The Tom Cruise Conundrum...

This is a very interesting article.  Written by Chaplain Diane Weber Bederman, it talks about the pressure that the mentally ill feel when shamed by outsiders about using medications to deal with psychiatric issues.  Chaplain Bederman is living with mental illness.  Her depression is chronic and recurring.  And sounds like it is well controlled on medication.  But like many people who have biochemical depression, she is very susceptible to the suggestion that she shouldn’t need medication to deal with it.  In her case, she listened to Tom Cruise, who has been outspoken in his belief that medication is not necessary.  As she says, “I listened. To an actor.” 

What was the result for Chaplain Bederman?  She was working with an understanding psychiatrist who recognized the risk to her should she fall into the “abyss” and be unable to pull out of it.  I have heard from many people who are very judgmental of my need to take medications.  From friends who don’t consider my anti-depressant an “important” medication to people who feel compelled to lecture me about how such medications are over-prescribed. Given the fact that I grew up with an un-medicated mentally ill woman, I am simply grateful that I live in a time when there has been so much progress in terms of medication.  Personally, I don’t believe that biochemical mental illness can always be solved through talk therapy alone.  Or with changes in diet and exercise.  And I think trying to guilt people who take medications in order to stay stable, healthy and happy is really a nasty thing to do.  It isn’t supportive and it isn’t loving.

I have made the same observation that Chaplain Bederman made.  Would people be so judgmental of someone taking medication for diabetes?  I take medication for my diabetes.  Some people are able to control their diabetes through diet and exercise.  Some cannot. Should I listen to people who discourage my use of medications?  Or should I listen to my doctor?  Like with any other medical condition, there are a variety of treatment options when people are dealing with depression.  What works for one person may or may not work for another.  My medical needs in dealing with my depression are different than the needs of another person.  So, part of dealing with the stigma is to come to some acceptance of the need to treat depression medically. And even more importantly, to place those medical needs over the shame that comes from people who are not convinced that mental illness is a disease.  

So, what is the Tom Cruise conundrum?  It is the confusion that is created in the lives of the mentally ill when they pay attention to those that would shame them about the treatment options that are required to keep them healthy.  How do you stop the confusion?  You empower people to get educated.  You empower them to talk with their doctors about treatment and to not pay attention to people like Tom Cruise who don’t understand the medical basis of much mental illness.  You work towards erasing the shame and stigma.  And finally, you provide support for people making decisions that make sense for their situation and physical condition.

If you are struggling with a medication decision, let your doctor know about your concerns.  But be willing to listen to the reasons for taking medication.  You may find out that being medicated goes a long way towards helping you cope with your mental illness.  

Here is the link to the article:  http://huff.to/12ipFWh