Originally Posted by
frozenfairytale
I've stopped taking my meds for that reason. I haven't told the doctors because I'm so afraid they'll force me. The truth is, I may have been in the hospital often, but I have never tried to kill myself and I have never hurt someone else. So why on earth should I be forced to take them if I feel the benefits do not outweigh the risks? They actually do not help for any length of time anyway. I have been on my worst on medication. I really think it should be up to the patient if they have to take medication. Perhaps a temporary sedation if they are being violent, but long term medication really shouldn't be forced hardly ever if at all. The author is right that it takes away from everything. I couldn't do school well, I was more messed up than before, and it was just a downward spiral. I've decided that I will have to live with my symptoms (if they are even a problem, i haven't figured that out yet), if I want to go to school and have a good career. They promised wonder drugs and they only made it worse. That's not to say meds don't work for anyone, but I don't think they should force someone to the extent that they do.
Well said. I agree. These things should be personal choice; & people suffering from mental difficulty should be given full choice, support, & comprehensive psychological help to deal with their difficulties in whatever way they see fit.
Yes, it's wrong to refuse meds to someone that wants them, it is just as wrong to force meds on people that don't want them as well.
People can & do recover fully med free - from even the most severe forms of mental distress; if given half a chance. The potential is there to do so.
I agree that if someone is violent & for their safety & the safety of others then there is a case for incarceration & forced treatment - BUT - this measure is used to wrongly abuse many people. The truth is that the vast majority of the 'mentally ill' are statistically far less violent & far less of a danger than the general population. & in fact you are far more likely to be the victim of violence if you are suffering with a MH condition. This general perception of the 'mentally ill' as being dangerous & violent is very very wrong, & in the vast majority of cases it simply isn't true.
If we are using such a measure then maybe we should be drugging all the people that are going out & getting drunk & behaving the way that they do every Friday & Saturday night?
I have been the victim of forced treatments & incarceration. I have been made dependant on meds against my will. I had no choice in any of it; & it has been a severe injustice. I have no doubt that I could have been far far better helped by more therapeutic means, with proper social support & proper psychological help; & with being given proper choice.
Fair enough if some people profess to being helped by the system & meds - what about those of us who aren't?
The state of present MH 'care' is utter barbarism in my book.
Well done frozenfairytale in your convictions, aspirations, & goals - I wish you all the very best, & I'm sure that you will succeed. It is more than possible that you can work through things, & find healthy ways of dealing & coping with things; without meds. X