Is depression now more politically acceptable than it used to be?

Question

Now that we know that people like Brook Shields and Rush Limbaugh suffered from depression, do you think someone who recovered from it could be, say, vice president?

Or do you think the stigma from the 70's still exists?

Thanks for all the great answers so far. My ignorance is making me blush.

Answer 1

I think that depression (along with a catalog of other illnesses) has become more acceptable than in the past. In the 70's, if you told a teacher that you had ADHD, they would laugh and probably tell you to sit down and shut up. However, if you were to go to a teacher today and tell them the same thing, he or she would have to fill out forms about how they are going to personalize their method of teaching to help you learn better. It's a good thing (in a way) because a lot of shortcoming are now being respected and tolerated. This makes it easier for anyone with any disability to overcome the challenges. HOWEVER, this also allows people with certain disabilities to use that as a crutch. In the past, someone with ADHD or Depression would have to "get over it" and do whatever they could to conform. Now, the solution is to medicate for them and accept it for what it is. We're not really finding cures and treatments anymore, we're looking for ways to medicate (mask) the problem and move along. So to finally answer your question, I think that the stigma still exists, but it is now taboo to talk about it. It has become Politically correct to be hush hush about issues like that. ESPECIALLY in the world of politics. Can you imagine the ACLU's reaction? :-)

Answer 2

Mental illness is the AIDS of this decade (whatever this decade is). I have suffered from depression for my entire adult life. There is far less stigma now than there was even ten years ago.

Mary Jo Codey suffered from post-partum, which was a big deal because she was the NJ governor's wife. Terry Bradshaw came out a couple of years ago. Abe Lincoln's depression was so bad he was bed-ridden for a year.

Answer 3

anyone who is truely unacceptable of an medical condition (inbalance of chemicals) is ignorant. Most medications merely balance those chemicals. Depression can effect many different people very differently.

There have also been studies that show people with a higher than average intelligence are more likely to suffer from depression.

Answer 4

I beleive everyone suffers from depression at one point in their life. A strong person can deal with it on their own just like nature intended. I do not beleive in medicating for it. So I would say NO it is still not politically acceptable.

Answer 5

I believe that it is extremely acceptable these days! You can't turn on your TV without seeing a new commercial advertising the newest drug every hour! I think now that all the celebrities have come out and told the world that yes, they love their xanax, paxil, prozac, welbutrin, lexapro, etc., that yes it is very acceptable.
It almost seems to be the latest trend!

Answer 6

G H W Bush was on prozac. it influenced the FDA decisions on it. i think it is more acepted now.

Answer 7

we are a "prozac nation"...