This is an anti Antidepressant Meme that been doing the rounds for the last while and was shared by a Facebook friend last week. This image has all the hallmarks of an ignoramus who doesn’t
This is an anti Antidepressant Meme that been doing the rounds for the last while and was shared by a Facebook friend last week. This image has all the hallmarks of an ignoramus who doesn’t understand real mental illness and the need for some to use medication.
There is a HUGE difference between needing medication to treat mental illness and the blues. The top one does NOTHING for someone who has a real mental illness. I find this image insulting and totally lacking in any knowledge and understanding of what mental illness really is.
I personally find these posts ignorant and insulting to those who need medication to survive. I am trying to get rid of the stigma surrounding mental illness and these post don’t help those who really need help.
Saying pharmaceutical companies are lying to us and that the medication doesn’t work and telling people that they shouldn’t be taking medication that could possibly save their lives, is like signing their death certificates.
How many times have you heard of people who stop taking their medication and going off the rails? Have you ever wondered why they stopped taking their medication? Do you question why these people aren’t monitored when they are prescribed medication? Are you adding to the stigma of antidepressants or mental illness medication by posting ignorant memes or information?
Would you tell a diabetic not to take insulin because some fat cat on the top of the pharmaceutical food chain is lining his pockets? No? Why is that any different than telling someone who needs Antidepressants to function, to talk a walk in a forest to get over their depression/mental health issues?
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction ~ Newton’s Third Law
I often wonder if people ever wonder if there are consequences to their knee jerk reaction to hit “share”? What if someone you love, who is battling a serious mental illness, sees this and comes to the conclusion that they cannot speak to you, or anyone, about their struggles and doesn’t seek help? What if that person wanted to see someone to help them, and possibly medicate them, and decided not to seek that help because of the perceived stigma? What if that person ends up taking their own lives because they feel they have nowhere to turn?
I sincerely hope that you will think twice before you post insensitive memes that could be detrimental to someones well being. You never know who will take something negative away from something you share.
I understand that there are misdiagnosis and that medications are incorrectly prescribed. Lets remember that Doctors are only human and will make mistakes from time to time.
If you, or someone you know, suffers from depression, or any other mental health issues, and needs help, please contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. SADAG is Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy group. On this website you will find comprehensive mental health information and resources to help you, a family member or loved one.
Should you wish to share your story, please feel free to contact me by clicking on the green email icon on the top right side of the blog.