For those who haven’t read much of my blog before you should understand that I am not completely anti-medicine, and what I am about to write about here is not some random anti-medical conspiracy rant, but rather a genuine expression of concern for the lack of scientific evidence to support many of the popular drugs that are being peddled to our nation.  Most of the prescription anti-depressant medications are not only lacking a genuine scientific evidence, but are more and more being shown to be ineffective and even dangerous.

Consider this quote from Dr. Marcia Angell “It is simply no longer possible to believe much of the clinical research that is published, or to rely on the judgment of trusted physicians or authoritative medical guidelines. I take no pleasure in this conclusion, which I reached slowly and reluctantly over my two decades as an editor of The New England Journal of Medicine” (Marcia Angell, “Drug Companies & Doctors: A story of corruption”, NYRB, Jan 15, 2009).  She shares some pretty sobering information in her book “The Truth About the Drug Companies”.

What is even more depressing is that there are so many different natural, conservative methods that have been shown (through scientific research), to be far more effective at treating depression than the “conventional” methods that are still being used.  Unfortunately, there isn’t nearly the same kind of money in exercise and nutrition as there is in making and patenting pills.  If you want a great book on exercise and depression check out the book “Spark:  The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” .  In this book they discuss all the research behind exercise and the mechanisms behind the positive effects that exercise has on our brain.

So, if this has depressed you in any way, never fear, I have the cure:  get informed about the evidence (or lack thereof) behind the various antidepressant drugs that are being sold to the public and do something about.  Tell your friends, family members and loved ones, and ultimately become your own health advocate.  This is exactly why I started my new website www.DailyHealthMap.com Check it out and learn more about taking your health into your own hands!