In the last week I've visited a counsellor and a GP regarding some issues I'm going through with anxiety and depression. Both had very opposite views on why they exist and what can be done about it.
GP: Believes that depression/anxiety is in the same league as any other treatable medical illness, that with proper medication can be overcome. Believes that counselling can only do so much.
Counsellor: Believes that depression and anxiety stem from personal issues that need to be confronted. That finding a root cause or trigger for these feelings will allow a person to grow and overcome them. Believes that anti-depressants can only do so much.
I'm interested in your opinions. I guess both are true to an extent, but how many of these kind of emotional pains are strictly a "medical illness", or a need to address some of your thoughts, beliefs, patterns of thinking and general outlook.
I guess what I'm wondering is, are a lot of people too quick to just take some medication to ease their suffering, when possibly the real cause for their problems can be sourced, identified and nipped in the bud by embracing the suffering, altering your life style and moving forward.
Thoughts?
GP: Believes that depression/anxiety is in the same league as any other treatable medical illness, that with proper medication can be overcome. Believes that counselling can only do so much.
Counsellor: Believes that depression and anxiety stem from personal issues that need to be confronted. That finding a root cause or trigger for these feelings will allow a person to grow and overcome them. Believes that anti-depressants can only do so much.
I'm interested in your opinions. I guess both are true to an extent, but how many of these kind of emotional pains are strictly a "medical illness", or a need to address some of your thoughts, beliefs, patterns of thinking and general outlook.
I guess what I'm wondering is, are a lot of people too quick to just take some medication to ease their suffering, when possibly the real cause for their problems can be sourced, identified and nipped in the bud by embracing the suffering, altering your life style and moving forward.
Thoughts?