Have we resorted to curing our problems with happy pills?

Before getting started let me acknowledge that I am not a medical doctor, just a businessman with an interest in the human condition. Over the last decade I have noticed more and more people being prescribed medication for anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Generally I was under the impression these types of pills were for people with chemical imbalances in their brains or nervous systems. Let’s take a look at a common situation people are facing everyday, and see if happy pills are the answer.

Meet Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith had been working for his company for 20 years, and had managed to advance his position through hard work and dedication. His dreams of maybe climbing Mount Everest, or becoming the biggest rock star in history, were traded in for a loving wife, and wonderful children. He found fulfillment in knowing that he could support his family by providing them with a home, education, proper food, clothing, vacations and a good family life in general. Mr. Smith was looking forward to having his home totally paid off in the next few years, buying a more recent car, and maybe now with the kids almost grown up he and his wife  could start doing some of the things they dreamed about for so many years before.

 Current situation

About 1 year ago Mr. Smith’s company sold to a multi national and his services were no longer required. The company gave him a severance package that amounted to about 6 months of expenses. He had managed to save anther 6 months over the years, and is running out of time and money. He stands to lose everything he built up over the years, including his home. During the last year he has applied at so many places he can’t even count them anymore. The major obstacle he is facing is that he is over fifty, and even an entry level position will not meet his expenses. .He fears that he is going to go bankrupt. Mr. Smith is not sleeping because of this situation, becoming very depressed, and sees no way out. His family is very concerned about his current state of mind and suggests he visit the Doctor.

The visit at the Doctors

Mr. Smith explains everything to the Doctor what has been happening over the last year. The Doctor suggests he has a full check up in order to rule out any physical possibilities. A few weeks later Mr. Smith returns to the Doctors office who has told him physically everything seems to be fine. What he suggests is to deal with his problems and gain control of his life again; maybe he should start on anti depressive to make him feel better, help him sleep, and deal with his depression.

What should Mr. Smith do?

Mr. Smith can take the prescription and gain a euphoric feeling for no reason, maybe not worry that his life is falling apart or… how about take control of his life, and start all over again for the sake of his family. That might mean selling the house to get the equity out, pay a rental for a year ahead, and recreate himself using his skills to start his own business.  In my opinion Mr. Smith has nothing to lose at this point, and everything to gain. If it doesn’t work out he will be no worse off then just letting himself go bankrupt.

Do you think Mr. Smith should succumb to taking the pills and giving up, but feeling happier? Do you feel he might be better off combining the pills and starting his life over, or just dealing with his situation without any medication?