Part of what I think Mark101 is saying goes along with the "wellness model" as opposed to the medical model or disease model. The focus on health and responsibility and what it takes to feel good definitely has applications in mental health, and in physical health too. Mental health concerns (whether or not you call them disease and/or treat them with medication) often do have physical components, and physical health concerns have more psychological, behavioral, emotional, and even spiritual components than a lot of people ever recognize too. Medication might help with either, and so might just living in a healthier way and being more positive about yourself. Medication is much more likely to work if you believe that it will and are a full participant in your own treatment and planning, no matter how old you are.

Here's a link about wellness models:
http://www.seekwellness.com/wellness...ess_models.htm