Meds, the solution to life’s problems?

One afternoon as I took a break from my hectic day, I decided to sit and watch TV. The first commercial that came on was for some type of prescription medicine, which I was not interested in watching. As I switched to the next channel, what did I find? Yet, another commercial for some prescription sleeping aide. And so the cycle continued though out this afternoon. As I began to become increasingly aware of these commercials, it really is ridiculous exactly how many prescription drug commercials there are being advertised to us.

All of them asking silly questions such as, Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Do you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Are you sad more often than happy? Do you have constant headaches? I know many people, as well as myself, that can answer yes to at least one of these questions on a daily basis. Does that mean we all need meds?

It’s as though these commercials are trying any method they can to make us, the consumers, believe we are all in need of these prescription drugs to get through the day. The imagery in these commercials are just as ridiculous as the fake quick fixes they promise. Individuals who on these prescription drugs in the commercials are being shown looking so happy, walking along the beaches or in beautiful parks. They also show individuals that look as though they sleep so peacefully at night. Basically these commercials are over dramatic.

What does this say about our society? We live in such an individualistic society that is very short-term oriented. We expect quick fixes to everything. For someone who is suffering from lack of sleep, it just seems much easier for them to swallow a pill to help them instead of searching deeper as to what the problem may be. Grant it, some individual do need meds for sleep and depression etc. But for those that do not necessarily need them, these commercials make taking pills seem like a good alternative. Doctors are also readily willing to write a prescription for a patient because after all, these doctors do get a cut.

I would say, next time you find yourself falling into this prescription drug trap… carefully listen too all the symptoms.

Lisa V.