All comments to this post (8)

Add a Comment
1. elisheva

9/01/2014

the article is missing some essential parts of the equation I agree that 'meds' are an unhealthy solution.I also know from experience that for those suffering from 'chemical imbalance' proven by 'science' or not,- the pain is very real, and I believe that a holistic approach which includes diet,proper sleep, exercise, therapy,eliminating allergens,supplements,meditation spiritual work are all essential and proven,productive paths to healing. Emuna although an excellent point, is not enough.Telling people its a hoax and to just have Emuna is cruel.

2. elisheva

9/01/2014

I agree that 'meds' are an unhealthy solution.I also know from experience that for those suffering from 'chemical imbalance' proven by 'science' or not,- the pain is very real, and I believe that a holistic approach which includes diet,proper sleep, exercise, therapy,eliminating allergens,supplements,meditation spiritual work are all essential and proven,productive paths to healing. Emuna although an excellent point, is not enough.Telling people its a hoax and to just have Emuna is cruel.

3. rd

8/27/2014

not accurate Ms. Levy's piece while well intentioned and with some truth is not completely accurate. The field of mental health has developed greatly in the past 40 years. There are people who appear to benefit greatly from such pharmaceuticals. The man point: these drugs are too often prescribed without sufficient knowledge of side-effects and long-term effects. Such medication should not be entered into lightly. The article makes a very important point that working on emuna through personal prayer and with the help of a proper rabbi or counselor is essential for our lives. In its black and white assessment, though, the article does not make the serious disclaimer that even Rabbi Brody has made: that some people, for medical reasons, need to use certain kinds of medicines. I personally know some people who successfully use these medications. Would they do better with personal prayer and emuna? I think they would, but I am not a doctor. I also have known rabbi-psychologists who understand that some people do need this medication. It would help a lot to have Dr. Zev Ballen chime in here to get a professional doctor's point of view. While this article definitely has good intentions, it's black and white approach may not be helpful especially for those with, G-d forbid, serious medical conditions. Personal prayer and emuna are essential for life all the way around. But, please, can we not dangerously exclude some medicines that could help people?

4. rd

8/27/2014

Ms. Levy's piece while well intentioned and with some truth is not completely accurate. The field of mental health has developed greatly in the past 40 years. There are people who appear to benefit greatly from such pharmaceuticals. The man point: these drugs are too often prescribed without sufficient knowledge of side-effects and long-term effects. Such medication should not be entered into lightly. The article makes a very important point that working on emuna through personal prayer and with the help of a proper rabbi or counselor is essential for our lives. In its black and white assessment, though, the article does not make the serious disclaimer that even Rabbi Brody has made: that some people, for medical reasons, need to use certain kinds of medicines. I personally know some people who successfully use these medications. Would they do better with personal prayer and emuna? I think they would, but I am not a doctor. I also have known rabbi-psychologists who understand that some people do need this medication. It would help a lot to have Dr. Zev Ballen chime in here to get a professional doctor's point of view. While this article definitely has good intentions, it's black and white approach may not be helpful especially for those with, G-d forbid, serious medical conditions. Personal prayer and emuna are essential for life all the way around. But, please, can we not dangerously exclude some medicines that could help people?

5. Esther Kostinsky

8/27/2014

the article “Hoax of the century” is missing it’s hyperlink Great article btw! but did u realize that the link to the article u cite (when u say: "let me quote you…article on SSRIs that u can read for yourself here [link]) doesn't work. perhaps u forgot to include it. I'd be interested in checking out the article u meant to link. Thanks!

6. Anonymous

8/27/2014

Great article btw! but did u realize that the link to the article u cite (when u say: "let me quote you…article on SSRIs that u can read for yourself here [link]) doesn't work. perhaps u forgot to include it. I'd be interested in checking out the article u meant to link. Thanks!

7. yardena slater

8/25/2014

excellent and brave article!! thank you so much for this article – you took the words right out of my mouth. this is golden! you really do a great, great job Rivka!

8. yardena slater

8/25/2014

thank you so much for this article – you took the words right out of my mouth. this is golden! you really do a great, great job Rivka!

Thank you for your comment!

It will be published after approval by the Editor.

Add a Comment