Victor, I also am of both minds about drugs for depression, schizophrenia, OCD, etc. I have known people whose lives would not be functional at all without them and have known others whose lives were made much worse by them. I don't know that the researchers have quite figured it all out yet why some respond beneficially and some are made worse - almost chemically lobotimized. It seems to me that depression, while a debilitating condition, is probably one that can be overcome, or at least managed, without the use of drugs. Only one person out of many I've known who have suffered from depression have been helped by medication. I'm sorry to hear that you and Sherelle have been suffering from it. I have also had a few bouts with it in the past and know how difficult it can be. I have never taken drugs for it, but have found that, among other things, getting regular doses of fresh air and sunshine, and being careful to not eat too many sugars does help. Like Sherelle's recent trip, I also found being by the ocean very helpful.
As for drugs for other illnesses, I've found it also depends on the person's make-up sometimes. Ideally they would help or cure everyone, but some can be very dangerous to some people. This last year I've suddenly become allergic to almost every antibiotic out there. All these recent reports assuring us it is so easy to treat Anthrax with Cipro, Doxycycline and Pencillin do nothing but increase my hypochondria - it scares me into wanting to move over to New Zealand or some place far distant right away! ;-) Kakki P.S. Thanks for the Stevie tune, Victor - I think I have that one on vinyl or old cassette around here somewhere and may dig it out tonight!
