Minor Chemical Lobotomy

The argument that life is better for everyone on Xanax etc.

Is somewhat f****n’ stupid to me,

The way that I see it…

The argument should be, ‘how do we change our lives’

Not, ‘how do we numb the part of the mind that f****n’ feels alive’

Author's Note

Reviews

[Shayan]

the first three lines feel a little choppy and might benefit from some revision. I say this only because of how powerful the last two lines are in comparison. Well done!

[Davidgeo]

I think you might be on to something there. For me poems like this are kinda like supporting aspects of a larger idea I have yet to fully form. But when I do merge this into a larger idea I will definitely keep your suggestion in mind... thanks cartoon face.

[Shayan]

Ah, I know what you mean.
I'm looking forward to reading your idea in its entirety!

[Davidgeo]

It might be a while. I'm terribly unorganized these days.

[Emmy]

I don't know if I necessarily agree with this poem. Seems to me to show a lack of understanding of how mental illnesses work.

[Davidgeo]

I think you mean to say, I don't understand how the pharma tropic approach to mental illness works. But by all means Emmy.... explain to me what you feel I'm missing. I'm open to listening.

[Emmy]

Mental illnesses are caused by a chemical imbalance. Sometimes simply "changing our lives" doesn't fix that. While Xanax may also not be the solution for all, to some it does provide the necessary relief. I'm not trying to argue that Xanax should be used by all, and I do believe it is often misused. However that does not diminish the fact that to some it is beneficial.

[Davidgeo]

The problem with your statement is the general nature of it. If you noticed in the first line of my poem I used the word "everyone". I did that for a very specific reason. I fully agree that some people have chemical imbalances that psychotropic medication undoubtedly has a positive effect on. What I take issue with is the rate and prevalence that these drugs are being prescribed at. Because it is easier to just medicate sometimes certain doctors tend to overprescribe various types of medications. Please remember... even among the highest levels of that profession there is not one school of thought on that approach, please don't degrade this conversation into dogmatic "my view is better than yours" please.

[Emmy]

I never intended to come across as "my view is better than yours" and I'm sorry if it seems I did. As for the first line I think I interpreted differently from what you intended to say. I thought that the "everyone" was all those who are on Xanax. I don't disagree with anything that you are saying, but for me that was not the message I took away from your poem.

[Davidgeo]

Really? So this - "... a lack of understanding of how mental illnesses work." doesn't mean that? Hmm... I think your horse is too tall for me. Have a good one kiddo.