Товарищ Х: A Prescription For Socialism

from Товарищ Х

A socialist answer to depression
http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/content/view/full/113932

A socialist answer to depression

Monday 09 January 2012

The article Anti-depressant use soars by 28 per cent (M Star December 30) said quite rightly that depression is linked to fears of losing homes and jobs. But it only tells part of the story.

The anti-depressants are prescribed because a sustained low mood can lead to chemical changes in the brain, affecting levels of serotonin, noradrenaline and so on.

In mental health terms - bad times make us sad, we get depressed or anxious, and that changes our brain chemistry. The capitalist solution? Restore chemical imbalance with anti-depressants.

But independent research suggests that anti-depressants are only marginally more effective than placebo medication.

GPs were then encouraged to recommend walking, sunshine, fresh air, "keeping motivated" and engaging with "talking therapies."

These are not just effective but cost-effective for GPs who are increasingly becoming stakeholders in services.

But effective and cheap therapies are continually marginalised by the tremendous power of the pharmaceutical companies and their influence on treatments.

Much of the research justifying the use of anti-depressants was commissioned by the profiteering medicine manufacturers.

The profit-based system makes you ill - and your illness makes a profit. Capitalism keeps you sick to make cash for its sick system.

So what's the real alternative? If our conditions make us depressed then we should change our conditions.

Chemical imbalance can be reversed by living a meaningful life, with real values and hope for the future.

Working people must take control of their lives to create a future where people's needs outrank profit.

I wonder which brave doctor will write a prescription for socialism?