[ChronoGrl]

Originally Posted by Rayne

This was aimed at the people who have been convinced that they need chemical assistance, when they DON'T and I firmly believe in it, despite your opinion.

Ah HA. See, you came across as though you were passing judgment on everyone who is medicated for mental and emotional disorders. I definitely agree with you that people are over-medicated. But it cannot be argued that medication is right for some people. But, as I expressed earlier, it's a tricky and unfortunately non-exact science, which is why, even if someone may need meds, they can be easily be put on the wrong meds (boy oh BOY did that happen to me once... Was put on Abilify and nearly went blind. That was a fun Senior Year in College).

Originally Posted by Rayne

In the last 5 years, EVERY person that I know who has children, has been given the suggestion by teachers at their public schools (in Texas, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky), to have their children tested for ADHD...The kids say that several times a day, several students in their classes have to go to the nurse's station to "take their meds"

I know these kids...Most of them aren't half as hyper as mine...But, mine have never been in a public school...

I have over 10 years of stories like these, involving friends and family members (and endless amounts of news articles, including episodes of school violence, involving these types of drugs), but they are all very similar and I doubt that ANYONE would read all of this anyway, so I'll stop here.

The kid argument is different. You want to make the argument that kids, specifically, are over-medicated, I am absolutely with you on that one. It's like television, except in pill-form.

My problem was that you seemed to paint people (adults) who are currently taking medication as having a weakness or forcing a dependency, which is an ignorant statement to make ubiquitously. Sure, there are some that might find it an easy way to cope, but those who are responsible for their emotional and mental health are perfectly capable of balancing mental, physical, and emotional health alongside medication management shouldn't be subject to your criticism.

Also, it's obvious that you're speaking from personal experience. Well, so am I. As one who has observed bipolar disorder in others who were on and off meds as well as myself, I know that medication is dangerous to play with, but can honestly help those who need it. For me, well, let's just say the straight razor isn't my best friend anymore. And it wasn't just the medication that got me out of the abyss, no, but there is a significantly change between me now and then and I can honestly say that I am taking care of my self a lot better than I was in the past.

Originally Posted by Rayne

The point is...I form my opinions carefully, with much thought.

I know! Which is why I was surprised that it seemed as though you were suddenly becoming short-sighted. Just be careful with the blanket statements. While everyone speaks from their own experience, they have to realize that there are other experiences outside of their own sphere.