Depression Hurts
Okay, so if you are you are medicated for some form of mental disorder that keeps you from committing crimes or hurting yourself and others, then this is not written for you. This goes out to the millions who cave to Big Pharma and have your purses and medicine cabinets chock full of drugs because you saw the latest ad or heard of the newest new drug to help you get through this thing called life…
Get a grip people! You don’t always need to run to the doctor because your feeling down and depressed over the latest crisis in your life. Feeling sad is natural when things go wrong or a loved one dies. Feelings of depression and grief are a process that every NORMAL human being goes through at some point.
You don’t always need drugs to mask what is really going on. Deal with your problems. Talk to your circle of friends. Talk to your pastor or priest. Discuss things with your husband. Or just plain confront the person who is causing you issue. Whatever is going on that sends you over the edge and thinking I need some drug to fix me is not the first step.
And yes, I have family members that take specific prescriptions. That is their choice and I don’t mean to offend any of them here. They all know how I feel anyway.
And yes, I have taken xanax and valium at different points in my life. But I don’t lean on them or turn to them when every incident comes my way that makes me feel sad, depressed or anxious.
I get so fed up with the rampant commercials that lead many to believe that all they need is a pill and all will be right with the world. There are too many natural ways to keep your sanity and mental health. Again this is not written for the psychotic and I am not a doctor so don’t try and hold liable for anyone reading this who goes off their meds because of what I say and ends up committing suicide.
I am simply stating the fact that most of the drugs that many people take are a sham. An experiment. The big pharmaceutical (Big Pharma) companies don’t know best. They simply are trying to get the population under control and line their pockets with big money. And many doctors get paid to push the drugs. Especially the new ones.
And don’t get me started on Big Pharma and vaccinations! It’s the same as far as I’m concerned. All you nay-sayer’s don’t bother giving me your two cents on this one. I’m a big fan of ‘survival of the fittest’, but I’ll save that for another post.
Hell, just keep it simple! Get enough exercise. I am going to begin a new exercise program that I hope to get my energy hopped up again. I don’t plan on getting a scrip to give me a lift. I’m taking matters into my own hands. Try it, I’ll keep posting on how it goes with me.
And jeez people! Sleep. That’s right. Just getting enough sleep can make a big difference. And Eat right (and organic local if possible). Have some sort of meditative or spiritual outlet. And when life shits on you and makes you crazy, depressed or uncomfortable in some way, deal with it. Talk about it. Share it. As an example, I write. Not just here, but in other venues. A journal or diary is a good outlet to start. Others might find comfort in music or painting.
One place that I suggest everyone check out is Dr. Mercola’s site. At www.mercola.com you will find important truths and alternatives to drug use for most issues, but mostly it is a place to get informed. Information is power and with it you should be able to come to a better way than being drugged in order to live your life.
So this is my rant for today. Sorry for the length and hope someone takes something positive out of it.
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19 Comments
The thing that gets me about those commercials is the side effects. I’d rather be depressed than dead, or dizzy or suicidal. What is that? How or why would you take a medication to stop the very thing that it’s side effects cause? I don’t get it. I agree that there are people for whom these medications are a godsend but for everyday ups and downs we should try to deal with it and figure out what is the cause rather than popping a pill.
When I was pregnant with my daughter my husband walked out. He eventually came back but my doctor put me on an antidepressant. I didn’t want it, I knew that if I was sad I had good reason to be sad. He said that I didn’t have to be sad if I didn’t want to and at a time like that I should be doing everything to be happy. I shouldn’t have listened to him but I did. Getting off the medication was a very difficult thing since I quit it cold turkey, something I learned later you shouldn’t do. Not long after the anti depressant I took was found to cause all kinds of problems in unborn babies. Luckily for me and her, she is fine but all the worry could have been avoided.
Jen´s last [type] ..Best College Application Guide EVER!!!
My gawd, Jen! This is an excellent example and hope many people read it. Thankfully you got out of it and didn’t get the problems that are associated with all prescribed medication.
I believe the answer to everything is “go out and EXERCISE!”
Katherine´s last [type] ..Climbing Mountains and Eating Crickets
Katherine, that is exactly why I am in the beginning stages of a new program that I listed above. Things were getting a bit tedious for me and I was fighting off bouts of depression, so I am fighting back with intense exercise.
Agree, exercise is the best way to fight depression. The problem is once you are in deep depression it becomes very hard to motivate yourself to do anything. But it is worth it because the endorphins that are created from exercise are the very ones that are mimicked by using anti-depressants.
Jen´s last [type] ..Best College Application Guide EVER!!!
Big Pharma should not be allowed to advertise on TV the way the do. No wonder people are running to their doctors asking for a pill to fix every little thing. There wasn’t that crap on TV when I was growing up. It should be illegal just as it’s illegal to advertise cigarettes. Of course with Big Pharma lining the pockets of Congress, that’s unlikely.
Very tasty, and agree — all. Props to my Diamondback stair-stepper, for it has saved many lives, the affect helping keep me stable over the years.
Cyclothymia — rapid cycling bipolar disorder — guilty I am. Meds…? Big pharma…? Fuck you. You a-holes are a bunch of a-holes and I would not trade my disorder for anything – it makes me who I am. I pity those who don’t know depression, for they do not know what they are truly made of.
