It wouldn’t be difficult for any reader of this Blog to discern how circumspect I am about the use of medication to treat mild to moderate forms of mental illness. I have already cited references that support my point of view. That is nothing new in any form of discourse. However, my supportive evidence is drawn from personal experience.
There are two strands to my personal experience of mental illness. Firstly, I have had my share of depression and treatment regimes. Secondly, I have held a voluntary role as a Facilitator of an Anxiety and Depression Support Group. I would contend that the environment has been the significant factor in both aspects of my experience, rather than chemical imbalance.
In my own case it was the terminal illness of a close family member and recovering from bilateral hip replacement that triggered a serious depressive episode. The stories we heard at our Support Group had ‘tipping points’ where domestic or professional environment led to discomfort and mental health issues. Chemical imbalance may have been present but certainly not a cause of the condition: possibly an effect. The research of Kirsch has disputed the ‘evidence’ on which the medication has been marketed. He has also asserted that the tablets have little more impact than a sugar coated pill. It is time to move on: if I haven’t made my point now I never will.
Talking therapies are seen as a route out of poor mental health: particularly when the condition is mild to moderate. I have been the beneficiary of this regime and been helped to ‘think my way out’ of a life time on antidepressants. Again, with our Support Group we saw many examples of adults who once they learned that the problem was environmental things began to change. Put simply if the job was causing the problem do something about it; change you work environment or get out. The same with domestic issues: if the issue was about relationships -change the dynamics or kick him out. Where does this leave us when dementia is involved you might ask? I would argue that there is a need for a dual approach with both parties needing talking therapies: the carer and the cared for one.
I have to return to personal experience to make my point. It is a struggle here at the moment, dementia is a dynamic condition and things are on the move. If I don’t shape up M will be lost as she tries to sort out what is happening to her. In short, no one really knows what is going on and why things appear to be changing so rapidly. For example what is the ‘sofa business’ all about and why is she mixing up night and day so readily? My only solution is to ponder with other people from all walks of life on the matter. Some of my network are neighbours, others wear a professional hat. This is needed 24/7 and we have an excellent help line in this area where great support from Night Owls has been a godsend over the last few days.
What about the person with dementia you might ask? Are there services that they can access to help them make sense of their condition? My simple answer is I don’t know but that will not be my position for very long. One thing for sure if M doesn’t want to touch such opportunities with a barge pole there will be no pressure from yours truly. The other thing I would put money on she won’t touch the antidepressants or the anti anxiety medication, she is as aware of the shortcoming and dangers of that stuff as I am. She has seen the evidence lying next to her in bed.
Postscript
M has just woken up very frightened worried about a dream that has become her reality. She needed a hug a bit of Emotional Freedom Technique tapping and the promise of a cup of tea. It’s a struggle to get her to take her stroke prevention medication. Imagine the difficulty of trying to convince her to take the other stuff and the side effects.
