Anyone see Dr. Oz's show last week on antidepressants? I normally do not watch his show but when I saw it was on this topic I tuned in. There is no doubt he is staunchly opposed to antidepressants - especially their use in women - and feels they are over prescribed. I personally felt this show along with he and his two doctor guests, did a disservice to the use of these medications and in some ways made too light of depression/anxiety and all that goes with it and what true depression really is. As someone who is struggling a LOT with anxiety issues I can say first hand that trying to go the natural route of herbs/breathing exercises etc. is barely, if at all, lifting the band of pressure and fear that seems to get larger with each passing day and the thought that even prescriptions if obtained would not provide any relief makes me feel like giving up.
I certainly agree that exercise, proper nutrition and eliminating or minimizing stress plays a part but let's be realistic..when one is fearful of leaving their house or has to use all the energy they can muster to get out of bed to shower and brush their teeth, anyone with any compassion and common sense has to agree that a multivitamin and a quick walk aren't going to happen. And most people either over or under eat and gravitate toward comfort foods when stressed or upset. It seems to me his show just perpetuated the belief that depression/anxiety are not "real" or particularity serious.
Most people I know who are on or have taken medications in the past, are glad they have access to them or are glad they did and I have seen first hand the difference meds can make and am disappointed that even within the healthcare community ignorance toward mental health is still heavily out there.
