Okay, okay before you go all psycho on me, I am not a Scientologist, nor do I have any inclination into becoming one, nor do I have harsh judgment against those who are one (I mean afterall, in this screwed up world I think it's great for people to embrace any religion at all! We can use all the help we can get!).
Do you remember the "Matt you're glib" comment elicited by Tom Cruise a mere 3 years ago while on the Today Show and discussing depression and the use of psychotropic drugs (in lay-person terms: anti-depressants, happy pills, puppy-uppers, etc.). Tom asserts (as one of the core beliefs in Scientology) that one needs to take care of themselves, take vitamins, eat right, exercise, turn to God, etc. and that there is no such thing as depression that it is something made up by the medical community to drum up business (kinda like those Hallmark Holidays? like Grandparents Day? or Bosses Day?).
I've got to be honest, I have a degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Social Work, I've worked in the field (a few years back now) so I pretty much side on the side of the medical establishment.
HOWEVER, last week I was feeling uninspired, unmotivated, was sleeping late, was tired all day, didn't feel like I was getting good workouts in, was weepy (and no I wasn't experiencing PMS, but gee, thanks). This persisted for a little over a week. One night I finally sat down and talked to hubby about it. I told him everything I told you and started discussing what I could do about it. I wasn't particularly inclined to go see a shrink and I didn't really want to put drugs in my body (I'm trying to be just a little more organic, which is hilarious because as I write this I'm actually drinking a soda, which is usually a no-no in my 'more organic-healthy eating/living lifestyle). At any rate, he did what any hubby who isn't sure how to respond and doesn't want his wife having a major meltdown would do--he sympathized, didn't judge, and really didn't help that much (at least at the time that's what I thought). "What have you been eating? How are your workouts going?" WHAT? How was that suppose to help me feel less depressed, and wow, thanks for making me feel like it's all in my head and my fault because I am not eating great.
But hold the phone. He and those Scientologists may have been onto something. Yep. It turns out that after having a few kick-ass workouts, eating some great Broccoli Rabe Chicken Pasta (I'll give the recipe some time--it rocks!), and spending some quality time with my family I'm feeling on the top of the world again. I guess the thing is that certainly is a medical/chemical condition of Depression and there are people who have this condition and need treatment of one form or another, but I also think that just like some health condition can have an on-set or be exacerbated by lifestyle (activity level, diet, smoking, weight, etc.) some forms of depression can act similarly.
Makes you wonder, how might the world be different if when people went to the doctor because they were feeling 'a little blue', the doctor suggested they eat healthier, exercise an hour everyday, pray (or meditate or whatever). I guess we'll never know for sure, but maybe ask a Scientologist (and by the way, have you ever seen a sad, or for that matter fat, Scientologist?!).
Hey, by the way--I'm not a doctor--please don't take medical advice from me.
Scientology is NOT the only organization opposed to psychiatric drugs. There are many, many, other well-respected groups fighting the over-medicating of humanity.
Posted by: gottaservesomebody | September 11, 2008 at 11:01 PM