I agree that this subject should not be seen as a black and white issue. The entire medication issue is a rather personal one. What works for some, whether it be certain medications, only medications, medications and certain types of therapies, etc. (you get my point) may not work for others We are all different, we have all had different experiences, so we all bring different and very personal perspectives to this topic. That's okay, but people posting in a community like this need to be aware and respectful of that too.

What I really found offensive was the title of this thread. In my opinion it was needlessly inflammatory. Add to that the references to "physical restraints, ECT, frontal lobotomies", etc. being compared to and found the same as the use of medications, for the sole purpose of " controlling your thoughts and behavior" Come on, talk about perpetuating the stigma of mental illness.

Now some will argue whether mental illness is really an "illness". Expressing the view that medications are only a crutch, you use them because you obviously are not working hard enough in therapy..... you all do have the time and money to go to therapy right??? That a doctor's sole purpose in prescribing these evil medications are only to "control" your thoughts and behaviors.... maw ha ha ha. Please.....

Everyone should find what works for them, whether it be medications, therapy, a combination of the two. But nobody should be made to feel that the choices they make, and that work for them, are in anyway the "wrong" choices, because it isn't "your" choice. Everyone should be an educated consumer, and also be comfortable with the fact that what works for some, does not necessarily work for all.

For me, medication has been a ray of hope. It has allowed me to have a family, to keep a job, to really enjoy life. Without medication my thought process gets disorganized (that is the worst part), my depression becomes unbearable, and my suicidal thoughts become overwhelming. For you it may be different......but That is okay.....because we are different.