I think if a child is suicidal then you have no choice but to do whatever to help, but if it’s just up and down moods there should be other options then medicine as well. Depression is one thing easily treated without medicine, bipolar is another. Each situation the doctor needs to use medicine as a last resort on children.
> Depression is one thing easily treated without medicine, bipolar is another.
I’d say that’s a WILD generalization: I have both conditions and without medication I am in real trouble, and the people around me are in for an interesting time.
The medication is simple: Lithium Carbonate and Venlafaxine plus a good diet and plenty of sleep. But the medication is also pretty essential, and it took many years to get the balance right.
Therapy alone might work for some people, but for many of us it is way insufficient.