Psychiatry is just like armed interventions, interesting analogy Venus. I spent some time thinking about it and got my mind going good.

Both are in positions of power trying to control what they see as a hazardous situation, but with numerous unknown factors.

Just like a bomb aimed to take out "bad guys", meds are sent in to take out "bad symptoms". Both can hurt innocent people in the way. Both claim the benefit will be worth the loss. The truth to that will probably depend on the reality experienced and perspective of the one telling the story.

Usually these people in positions of power like pdocs and politicians believe what they're doing is in the best interest of the people. But also these people make a lot of money and it could be assumed some are in it for the money, or the power.

A good pdoc like a good politician should be all for the people, remembering they are in this position to help, speak up for, empower the people. They are the ones who try therapy/diplomacy first. They are the ones who are honest, like the pdoc that spent years working with me before handing me the bp dx. And then the honest and good politician would be like our senator that refuses the free healthcare for government workers until it is also offered to all Americans.

With both, there are times where they see a danger that has to be addressed by putting someone on a psych hold and eval against his will to save his life or deciding to use military force to save a country. Both of those cause good and bad, depending on the situation, who's telling the story and so many unknown factors.

Yea, people need to step up to make the changes in government, and be involved in their mental health treatment. But probably more often than not people don't have the means to do that, whether it be they weren't able to get an education, or if their mental health symptoms are so severe that they can't function well, or they don't know they have options because a politician or pdoc never helped educate them....