ON FACEBOOK, MEMES are shared widely and, sometimes, carelessly.
A few weeks ago, the page Earth. We are one., which has over 937,000 likes, shared the following meme about anti-depressants.
As you can see, the meme posits that exercise and nature are more beneficial than prescribed anti-depressants and is credited to Truth Theory, a website with a history of peddling conspiracy theories and sharing dubious medical claims.
Last week, blogger Jenni Chiu put the meme on blast in a Facebook status that has since gone viral.
She described the image as “irresponsible” and went on to outline her own experiences with depression medication.
I find the top part of this image to be absolutely true. Meditating outside, breathing fresh air, taking a break from the blue light of my electronics – that all helps my brain and body tremendously.
I find the bottom part of this image to be stigmatizing, and extremely harmful to those who struggle with mental illness. It is irresponsible and IT IS FALSE.
Chiu wrote that while she was a self-professed tree hugger, she also took anti-depressants for a period of time and credited them with saving her life.
Depression and anxiety are mental ILLNESSES. Not all illness can be cured with fresh air and sunshine. Sometimes chemical imbalances in the brain need to be supplemented. It may not be the answer for everybody, but it is definitely a life saver for some.
Are meds overprescribed? Possibly. Can simple lifestyle changes improve our mental and physical health? Certainly. Should a drug that could keep someone from wanting to die be described as “shit”? Never.
The following passage in which she addresses people with mental illness has resonated with many.
She then illustrated her point with a powerful analogy.
When you are drowning and someone throws you a life preserver, you take it. Pay no mind to the people off to the side judging and telling you it’s not the right size or color… or that it couldn’t possibly work. You take it. You grab it and hold on like nobody’s business.
When you get to shore and dry off… then you can take a breath and figure out a plan. Change things up if you need to. Ask for help if you need to…
Anyone telling you not to grab that life preserver is a dick… and if you accidentally kick them in the face while you’re paddling your way out of the stormy waters, no big deal…
Tell them to go stop the bleeding with the warm breeze outside.
The status has been liked over 27,000 times and shared over 28,000 times with people thanking her for her words.
The main takeaway? Trust people to make the right medical decisions for themselves and check your judgment at the door.
