Posted by
Shogrensus on Friday, March 09, 2007 2:52:40 PM
March 9, 2007
The View’s focus on depression brought a lot of great information to the women who watch the program.
Women should be aware that depression is a growing problem in society and also that women suffer from depression, 2:1, more than men.
Scientists have been able to determine, through the use of PET scans, that there are at times verifiable differences between the brains of people with symptoms of depression and those without symptoms. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies have developed many more medications to assist in the management and treatment of depression.
Fortunately, the many experts and Rosie honestly stated that medication was not for everyone but also appropriately suggested people remain open to options. People should explore all available treatment options and make decisions with the help of a doctor to determine the most appropriate course for themselves. Often people who combine medication use (whether short or long-term) with assistance from a psychiatrist or psychotherapist see the most success.
One interesting tidbit thrown out: Depression will be the number one cause of disability in the next couple of years. A question we should all be asking: Should people have the right to forgo treatment if their denial of medical intervention results in a dependency on the government (i.e. the taxpayers)?
While an individual’s depression, like many other disabling conditions, has an impact on society for a variety of reasons, the use of Social Security creates a greater responsibility on the part of the individual and the government.
When a person goes to the government seeking special assistance, to what lengths should the government go to verify their conditions or needs are legitimate? If the needy person has the ability to change their circumstances, should they be required to make efforts to do so?
The government has almost no business interfering in the personal lives of citizens who act within the parameters of the law. We should always remember the principle that one person’s rights should not infringe on the rights of another. When a person seeks benefits that require other citizens to support him, the government has at least some responsibility to protect the rights and property of those who will be forced to pay.
Hopefully, as more people come forward to share their personal stories of treating depression and other forms of mental illness, those continuing to suffer will feel empowered to seek help. If people seek appropriate help to manage their illnesses, fewer should need to turn to the government for support.
Thanks to The View for discussing this very important issue.