by Galen Daugherty

Created on: March 23, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

I've been waiting my whole entire life to write this article! I grew up in a town, where everyone was on Ritalin, even me! One of my sisters, my brother, my mom.... All prescribed by the same Dr. I'll never forget those wonderful years of my life. The anxiety, the physical and emotional crashes, the way this drug made me feel; I actually started to really love the effects. Eventually, my stomach hurt so bad, that I just quit taking it one day. I don't remember when, but wow, I really missed the buzz, and it was hard to resist turning down a drug I love, free to me, legal, and I was encouraged to use it by the people that told me drugs were bad! I still sought after the buzz. I turned to none other then coffee. At least it was legal, but I had to drink an insane amount of it to equal one Ritalin. I also had to switch to a toothpaste that would whiten my teeth... Thats all for another time though.

I think the real kicker is, I didn't need it, it was my excuse for bad grades and being disrespectful. I knew I didn't need it. What I did need though, was someone to tell me "If you don't start applying yourself, were going to kick your ass!". Just good ol-fashion discipline. Unfortunately I think we've taken the power away from the schools, as well as the parents to discipline their children, which is required to teach children how to harness their energy. It's kind of ridiculous.
Almost everyone, I've ever known, who takes medicine for various problem (ie depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD,) have had the power to change themselves. If you sit in front of the TV all day, eat crappy food, then you're most defiantly going to get depressed. If you do excessive amounts of partying, not getting the required amount of sleep, constantly throw sugar down your throat, your definitely not going to be able to concentrate for long periods of time. You probably don't need to go out and get on medication, you should probably think about a life style change.
Sadly, I also think there is a huge appeal for people to have a problem, something that can get them attention. I think there is social pressure to be messed up in some way, shape or form. If you go to the Dr, get a diagnosis, get on meds, then you have a bonified, legit reason to be part of the crowd.
Depression runs in my family. Not "I feel sad and need Prozac depression". It's more like, "I felt fine a few minutes ago? Why do I want to cry now" depression. Every year, it's the same thing for me. Daylight savings time comes around

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