Are You Depressed?

Are you depressed? For most people it is difficult NOT to be depressed about something even if you are in reasonably good health. Even if you refuse to get into politics it is difficult to have the courage to listen to the news where someone is unhappy about just about everything somewhere. There are random rapes and shootings and assaults. Wild fires are spreading not even being fought all over the west destroying entire towns. Children are being detained away from their parents. Our politicians never seem to agree on anything. Wages are not keeping up with inflation. Retail stores are closing everywhere. And then there is our supreme leader Donald Trump who daily insults someone and doesn’t make any good sense when he talks. It is hard NOT to be depressed.

Now the medical profession is saying that there is a possible connection between all the medications our doctors tell us to take daily and feelings of depression. Researchers are reporting now that 1 in 3 people are taking medications that have depression as a side effect. It is so bad that depression is NOT a side effect. It is a serious problem for many of us. Many famous successful people are dying from suicides due to their depressions meanwhile we all thought that the people we idolize have the perfect lives. There are about 200 commonly prescribed medications that have depression as a side effect even suicidal tendencies. Read the fine print on the drugs you take for all sorts of other problems.

The JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association just published a report that says that 38% of adults use medications that may cause depression as a side effect. Even the antidepressants, beta-blockers and opioids can cause depression. Add to the list Gabapentin used for epilepsy, prednisone used for depression and ibuprofen that everyone seems to take for something. Even over the counter acid reflux medications. So even Tums will make me sad? No wonder Americans are so sick. Because we are taking too many damn pills.

We are simply an over medicated society and we don’t even know how all the pills we take interact. Americans are lazy and we simply look for the quick fix so popping a bunch of pills seems easy to do. So what can we do? How about we turn the tables and tell our doctors about all the medications we take and list the side effects to them. At least the pharmacy gives you all the research in a pamphlet listing everything you need to know about your pill. But who reads all that anymore? The solution to your depression and even your health problems can be linked to a good diet of only fresh foods, sleep a lot and exercise. Sounds simple but we just don’t seem to have the time to take care of ourselves. We have priorities.

We are consumed with politics, wages, jobs, careers, family and stuff like getting cars and houses. All stuff that can make us depressed in a second. Add to that a handful of pills and then suicide seems to be the only answer. So stop!! Look in the mirror!!! If you don’t like what you see, take steps to make it better and enjoy your smile again. Music and good food always is a healer. Surround yourself with folks you like and enjoy that beautiful sun that rises every day no matter what. Be thankful for every day in your life. Good luck with all that!