What's your opinion on this?

Question

I have noticed that whenever someone posts a question about their mental health problem, several people post ridiculous answers about how finding god will fix it all; or crystals and cutting out sugar; or visiting a chiropracter, of all things.
As someone who knows what serious depression is like, I am offended and angry when I see this. Talking to jesus, eating only raw foods, or paying a scientologist to hook me up to a biofeedback machine are things that are completely futile and have no bearing on mental health issues. Mental health involves chemical levels in the brain. It's true that what you do with your body affects these chemicals; but it will not cure depression any more than it will cure paranoid schizophrenia or psychopathic tendencies. So are the people who answer in this way merely ignorant, or are they prejudiced against the mentally ill? Discuss. ;)

Thanks for all the answers. Some confusion over prejudiced: if you think that someone could be better if they just became more like you, you are saying that this problem is within their conscious control. Therefore, they can stop it any time they want to, and any need for help they express or medication they take is over-reacting. To believe that a problem you do not have is invalid and look down on a person with that problem as weak/lazy/whatever is to be prejudiced against them. The intent of your communication can be good; you can believe you are being helpful and kind; and yet still be showing prejudice against someone.

Piss On Yu: Is a diabetic's insulin a crutch? I am so sorry that you feel so much pain; using a prescibed medication to help correct your chemical imbalance is not wrong, or a sign of weakness. There are people who try to use their problems as an excuse, and there are people like us who keep going and keep trying. Please consider asking a doctor for help with your burden, because I care.

Answer 1

I dont think that the people who answer in such a way are ignorant or prejudiced... i think they simply dont know what it is to have a mental disability. I suffer from ADD and Depression and i know what its like. Some things such as diet can help with learning disabilities such as ADD but it isnt a cure. So i think they answer to the best of their knowledge by logically thinking, but they simply dont understand and cant answer the say way a person with the disability would.

Answer 2

People who have never experienced DIAGNOSED mental health problems are afraid, normally, of people who have been diagnosed with mental health issues. I have mental health issues, and I've used and do use medication and therapy together to work things out in my brain. My body needs the meds to stay in tune without getting shaky or to not have horrible panic attacks. I was hurt, physically, emotioally, and NEED the help I am getting. There is nothing comical about having and recognizing that one needs help. In fact, sometimes, I think there are 2 kinds of people. Diagnosed and not yet diagnosed! Just be kind to those who do not understand, are afraid of the words 'mental health problems' and do your best. Get the help needed, by really finding a therapist that you will be honest with.........as odd as that sounds, I've had some therapists that did NOT earn my trust at all. Having the tests you do not like, are, sometimes, a great way to figure out if the brain is having extra trouble........although, normally, therapy and the correct medication will help you the most. The correct medication is usually hard to find. One needs to go through a lot of different types to find the one that works for your own body's needs. Depression is a scary for you diagnosis, but, it is better to have that diagnosis, so that the therapists, doctors, can work from there, than not to have any 'real' diagnosis. Try not to feel anger towards people who have no clue as to the feelings you have. It's a lot like trying to describe 'pain' to someone who has never had 'pain'. People who are brave enough to realize something is 'wrong' and go to get help are the brave people. Those who laugh or make jokes are the cowardly ones. Basically, these people just do not understand that anyone can have mental health issues, and getting the proper help is like getting a cast on a broken leg.....it must be done, or the leg doesn't heal correctly.
Keep working on your mental health issues, and be kind to those who cannot understand the pain it causes you. Keep going to get help. I do.

Answer 3

wow this is a really good question. It seems that everyone can tell you what is best for you when yu have depression, or other mental disorders. my own father once told me that he didn't believe in it as if it were santa clause or the easter bunny. Try not to be offended when people tell you to look to the lord. I believe in god, I also believe that god created the people who created these drugs that help with such disorders. AS far as the eating right. well that can never hurt anything, but when you need meds you need meds. They can truly help too. They are not a crutch like alcohol, or other self medicating drugs. now my smoking that is a crutch. Sometimes I wonder if people aren't a little prejudiced. Are those the same people that call us lazy and useless? Just remember, drs went to school for years for this sort of thing so they know what they are talking about and I have never heard one of them say well, just eat right and I don't want to see you in here again. Just my thoughts.

