| Topic: Ethical medication |
| Posted : 01/10/08 / Views : 834 / Replies : | |
 | | User | anon |
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|  | I'd be interested if anyone has practical experience of obtaining effective ethically produced medication in the UK. Although I am not vegan, I do object to contributing to the profits of pharmaceutical companies and related industries. I avoid buying over-the-counter products such as aspirin or paracetamol etc. However, I now find myself in a tricky situation. I have consulted my GP regarding episodes of severe depression (mine, not his) and there seem to be limited options available to me. I have been referred for counselling, but there is a 7 month waitng list for NHS services. I am not able to afford a private service. The NHS can offer short term medication or sedatives, none of which I am keen to take.
However, my condition is such that I feel I need something to get me through the worst episodes. Although I realise that healthy eating and exercise are great, it is very difficult to consider these when my state of mind is poor. So, are there any ethical options available to me?
Also, I understand that mental health legislation has recently been changed. It means that psychiatrists can compel patients (by force) to take prescribed medication. I assume that this implies that a vegan could be forced to take drugs which they have a strong moral objection to? |
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| Reply #1: Re: Ethical medication |
| Posted : 22/08/08 | |
| | I'm afraid I do not know much about this area at all but felt compelled to post just to give you some support.
I will discuss the subject of councelling with my cousin as her mum suffered with severe depression for years. I used to phone her twice a week and make her laugh, just to help her through.
I am sure there are charities and self help groups that could help you. I will come back to you with details as soon as I can.
I wish you well and hope your animals will help you through. |
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| Reply #2: Re: Ethical medication |
| Posted : 22/08/08 | |
| | anonymous |
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| | Ramblingman is your GP aware of how you really feel? Mental health services are sadly very lacking in this country but all areas so far as I am aware have "crisis line" facilities to expediate counselling. Many employers can also organise counselling via occupational health.
Since depression is often caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain medication can be very valuable....
Have you tried the natural things like St John's Wort? Also worth noting that a lack of zinc is often implicated in depression, one of the minerals that can be lacking in a veggie/vegan diet, perhaps worth taking a supplement?
Personally I found the samaritans on line particularly helpful in terms of immediate counselling when I had a really low point in my life.
......ultimately just keep on talking, we are mostly I think like minded people on here, feel free to mail if you think it may help. |
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| Reply #3: Re: Ethical medication |
| Posted : 22/08/08 | |
| | Hi Rm,
Try voluntary services in your area like the Samaritans or e-mail me if i can help.Often there are self-help support groups in areas which your local NHS MIGHT HAVE A LIST OF.
tAKE CARE
MARK |
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| Reply #4: Re: Ethical medication |
| Posted : 22/08/08 | |
| | anonymous |
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| | | have read something recently about cognitive therapy being excellent for people who have depression and there is lots about it on the net. however, think some gp's are reluctant to refer & prefer to dish out medication. also, as with all alternative forms of treatment, if you are referred you can have a year or more wait unless you can afford to go private. |
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| Reply #5: Re: Ethical medication |
| Posted : 22/08/08 | |
| | anonymous |
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| | hi Ramble,
I have experienced depression in the past, once following a family break up and loss, then a physical attack on me and more recently a bad episode with a guy who treated me quite badly at the same time of loosing a dear friend to cancer. All these cases have been reactive depression caused due to circumstances beyond usual control.
I was prescribed anti depresants by my gp and also refered to a depression management group but found this unhelpful. I have used alternative therapies to help me through my bad spell recently. One method was nlp, a friend of mine practices nlp (neuro linguistic programming) which i found the most helpful, i also practise aromatherapy and crystal healing, i dabble with herbs too but hold no qualifications so am very careful (all legal herbs before KC4E buts in here). I also use diet thats high in zinc, lots of fresh fruit and veg, beans and pulses, nuts and seeds and a little exercise daily.
My one true salvation though has been my friends. Im very fortunate to be surrounded by positive people who have helped me through this latest episode of meloncholia which i had been experiencing. Iv also found getting out in nature, taking walks in the woods, coastal paths and just enjoying the countryside a great relief.
I wish you luck. Remember sometimes we do need to turn to the conventional meds prescribed for us, dont beat yourself up about it. Take your time to get yourself together and when you feel ready seek alternatives for your condition.
Bright blessings |
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| Reply #6: Re: Ethical medication |
| Posted : 23/08/08 | |
| | Hi
i think when you say people can be forced to have medication it's under the circumstances such as being sectioned , but until that point people are free to choose to take or not take what is prescribed.
i hope you feel brighter soon, there are many people on this site to offer support if you feel that would help too. take care |
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| Reply #7: Re: Ethical medication |
| Posted : 23/08/08 | |
| | Hi,
I totally sympathise as I have also suffered from depression. I take prescibed antidepressants which are very effective, but I have the same concerns as you about prescribed drugs. It is a tough choice.
Perhaps you could look at it this way: If you decide to take prescribed medication and become well again you are a more positive force in the world. Maybe you might use some time or resources when you are well again, to help animals. Almost like offsetting any negative effect with positive ones.
I decided to volunteer for a local environmental charity which helps wildlife, and is also rewarding for me too. And I "adopted" a tiger through the WWF.
Whatever you decide to do, hang in there, and be gentle with yourself. I hope you come through this soon. |
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| Reply #8: Re: Ethical medication |
| Posted : 24/08/08 | |
| | anonymous |
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| | | Thats good advice Topaz. I like to see it as offsetting too. We have to be healthy but we should also put back what we take out from this planet. |
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| Reply #9: Re: Ethical medication |
| Posted : 25/08/08 | |
| | anonymous |
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| | You do realise what processes are involved before a drug is licensed in the UK don't you?
I don't think I could ever be comfortable regarding that as an 'investment' or an 'offset'. I'm quite surprised that anyone on here would.
Still, we all have to draw the line somewhere, and I respect your points of view. However, I would be grateful if you would refrain from criticising my opinion, and also from suggesting that I should do something which I obviously consider to be unethical.
My initial question was quite clear. The only relevant suggestion so far has been St Johns Wort. Does anyone have any information about it's efficacy and production methods? |
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| Reply #10: Re: Ethical medication |
| Posted : 25/08/08 | |
| | | I don't usually advocate illegal drugs but have you tried smoking cannabis? A lot of people report that it provides an uplifting experience so it may help to alleviate your depression somewhat. I really don't know what else to suggest, you're in a tough situation. |
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