That’s my reality and I’m sticking with it.
Jen: EXACTLY! When will people wake up. The few of us that have are definitely not the majority. And for those deeply depressed, snap out of it! As with other issues (such as addiction), a change in people, places and things is a positive step to picking yourself up.
Jayne: Agreed, stop the advertising. Hell, I believe cig’s aren’t as bad as some of the drugs.
Roy: I have a bit of understanding of bipolar as my brother ( http://clarkcoleman.com ) has the same ailment. He was a big fitness buff but…you would have to check out his site. Thanks for the comment, I’ve been waiting for the nay-sayer’s, but none thus far.
Hi Lisa!
Came by from Roy’s site.
There is no question that the medicalization of variations of normal conditions is out of control. I’ve long believed and lived the motto, “The best practice of medicine is to do as much nothing as possible.”
Like any tool, the user can repair or do damage depending on their agenda and skill. Medicine has it’s uses.
Well put, Dr. J.
Hi Lisa, I do feel that exercise and talk therapy are two important and necessary tools when fighting depression. There are times when we are all going to feel down, particularly after a traumatic incident such as a death in the family or the loss of a job. These are times when it’s natural to feel down. I agree that meds are often the first line of defense when they should be further down the list.
That said, there are individuals with severe depressive disorder that cannot function without medication and would likely consider suicide. I’m not talking about the guy who is sad because his girlfriend dropped him or the teenager who didn’t make the cheerleading squad. I’m talking about a real neurological condition. Exercise, sleep and talk therapy can help, but it’s not always enough. There are cases when medication is necessary. If you have never experienced depressive disorder, I would urge you to speak with someone who has and get the facts from them before making a sweeping judgment.
I truly hope that this comment didn’t come off as harsh. There have just been too many times in my life when I’ve judged a situation differently after experiencing it myself.
karen@fitnessjourney´s last [type] ..If Your Health Were a Business
First of all my judgment is not sweeping. Actually, Karen, my brother ( http://clarkcoleman.com ) has a severe bipolar disorder and I have first hand experience how it can get out of control. Medication is NOT always the answer for even the most severe cases.
Granted, to stop suicide or homicidal tendencies initially I would concur. But after? Hell no! All should be weaned off and use alternative medicines and therapies. I do not, nor will I ever, believe that pharmaceuticals are the answer for a way of life that is worth living.
If someone needs controlled by such, then they are out of control and need confined as my brother is. Period.
Really interesting post and so much truth here. I have known people who struggled with depression and did find some short-term relief with medications. For me personally, the best thing I do for me is exercise. I always feel better physically and mentally after a good workout.
Diane Fit to the Finish´s last [type] ..Why Did I Keep This
Diane, the endorphins gained by exercise is a definite choice of mine to combat depressive tendencies.
Why is health care the one area where people, in general, are not good consumers? It is no more a good idea to accept everything a physician tells you at face value than it is a used-car salesman. In fact, it is probably even more important to be an informed consumer, especially with costs going through the roof.
Being uninformed is probably more responsible for malpractice lawsuits than anything else. Before I take any medication, my first question to my doctor is, “why are you prescribing that, and are there other choices?” And then I start asking about risk vs. benefits.
A responsible physician is never a shill for Big Pharma, and I even question my physicians about their relationship with drug reps. My current primary care physician has a sign in their lobby telly reps to leave their card and any literature they would like the doctor to read. But they will not be seen during office hours, and outside of office hours only during a monthly conference with all the partners where they will be given ten minutes for a presentation. The impressive thing is that information is out there for all the patients to see.
A sad truth is that Big Pharma spends more on advertising than they do on research. It is more profitable to treat the “designer diseases” than to come up with treatment for maladies afflicting huge portions of the world. And in truth, there is no real reason to advertise in the general media. The target audience should be reached through medical journals and direct contact. But because there are unethical physicians will to write prescriptions for whatever the patient asks for, especially in return for a kickback, the commercials continue to haunt us.
Tarheel Rambler´s last [type] ..Sunday Scenery – 113
Well, Mr. Rambler, all I have to say is: Amen and glad you’ve found one of the good guys (doctor)!
Okay, not all I have to say. Just pointing out that holistic doctor’s are the most responsible doing what is best for their patients; treating the whole body not just the symptoms. In combination with alternative methods, some medications work much better (if they’re needed at all).
Lisa, what are you talking about positive sides of this post? It is possitive.
People often don’t even realize how much inner strenght do they have. And watching Big Pharma commercials doesn’t make them feel any better. Of course those drugs (and commercials) are designed to cure business pockets, not patients.
So I really think that exchanging your TV time for some excercise is a great idea. Good luck with that.
Dennis´s last [type] ..IronKey
Dennis, personally I don’t watch much TV at all, but when I do it seems every other commercial is pushing the latest, greatest drug. Not just for depression, but everything from cholesterol to arthritis and everything in between.
PLEASE take 30 seconds to sign this petition and forward it on! Maybe we can make a change!!
http://healthcare.change.org/petitions/view/stop_pharmaceutical_companies_from_getting_away_with_murder