Letter: Depressed society
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Depressed society
Sir: As a doctor, I was prepared for a professional career and thought I could slot a family in just like that. How unprepared I was.
As a mother of three who has suffered from postnatal depression, I would echo all Deborah Orr's ideas (Comment, 24 February) about the breakdown of families and new pressures on both sexes since the sexual revolution as a significant cause of depression today.
I also believe that full-time parenting is so undervalued by society that anybody doing it cannot hope to feel worthwhile or successful.
However, I disagree with her view on drug treatment. I believe I am recovering thanks to a combination of antidepressants, counselling and reprioritising my life. There are many causes of depression: biochemical, psychological and social. There are many causes of most illnesses. We all know stressful events can cause angina attacks. That doesn't mean sufferers should keep away from their anti-anginal spray.
It would be wonderful if we could take away the causes of depression in society but that seems unrealistic. So, surely the answer is to treat it in the best ways we understand. Antidepressants work - why not use them?
Dr JOANNA PRICE
Newcastle upon Tyne
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments