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RE: [RC] I call it "Equizac".... - heidiWhile I really like your term "Equizac," Ranelle, I am a little bit
concerned by the way that your post tends to make light of clinical
depression. Many treat this as something that isn't really a
disease but is "just in people's heads." Fortunately modern
medicine is coming out of that dark-ages approach as we begin to
understand that depression is an actual physiological disease with
measurable decreases in certain substances in the brain.
It is interesting that no one would think of writing a post
suggesting that there is some way I could burn off my excess thyroid by
having a good relationship with my horse, or that someone
could increase their insulin levels by riding and thus cure their
diabetes. Certainly our horseback activities are
good in both instances, but we readily recognize the need for
pharmacological intervention in such situations. And while I
grant you that antidepressants are over-prescribed, I think it is a
bit cavalier to treat such a serious disease so lightly.
I would agree that a good relationship with a horse would do many
depressed people a lot of good. However, many would have a hard
time even GETTING to the horse without first having some medical
management of the disease. Unfortunately it is a disease that
left untreated can often result in wasted, painful lives and/or
suicide. As a professional in an ancillary role where I sometimes
have to refer such people for help, and where I've had to deal with the
aftermath of suicides caused by depression, I have a tough time getting
a laugh out of this one.
Just my nickel's worth...
Heidi
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