[april15Bendovr]

If you look at the symptoms of depression.

Depression

* Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood

* Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

* Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

* Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"

* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

* Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

* Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

* Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

* Restlessness, irritability

* Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

If you look at the Symptoms of Stress

* moody

* irritability

* depressed anxious

* lack of sense of humor

* abrasive

* hostile

* nervous

* emotional

If you look at the symptoms of Anxiety

* insomnia

* irritability or anger

* inability to concentrate

* fear of madness

* feeling unreal and not in control of your actions (depersonalisation)

These are all symptoms that a large population of our country experiences. I know how the stigma of mental health issues play into people actually getting help when they have these symptoms as issues.

Many people experience these symptoms at a very early age. While some people at a young age have found alcohol and marijuana as a social gig others have discovered a way to self medicate all of the symptoms above.

Many people come from stoic families that believe these symptoms are nothing but a weakness and perpetuate a stigma. I believe understanding these symptoms as a human condition. Understanding that is a strength and I admire people that accept help.

If people wish to escape reality I would like to remind folks its not just for recreational use.

[humblegunner]

Man, this thread makes me want to fire up a phatty.

[tacticalogic]

If people wish to escape reality I would like to remind folks its not just for recreational use.

I've seen the arguments that medical use may be OK, but recreational use should be verboten. The implicit assertion is that recreation and medical value are totally unrelated. Yet if you go to the doctor with symptoms of stress he may very well tell you that may you should think about getting a hobby.............

[Ken H]

What is your and Hazelden's position on the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health's recommendation that all kids in public school be screened for mental health problems?