Mission Peak UU Congregation

M i s s i o n P e a k U n i t a r i a n U n i v e r s a l i s t C o n g r e g a t i o n

Not a sham

Published July 14, 2005 in The Argus, Fremont, CA

Psychiatry and psychology are not a sham.

Like Brooke Shields, I became suicidal after the birth of my daughter, so I feel qualified to weigh-in on her debate with Tom Cruise.

Luckily, I found an excellent hospital program and a compassionate doctor, and received therapy and medication which fairly quickly had me back on my feet.

Exercise and vitamins alone wouldn't have pulled me out of the deep trench I was in.

I do agree with Cruise that exercise and proper nutrition have a place in maintaining mental health; that medication is sometimes over-prescribed by some doctors; that medications can have harmful side effects; and that some people have been treated badly by the mental health system.

But, it is also true that a vast number of people are helped significantly by therapy and medication; that not everyone is alike and can have quite different reactions to a particular medication or therapy; and that we are lucky to live in a place and a time that affords us so many options.

Psychiatry and psychology are not a sham.

I pray that no one was swayed by Cruise's arguments not to seek help when they needed it. We don't need more tragedy in our world.

Barbara F. Meyers
Fremont, California

M i s s i o n P e a k U n i t a r i a n U n i v e r s a l i s t C o n g r e g a t i o n