Answer 4

The world is made up of all kinds of people with different view. People who have not experienced mental health issues personally or had loved ones with these issues do not always understand.
There are some truly helpful people who believe if you put your trust in God and pray the mental depression, or suicidal thoughts will magically dissapear. Some people who post could probably do with a dose of God/Mohammad, Budda etc. But that is not always the answer. Mental health issues come from a myriad of problems.
Genetics; Drug use, Lack of proper diet, abuse sexual, physical and mental. There is no one answer for all. Some people need to seek professional help while others can get help from their church family. I personally know a top Psychiatrist at Berkley (Dr Lesser) who wrote a book on healthy diet and its relationship to healing mental illness. i.e. a healthy diet of fresh fruit vegetables and things you are not allergic to help. He also mentioned the consumption of sugar as increasing the problems of mental patients. did he say no sugar? A little of everything is ok. He used medications lightly and feedback therapy. Chemical imbalances play a great role in mental health stability. Sugar and food coloring, not to mention the dreadful chemicals and hormones place in our food, increase the imbalance of our bodies. Panothenic acid and B Vitamins help stabilize the body.
Yes there are a few mean people and also some who make a joke but some of the things you are "knocking" like raw foods and vitamins play a vital role in good mental health. We are responsible for our bodies and what we put in them..It is definately true we are what we eat. Some people have stronger genetic backgrounds so if they eat a lot of junk food nothing happens but someone with a weakness toward mental health impairment can be greatly affected. I hope this answers some of your questions.

Answer 5

Those who are religious truly believe that God will save you. I sometimes think that reaction is beyond their control.
But seeing as they BELIEVE as in deep in their hearts that there is someone out there that cares for you and made you in his own image and likeness, it is enough to say that they are happy and content. They just want to share that with everyone.

I believe some are being idiots in responding because mental illnesses are not IRON CLAD statements of chemical imbalance... like ELECTRONS and PROTONS are just widely ACCEPTED but cannot actually be proven.

My advice to this is really Source well and be sure ot read aLL your answers and make up your mind using your own values. Because as much as you may dislike their comments, it only affects you if you choose it, other than that.. its all 1's and 0's

Answer 6

I know how u feel.I've suffered fr/severe depression 4 a very long time.Still do.Some people don't understand.My bf has never suffered fr/depression or addictions.I have both.He don't understand any of it.I just came bk home after being gone on a binge 4 3 wks.He don't get it.&,won't tolerate it.Alot of people think it's 4 attention.&,it's not.It's a disease that can kill u.Just like cancer or whatever.I get it.Don't worry about what other people say or do.We're in a small group by ourselves.Very few other people truely understand.I wish u the best!*

Answer 7

I have been diagnosed as bi-polar and borderline personality disorder. I am 36 and since I was 14 I have suffered from depression. I tried electric shock therapy, hospitals, every kind of medication, in 2004 I attempted suicide. Then it hit me. I was bad at trying to control my life. I needed help other then the mental health system. I got out my bible, put my faith in christ, and began to pray daily and focusing on the person christ wants me to be. I went from taking six types of meds, now to only one, effexor. It was a rough six months, but two years later I have had no debilatating depression, no suicidal thoughts, and have found peace and happiness. My family, friends are astounded at my change. My only answer is I let go and let God. So, if you think people are full of hogwash because they encourage you to seek God, you are wrong. I had to learn to help myself, I had to learn that I was responsible for my actions, and I had to find God to help me cope day to day. I still need medication, I still go to therapy, but the true change came from God. God bless you.

Answer 8

yes let s talk about ignorent. well i will say this i feel like killing myself all the time and im always depressed but you know life goes on and like you said drugs are not the cure so maybe you and everyone else should not use it as a cruch and pick up your life and go on. someone has to do it i cant do it for anyone believe me i fight ever morning to get out of bed but i have no choice i cant let it be an excuse. life goes on once you and them are willing to live.you make the change and difference. after all its your life not mine. i do it every day and most days are worst than the last.i have a chemical imbalance whooo but my life goes on b/c you know what no one cares anyway

Answer 9

as some one my self who suffers from severe depression i think that you are so right no one knows how lonely the illness can be untill they go through it them self so i agree with you all this christ stuff is aload of rubbish

Answer 10

i know the only way to help with these things are medicine,hormone suppliments,and getting to talk with a phychiatrist or councelor!people can be so stupid!evidently they never suffered from it or they would know better!