Do you know of anyone who has made a success of life despite obstacles, without any drugs or psych "help"?

Question

I am looking for actual examples of people who have overcome tough obstacles in life without psychiatry or drugs. I have seen many self-help guides and I am not looking for advice, but for real-life people who have had it rough and have overcome the problems - without pharma and psychiatric "help".

Especially where drugs, psych treatment or even instituionalization was advised but was refused or avoided.

And, whoever you are.. not to sound trite, you're awesome! (Not to beat up on anyone else, but your particular accomplishments in the face of all the pressure to take a pill are really very significant.)

Answer 1

When the going gets tough the tough get going. This is so true.
I have friends who go from one pill to another. This one is the one. Six months later, oh well we will try again. What a racket the medical profession has.
I came from a background that according to evaluation should have produced a serial killer. I made a choice. To live my life as they or to go a different direction. I chose the latter.
When one comes to the realization that life is not a a joy ride and pills, dope etc. are a temporary relief to an inability to cope they are on the road to success.
In my teens I removed myself from the plagued environment that I was born in and never looked back. I have never had any counseling or pills , legal or illegal. My life is great, my children are great and my grandchildren are great.
Mental health care is available to those who want to subscribe to a means of false security. The answer lies within ourselves.
I will share the formula with anyone that will listen.
COMMON SENSE. It did not take 12 or 13 years of med school to come to that conclusion. Try it! It is the only sure fire cure.

Answer 2

Yes, me. I come from a pathetic family, with loser parents who are divorced, penny-less, partnerless. I'm the first to get a university education in my family, by studying part-time while working. Got a great career now where I earn more than my parents can imagine. And got a happy marriage unlike most of the rest of my family.

No drugs or psych needed, just determination to have a good life and believing you can break from the past.

Had a near break-down in my final year of high-school due to parental problems. Had a bit of psych and was put on anti-depressants, but took myself off them just before finals cos I didn't like feeling like I was in a thick numb cloud most of the time. Never looked back.

Answer 3

Look at it from this point of view. Perhaps the suffering that we incur in life has the same elements in it to make us extremely happy and to give us everything. You won't be able to complete this journey with the aid of a shrink because they don't understand the simple reality of your situation. Your "problems" are actually the result of your own creative abilities that you haven't consciously brought under control. Learn how to control this creative force that shapes your life, it is both the oppressor and the liberator.