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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Snoozin on September 1, 2004, at 10:37:17
This week's Newsweek, Letters.....he's commenting on a quote about depression and going to college. I wish I could write like this guy.
I am writing to express my shock and dismay about the comments made by MIT admissions dean Marilee Jones, who said, "If you need a lot of pharmaceutical support to get through the day, you're not a good match for a place like MIT." Many people require interventions of various kinds to function well in the world, and those who have found those means are to be praised for their courage in seeking and using them, not disparaged for their imperfections. "Emotional resilience" is a quality that some people have on their own and some people achieve; it is not of lower value because it is the fruit of labor or medication.
Andrew Solomon, New York, NY
Posted by tabitha on September 1, 2004, at 12:19:24
In reply to Best Quote on Depression I've Read in a Long Time, posted by Snoozin on September 1, 2004, at 10:37:17
Good quote Sooz. How irresponsible of the MIT official to say that. Did you read Solomon's book "Noonday Demon"? If you like his writing, you'd be in for a treat-- it's a loooong book.
Posted by sexylexy on September 1, 2004, at 12:22:05
In reply to Best Quote on Depression I've Read in a Long Time, posted by Snoozin on September 1, 2004, at 10:37:17
Bravo to someone for writing such an eloquent statement and having the courage to write it.
Posted by JenStar on September 1, 2004, at 12:44:05
In reply to Best Quote on Depression I've Read in a Long Time, posted by Snoozin on September 1, 2004, at 10:37:17
It's possible she didn't mean it to be as harsh as it sounded...college in general (not just MIT) can be a VERY difficult place-- probably more so for someone who suffers from depression or who could be prone to sinking back into depression when under great stress. Maybe she was trying to give a warning call ("hey guys, this is a very tough place -- only come here if you're strong enough to handle it.")
I suppose in a way it's true, at least I believe it's true -- some of the topnotch colleges are very hard to handle, so someone with depression or another mental disorder should really make sure they're ready for the challenges of a place like MIT.
However, the tone of her comment did make me bristle. It seemed kind of dismissive and unkind.
AND... I'm sure there are many people at MIT who DO need pharms to get by...why should they be different from any other population?
I wonder if she is counting alcohol and weed as pharms?
Hmmm...would be interesting to talk to this woman and find out what she was really thinking.
jenStar
Posted by Snoozin on September 1, 2004, at 13:23:29
In reply to Re: Best Quote on Depression I've Read in a Long Time, posted by tabitha on September 1, 2004, at 12:19:24
Ah, I should've known he was an author.....I'll check out that book, once I'm done with my current political/election/war obsession....
:-)
Posted by Snoozin on September 1, 2004, at 13:24:09
In reply to Re: Best Quote on Depression I've Read in a Long Time, posted by sexylexy on September 1, 2004, at 12:22:05
Yup,I'm glad Newsweek chose to publish this letter.....
Posted by Snoozin on September 1, 2004, at 13:27:08
In reply to Re: Best Quote on Depression I've Read in a Long Time, posted by JenStar on September 1, 2004, at 12:44:05
> It's possible she didn't mean it to be as harsh as it sounded..
<<Maybe, although her tone made me bristle, too. Too many people just think it's a fad or something to take SSRIs or whatever, thinking that the least little bit of sadness drives people to take meds. As if! If they only knew the cruddy side effects most of these drugs have...
Posted by Emme on September 1, 2004, at 13:56:51
In reply to Best Quote on Depression I've Read in a Long Time, posted by Snoozin on September 1, 2004, at 10:37:17
Hey there Susan! Nice to see you back.
Jones' arrogant and ignorant comment makes my blood boil. I'll bet that doesn't hold true in actual student life at MIT. And I'll bet they have their share of enrolled students who have "pharmaceutical support." I went to a very demanding school and I sometimes find myself wondering if I'd have made it through if I had the same problems I have today. I know I don't think and learn the way I used to. But I think back and remember how much support the university provided for students on an individual level.
People made it through despite eating disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar, family problems, you name it. People often took a year off to get back on their feet and then finished. And there were probably some who decided to go elsewhere. And that's fine too.
No one should ever prejudge what someone can or cannot do, especially if the appropriate suport services are made available. And if a particular setting doesn't turn out to work for someone, there should be *no* connotations of inferiority. We don't know how anyone will be doing ten or twenty years down the road anyway.
Posted by pegasus on September 1, 2004, at 14:08:06
In reply to Best Quote on Depression I've Read in a Long Time, posted by Snoozin on September 1, 2004, at 10:37:17
Holy smokes! What an ignorant statement from the MIT folks. It's ironic, too. My brother went to MIT, and has suffered from chronic severe depression throughout his life. While he was in school he wasn't yet on meds, and he did suffer from some serious depressive episodes where he wasn't functioning well. But in between he did great in school. *And* he graduated from MIT with honors. Shows what they know about depression. I only *wish* he'd been on meds while he was there, because it would have made his whole experience much easier.
pegasus
Posted by jay on September 1, 2004, at 19:37:13
In reply to Re: Best Quote on Depression I've Read in a Long T, posted by pegasus on September 1, 2004, at 14:08:06
> Holy smokes! What an ignorant statement from the MIT folks. It's ironic, too. My brother went to MIT, and has suffered from chronic severe depression throughout his life. While he was in school he wasn't yet on meds, and he did suffer from some serious depressive episodes where he wasn't functioning well. But in between he did great in school. *And* he graduated from MIT with honors. Shows what they know about depression. I only *wish* he'd been on meds while he was there, because it would have made his whole experience much easier.
>
> pegasusIndeed! Glad your brother is doing well. I remember reading that article last week and thinking *exactly* what everyone else is. As if we *ask* for the sometimes awful side effects these meds cause....from weight gain to no sex drive and everything in between. I'd like to see this MIT employee have the guts and bravado to go on all these meds. We should get Brownie points for this. :-)
Jay
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