A Pill for Every Ill

I was thinking the other night about the joke that you go to the doctor saying you’re not well and he says take an aspirin and call me in the morning.  It seems now though that he says “Take an antidepressant and if you can remember to, call me in the morning”.  What is happening to our health system?

I’ve heard about people who can’t sleep who are given antidepressants.  People with migraines who are given antidepressants.  Even people with depression are given them! It seems that today, antidepressants are the miracle cure for all that’s wrong with us. Except that they create a false reality.  A reality where there are no emotional highs or lows. There is just a flat, grey view of life.

Then of course, there are the side effects. It seems for every pill prescribed, there are two or three side effects.  So let’s give you another pill to combat the side effects of the first one. And so it goes on.

Sure antidepressants have their place.  However instead of trying to get to the cause of the problem, it seems (correctly or incorrectly) the medical profession often don’t have the time or the inclination to spend the time to get to the bottom of things. Why does it feel we are being treated as guinea pigs? Why do I perceive that medication prescribed can change according to the doctor seen at that time? The patient may see one doctor at a visit who prescribes a particular medication and then next time the patient goes along, there is a new doctor who has different ideas about their medication. So they change it.

Let’s not forget also, all of those people who now seem to have high cholesterol.  Let’s give them some pills as well. And if they don’t work we’ll give them another type to take as well.   And let’s throw in something for high blood pressure too.

Where will this all end?

We seem to know that something is terribly wrong but we’re still learning about how to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives without the need for manufactured drugs. It’s going to take time but we need to set the intention that we’ll get there.

This blog is a personal thought I wanted to share with you. I do not recommend you stop taking your medication or make any changes without the supervision and care of a qualified health professional. Self-empowerment is about opening your mind, body and spirit to all of the options and all of the alternatives. Make an informed decision about your future.

Questions for you: what to we need to do more of, in order to make informed decisions and be more in control of our health? Is it more input, explanation and support from the medical profession of how to lead naturally healthy lives? Will we find truth?