Alex,
I was distressed when I read your post and hope you didn't mean to chastize those of us who use medication as an adjunct to therapy.

If everyone with MI should be able to cure themselves, then shouldn't everyone with a physical illness be able to do so also?

We now know that we can't separate mind and body--they are one.

Therefore, we must treat both aspects of our illness. Extreme psychological stress can have devastating effects on the body. The wellbeing of the entire organism is threatened. The first line of defense are those that you suggested--diet, exercise, mediation, prayer, all of those things that can help to ameliorate the symptoms.

HOWEVER, there are times when those methods are unemployable or just don't work. They may be unemployable because of physical manifestations of the illness (such as an inability to exercise) or because of psychological manifestations of the illness.

Sometimes the pain is so great that no matter how much you walk and meditate you are still in such incredible pain. And sometimes that pain is due to ongoing life circumstances beyond your control.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that we are each so unique that there is no "right" answer that fits everyone. No "one size fits all" in life.

Some of us need medication to help us reach the state where other methods can begin to help or be effective.

Some of us need medication for life because we have such extreme manifestations of illness that we would not function without.

Some of us need medication because it enables us to get up in the morning or go to sleep at night.

Some of us can't use medication because it is not the answer for us.

Some of us use meditation, some of us pray some of us go to therapy and some of us walk, and some of use do all of the above PLUS use medication.

This is the beauty of the diversity of the human race.

Peace and love.