives are backed up by information and knowledge (including experiential knowledge) and do not excessively exaggerate or generalize.
Also, a few of you have complained about Linkadge's claim, more or less, that pharmaceutical antidepressants are toxic. My response to that is, Well, what if they ARE?? He could be right. Now, that's just one perspective and, as someone else pointed out, depression is extremely toxic. But i for one am glad to be given that perspective, in case it IS true, and I can make a more informed decision-- even though, yes, it is certainly scary and disheartening to think about that possibly the case.
I just wanted to put that out there.Oh, let me give one example to illustrate my point. Suppose you have Person X, middle-aged, who has no history of depression. And say her mother or both parents have just passed away, and she is incredibly sad and heartsick and in grief. Say it's been a few weeks, and someone recommends that she get on an antidepressant to help her feel better. Now, all we who have suffered from depression for long enough know there is a distinct difference between sadness and depression, even extreme sadness, though that is more blurry. So let's assume her grief is not so-called "clinical" depression (though that is not in any way trying minimize the pain of her grief or deny that it is certainly possible for someone to become clinically depressed from their parents dying). And, therefore, it is likely the *pain* from her grief and her overall sadness will gradually dissipate, allowing her to "get on with her life" as they say, despite that there will always of course be some amount of sadness and that she will always miss them a great deal, etc. Basically: so she is not depressed. Could she not be worse off overall in the long run to start taking an antidepressant? I would say absolutely. And could it not be said then that it would be beneficial for someone like her to read some of Linkadge's criticisms and cautionary advice on psychiatric medications? I would say absolutely. I would also say that even many people with mild to moderate depression might be better off never starting any psychopharmacological intervention. The side effects (including those subtle psychological & behavioral), personality changes, withdrawal, long-term neurophysiological and receptor changes-- these are all serious, significant, and highly underestimated risks and trade-offs that accompany the use of a psychiatric drug. Are they worth the benefits of the drug in many cases? I would say definitely. That's why I am on one. But we should be as aware and informed as possible of the trade-offs, risks, etc., in order to make the best decision possible regarding whether or not to take medications, what their doses should be, etc.
Okay, well, i've spent enough time on this post so I think i'll shut up now. Sorry for my rambling. I feel those are some important points though, so hopefully it is worthwhile.
poster:Questionmark
thread:861557
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081106/msgs/861947.html