Survey

Thanks to those who have answered/shared so far. I’m so curious as to approximately what percentage of people on this site actually take medicine or what percentage never has.

I’ve been lucky that side effects haven’t been too bad for me. And the ones I have had are nothing compared to the disruptiveness of depression.

To TarotXIII, I wish you wouldn’t think that the chemistry in your brain is something that you can affect by yourself. If you had diabetes would you refuse to take insulin in favor or trying to, what, somehow make your blood sugar be at a different level? How would you do that? I mean, you can see how that is a physiological and chemical situation and that’s why people take medicine. The brain is the same. You can’t help the fact that the chemical composition or functioning in your brain is off any more than a person with diabetes can be expected to be responsible for their level of insulin.

Give yourself a break, ok? I’m pissed off about the fact that modern medicine has not done a better job of making health care equally available and equally legitimate to all people whether they have an endocrine imbalance, cancer, or brain illness.

Oh, and if you had a broken leg, would you refuse a cast and go out and try to run in a track meet just to prove you didn’t get any artificial help? Think about it some more. Don’t be unhappy for nothing. It’s not worth it.

Caitlin, I’m sorry to hear that you are being bullied. I think it is terrible that any kid should have to be bullied. I think that parents need to unite with each other at their kids’ schools and demand that the schools put bullies on notice that their behavior will NOT be tolerated. Teachers and school personnel should be criminally liable if they witness bullying and then do thing to punish the offenders. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help to you. As for your “best” friend, well maybe she isn’t a “best” friend. Maybe you need a new best friend–someone you can count on. Chances are your current “best” friend is being a jerk because she knows it is hurting you. It’s kind of a human nature thing. If you quit letting it bother you (because why would she be worth it if she is treating you that way?) then she will back off. People tend to want to have what they can’t have and they tend to pick on those who are vulnerable. Anyway you can reinforce to yourself that you are a cool and strong person who doesn’t deserve such treatment and won’t tolerate it, the stronger you will become. You need to toughen up as much as you can without becoming a jerk like the bulliers. Be a friend to someone who doesn’t have one. That’s my best advice. And know that some of the most successful people in the world were once bullied. Great that your parents are there for you, too! Be strong. You’ll get through it. Thanks for sharing.