Current Events > Is itp possible to fight mental illnesses without medication?

(+) Yeah! (+)

Like lets say someone suffers from severe sepression can that person learn to be happy by themselves?

Of course. Some people would rather cope without medication.

In my opinion, some people need drug therapy; others can (and should) manage without it (as all drugs carry risks and cost $$$).
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Like completely on their own? Probably not.
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no
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It depends on the severity, major imbalances of chemicals in the brain can probably only be addressed by specific medication designed to correct the imbalance.

More minor things very well may be able to be influenced by other therapies to control the symptoms.

I find that excerise can be a pretty powerful tool against depression.

Some can some can't, depends on how the illness effected the brain.

Like how some sickness can be survived without medicine and some require medicine to cure.
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I'm living proof that "a severe and profound biological depression" (in the words of my therapist) can be overcome through pure willpower and effort without taking any medication, just regular therapy and lots and lots and lots of introspection.

She actually said she's never seen such a dramatic change in someone without medication before. She was going to do some kind of presentation or lecture at some kind of symposium or convention or something, and asked if I'd be willing to let her video tape me talking about my progress, but unfortunately it ended up falling through. I was kind of looking forward to it, honestly. :-/

So yes, it is absolutely possible.
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Yes.

Im sure it requires some sort of deep meditation and self reflection.

I believe the body has its way to heal itself to an extent. The thing with mental illness is that theres a resolve that needs to be made. What does the drugs do? Its an attempt to rebalance the chemicals in our bodies so we dont feel down ourselves. The medication has certain effects and a timeframe of use so the body wont depend on the drug for it. The combo of medication and therapy to organize thoughts is probably the general treatment of most mental illness. The drugs adjust the chemicals in our bodies. The therapy guides the mind to a healthier more productive state of mind.
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A mental illness is a physical illness just like anything else. It may heal on its own or be perfectly manageable without treatment. But the idea of mind over matter is pure nonsense. Sometimes, you need medication just like you need a cast on your arm or like you need a wheelchair if your legs don't work.
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Yes you can.
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Possible to fight? Of course. Possible to cure? Depends. A friend of mine has mild schizophrenia (she occasionally hears voices or screaming) and she doesn't take medication, but she is a very successful professional. My uncle has severe schizophrenia and was a homeless alcoholic before he recently went to prison for aggravated assault.
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ArchiePeck posted...

It depends on the severity, major imbalances of chemicals in the brain can probably only be addressed by specific medication designed to correct the imbalance.

More minor things very well may be able to be influenced by other therapies to control the symptoms.

This.
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