Something I'd like to change - Stefan's theme

I feel we live in a climate, in this present time, in which medication has become the first, rather than the last, option for treating a variety of medical conditions and issues.

Doctors can too easily prescribe drugs without fully understanding the drugs' consequences, and in some cases, drug companies provide great incentives for this cycle to continue.

For me, this reigns particularly true when it comes to dealing with younger children and teenagers who have been diagnosed with a mental illness.

Too often medication is seen of as the answer, rather than the last resort. In some cases it is inavoidable and is necessary, and does help. But too easily, therapies, both psychological and alternative, can be dismissed as too difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. Attitudes can more often be what makes the decision as opposed to what is best for the child or teenager.

Whilst I cannot effect change on a large scale, I believe the only way that can happen is by a changing of attitude and education at the grass roots level. The slow removal of stigma, and helping those affected to understand their illness, and as a result, be better equipped to control it.

I myself have been through the experience, so please do not think that I am speaking on a holier-than-thou pedastal. Five generations of my family have been affected. If I can at least make life easier for someone, either in my family or a friend, even a stranger; to help them know that they are not alone, and that they can try other things to help, then for me, that is something I can change, and that I must do.