Drugs that are used to alter mood and behavior were not as widely accepted three decades ago as they are today. There was a common attitude that drugs used to alter mood and behavior were “only for the mentally ill.” Now, it is common for everyday people to take drugs to alter their mood in behavior. This group of drugs has become safer and more convenient to use since three decades ago. Many people with mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, autism, and bipolar disorder use these drugs to lead a life as close to normal as possible. Since deinstitutionalization in the 1960s, people with less severe mental disorders can lead normal lives by taking medications every day instead of being locked in a mental hospital. Currently, more people put their pride aside and come forward with their mental disorders and reach out for help. A few decades ago, it was not as accepted to admit to having a mental disorder. More people realize the prevalence of mental disorders in our society now. 1 in 6 people will experience depression in their lifetime, so obviously, it is not just the “mentally ill” that need drugs to alter their mood and behavior. Mental disorders can happen to anyone, not just crazy people.
The use of sleep aid medications is also rising exponentially in America. I think more Americans are turning to these medications, because we experience more stress, anxiety, and worry as time progresses. America as a whole has the want to be the best, always. We compromise anything to achieve this goal. We will work 100 hours a week and not sleep for 36 hours if that is what it takes. We stress ourselves and put ourselves in bad health. Many people cannot sleep at night, because they have too much still going on in their mind. They are thinking of what they should be doing instead of sleeping and what they have to do the following day. We do not value down time and rest as much as we value accomplishments. We do not win a social prize for taking a day off to read a book. Some Americans are taking sleeping aids on a need-based situation, because they cannot sleep naturally. But I feel that the reason they need sleep aids is on a want-based situation. Americans do not have to be so busy and strung out. It is the choice of the individual to be stressed out of their mind, or lead a more relaxed lifestyle.
I have never had any personal experiences with anyone that had to take medications for anxiety, panic, or sleep aid. I think that there are people that need medications for mental disorders, but the amount of people that are currently taking these medications is high. Medication is not the only option for treatment. I think that it is important to try therapy first, and if that does not work alone, begin treatment with medication alongside therapy.
Using anti-psychotic drugs and other medications on those with diagnosed psychiatric disorders against their will is necessary to medicate anyone who has a mental disorder and is unable to think rationally or take care of themselves. Doctors are going to do what is best for the patient. Some people with mental disorders are not in a rational mindset, and do not know what is best for them. It is a sad and upsetting situation, but something has to be done to help them. They do not know how to help themselves, so it is the duty of the people who love them to ensure that they are treated and hopefully get better.
