the independent campus newspaper of swarthmore college since 1881

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

« RETURN TO OPINIONS

« PREV ARTICLE | NEXT ARTICLE »

Linking mind and body

In print | Published November 6, 2008

To the Editor:

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

C.A. Chase’s column “The problematic placebo,” published on Oct. 30, presents a grossly misleading depiction of clinical depression. Chase’s argument seems to be that because some people with depression respond to placebos, it must mean that depression is all in our minds and that we’re just bored with ourselves.

She neglects to realize that lots of illnesses, physical and mental, can be treated successfully with placebos, suggesting a connection between mind and body about which we still know very little.  If placebos treat depression effectively, it only means that people’s minds are stronger than we think.

Furthermore, Chase’s column serves to belittle a very serious issue. By comparing clinical depression, a severe and debilitating mental health issue, with ordinary teenage angst, Chase reveals how little she understands depression and the experiences and struggles it causes. It’s far beyond run of the mill angst and boredom. Those with clinical depression deserve compassionate treatment, be it therapy or medicine, and deserve to have their concerns listened to and taken seriously, not belittled like they are in Chase’s column.

Joel Swanson ’10

Discussion

Comments are closed.

« RETURN TO OPINIONS

« PREV ARTICLE | NEXT ARTICLE »