Drug companies

[Guest guest]

Jill,

I hear what you have to say. I'm not saying I don't agree or

disagree with what you are saying, either. All I wanted to do was

point out that we have had some very heated discussions along the

way and some very hurt feelings when others have tried to " judge "

what any individual(s) have chosen for their child(ren). This

listserve is supposed to be a safe place to express ourselves

without judgment or threat.

That being said, I am going to opt out of your proposal. I don't

want to be involved in anything like that. I want the freedom to

choose to do what I feel is best for my child and not be judged. I

want to be able to ask questions, pose thoughts and not feel

threatened. I want to learn as much as I can to help my child, to

help others and to support those who need it.

My own son could be one of the children you are talking about who

has taken many meds. He NEEDS them. He is a complicated, fragile

teen and it has taken years and many doctors to put together a TEAM

that works in his best interest. I don't count his medications. I

don't worry about the intent of the drug companies. I worry that my

son be happy, healthy and thriving. Whatever it takes to make him

feel his best is what my husband and I have chosen to do.

There is also a lot of psychotherapy involved. Am I to question the

therapists and their monetary motivations to help my child? Aren't

they in it " for the money, " too? I don't think so. I think they

are dedicated individuals who truly want to help.

Jill, I NEVER told you or even suggested that you stop participating

in this group. I just wanted you to be aware that we have been in

this situation before and it gets sticky and ugly. When one of us

tries to push our ideas on others, it gets the hairs raised on

others and no good has ever come out of it. Do we stop educating

ourselves? No. Do we try to be less threatening? Yes. We are a

SUPPORT group above all else. You , as well as I and others, are

welcome to share.

Jodi Z