The first time I was prescribed an antidepressant, my GP turned to his cupboard and said “I’ve got some samples here. I haven’t tried this one for a while. Let’s give it a go.” Chalk that one up for the drug rep.

His diagnosis was wrong as well.

It’s a contentious issue. Should physicians without psychiatric training be dispensing psychotropic drugs?

An article by Frontier Psychiatrist discusses this problem, plus the ubiquity of antidepressants today, our collective loss of resilience and the increased role of medicine as the panacea. Interesting and challenging.

Read more of the Frontier Psychiatrist article.

in the New York Times

The advertising industry’s “Council for Research Excellence” commissioned a report into media usage, which found that the average American watches 61 minutes of advertising and promotions a day. A senior researcher at Turner Broadcasting says that the data is “actually quite comforting” for the TV industry.

The New York Times reports it with a straight bat, which is a pity. Next time they might point to the effects of so much screen time.

Click to read more of the New York Times article.

by Kate McLaughlin

This is a very helpful, practical article if you are caring for someone with a mental illness. It really gets to the heart of how you can understand, support and help, while also looking after your own health.

“If you have a family member or friend who’s been diagnosed with a mental illness, you’re probably wondering what you can do to help. Although new forms of therapy and medication make it possible for many individuals to lead full, independent lives, the support of family, friends and peers remains an essential element in the recovery process.”

…read more on supporting a loved one with a mental illness

Mental Health Best of the Web

by Ian Bullock

This article spoke volumes to me. Much joy can be found in giving to others and the snippets of contact we have with strangers.

“The woman sitting opposite me on the #4 Powell bus is wearing a leather bomber jacket and stylized Armani glasses. Her fingers are crossed over the wooden handle of a corduroy shoulder bag. The words “PURL” and “KNIT” are tattooed across her knuckles in the same gothic lettering that Tupac Shakur used to tattoo “OUTLAW” on his forearm. I’m about to talk to someone who is, apparently, a gangster knitter.”

…click to read more

Mental Health Best of the Web

by Atlantic Free Press

“Some people eat when they are not physically hungry. I know; I’m one of them. All the studies in the world about hunger and satiety triggers will not do a thing for me. Where are the studies about the psychological need to eat? We seem to have studies on the psychological need to not eat, or to purge what you’ve eaten. But overeating seems to be a matter of ruthless genetics or lack of self-control to the doctors and scientists dealing with fat people. ”

…click to read more

Mental Health Best of the Web