Well, I think that meds certainly are not the answer in every situation.

But I am not sure I would go as far as to call them a chemical restraint.

For me, in my experience, having been on meds, then off them, and then back on... I do WAY better on meds than off. Including an antipsychotic which makes it so I am no longer afraid of everything around me and having flashbacks, SI urges are lessened, and my distorted thinking becomes much clearer.

I wouldn't say that I am much of a danger to myself or others, but I certainly suffer when I don't have my meds.

I also think this is a very very sensitive topic, as some people who truly do need meds so as to not be a danger to others or themselves may read this and misinterpret it as proof or a reason to quit their meds. Quite often those that are experiencing things like psychosis or rapid mood cycling and mania will feel like they no longer require there meds, when in fact the meds are working preventatively to make sure things do not get worse again.