30 cal slob
Member
was interesting to hear that this fella reportedly started a dorm fire.
wonder why he wasn't charged with attempted arson and reckless endangerment.
wonder why he wasn't charged with attempted arson and reckless endangerment.
No Guns for Folks On Anti-Depressants?
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MrDig
Member
nibb, your statement about people who take anti-depressents becoming unstable is exactly the misunderstanding that people have about Depression, Mental Health and the Meantal health System. Depression of all the Mental Illness, is the Most stable and Most Treatable. I work in a Mental Health Group Home. We don't even interview people only Diagnosed with Depression, as they are too healthy to live at our home. My guess would be that you have dozens of aquaintencess who are taking antidepressants and won't tell you because you equate depression with Crazy. Work with Schizophrenics for a few years and you will see. Depression is easily the most treatable and least volitle of the mental health conditions.
Smokey Joe
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- 2,617
Blame the object, not the wielder!
I very much fear that exactly this will be the result of the Va Tech incident.
Furncliff
Member
FWIW...the Federal Aviation Agency has already done something like this in connection with the physicals taken for a pilots lic.. Take antidipression meds. and you can't get a a medical certificate to fly.
I have known pilots with 20,000 hours of safe flying who were diagnosed as depressive and could easily have been treated with meds (and perhaps treated for a short time), who refused to take the meds and get grounded. They rather remain as they are and continue to fly.
The possibility that the same kind of twisted logic could apply to gun owners is not without precedence.
I have known pilots with 20,000 hours of safe flying who were diagnosed as depressive and could easily have been treated with meds (and perhaps treated for a short time), who refused to take the meds and get grounded. They rather remain as they are and continue to fly.
The possibility that the same kind of twisted logic could apply to gun owners is not without precedence.
Two Cold Soakers
Member
I was at my doc's a few weeks back...
Now, understand, I live in a small town, I actually bought the house I live in from my doctor, we know the same people, he told me once about this urologist who ...nevermind......
Anyhow, he made me aware of two SSRIs used for non-mental illness reasons:
Prozac has been listed for sexual dysfunction (premature ej);
Wellbutrin has been prescribed to take the edge off of smoking cessation.
It's not the meds that diagnose an illness. It's the symptoms.
Soakers.
Now, understand, I live in a small town, I actually bought the house I live in from my doctor, we know the same people, he told me once about this urologist who ...nevermind......
Anyhow, he made me aware of two SSRIs used for non-mental illness reasons:
Prozac has been listed for sexual dysfunction (premature ej);
Wellbutrin has been prescribed to take the edge off of smoking cessation.
It's not the meds that diagnose an illness. It's the symptoms.
Soakers.
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IdahoFarmer
Member
Quote from bowfin:
bowfin, have you had any friends or family involved with this issue? If not, I respectfully ask that you consider reserving judgement. I held your beliefs for a long time... until depression hit close to home and I saw it first hand. Very strange seeing the life and vigor fade from one's eyes.
Farmer
bowfin, have you had any friends or family involved with this issue? If not, I respectfully ask that you consider reserving judgement. I held your beliefs for a long time... until depression hit close to home and I saw it first hand. Very strange seeing the life and vigor fade from one's eyes.
Farmer
Some antidepressants like SSRI's are used to treat many other conditions than depression including things like anxiety, ocd, ibs, and eating disorders so of course not.
Past that its just very flawed reasoning because there is no demonstrated link that shows people on antidepressants are likely to cause problems. If you want to worry about someone you need to focus on the untreated people, not the ones being treated.
Past that its just very flawed reasoning because there is no demonstrated link that shows people on antidepressants are likely to cause problems. If you want to worry about someone you need to focus on the untreated people, not the ones being treated.
Travis McGee
Member
If they ban folks who have ever been prescribed these meds from gun ownership, they'll wipe out abuot a third of the next generation from gun ownership by simple legal fiat.
Add to it misdemeanor domestic violence (he said-she said will do) and you are up to about half of tomorrow's Americans losing their RKBA.
A gun grabbers dream.
Add to it misdemeanor domestic violence (he said-she said will do) and you are up to about half of tomorrow's Americans losing their RKBA.
A gun grabbers dream.
not everybody who takes anti depressants is pasty white and wearing all black clothing. you dont have to want to kill yourself to need them. and to the people who say its all a bunch of garbage and people have been dealing with this kind of stuff for years without medicine are probably the same people who have to take pills for their blood pressure or cholesterol.
depression can be hereditary....so can stupidity.
depression can be hereditary....so can stupidity.
There is a 4473 question about health. It asks if you have been classified as a Mental Defective... this is a legal definition and can cover anything from being retarded, to having a stroke, head injury (or similar medical condition). Your doctor might file this on you without your knowledge. It's hard to get repealed once it's on your record in many places.
It is my understanding that if you've ever been thrown in the booby hatch on a 72 hr mental health hold as an adult , you may well indeed get the 'MD' flag.
If your psychiatrist thinks you are too crazy to drive or operate heavy machinery, he or she may well tag you MD.
It is my understanding that if you've ever been thrown in the booby hatch on a 72 hr mental health hold as an adult , you may well indeed get the 'MD' flag.
If your psychiatrist thinks you are too crazy to drive or operate heavy machinery, he or she may well tag you MD.
Do you think for a second that they'd grant an exception to anyone who's taking or took antidepressants to treat something completely unrelated to mental illness?
Elevil is an antidepressant used to treat suicidal depression. It is also sometimes used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy. I don't know why, but it is. I took it for 3 days for neuropathy and stopped because I couldn't tolerate the side effects.
I could be denied my 2nd Amendment rights because I have nerve pain in my feet!! That's bullsh**!!!
Elevil is an antidepressant used to treat suicidal depression. It is also sometimes used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy. I don't know why, but it is. I took it for 3 days for neuropathy and stopped because I couldn't tolerate the side effects.
I could be denied my 2nd Amendment rights because I have nerve pain in my feet!! That's bullsh**!!!
Max Beep
Member
In order to keep people on anti-depressants from having guns you would need to register all guns and then have a data base that would flag owners when prescribed certain medications. The antis and big government folks would love that... And besides if you feel so insecure you need to own guns you must be mentally unstable anyway!!
tinygnat219
Member
Would never happen without violating half a dozen confidentiality laws with HIPAA to boot.
Zen21Tao
Member
I would support a "no guns for people on anti-depressents" BUT only after they write into law:
"No computers/pens & paper for people on anti-depressents"
"No journalists/reporters that are on anti-depressents"
"No practice of religion for people on anti-depressents"
"No abortions for women on andi-depressents"
"No protection from self-incrimination for people on anti-depressents"
etc.
"No computers/pens & paper for people on anti-depressents"
"No journalists/reporters that are on anti-depressents"
"No practice of religion for people on anti-depressents"
"No abortions for women on andi-depressents"
"No protection from self-incrimination for people on anti-depressents"
etc.
skinnyguy
Member
I'm on anti-depressants. I'm as safe as anyone when it comes to weapons. I wish nobody any harm except those who would harm me or mine.
Being depressed does not make you inherently dangerous, nor should it preclude you from owning a firearm. I know I'm not alone in this, my mother, my brother, my supervisor, a brother-level friend, and maybe 8 other people I know are firearms owners, AND on anti-depressants. To my knowledge, none of these people have ever drawn their firearms on another human without defensive cause, and when they did, the situation defused, and they didn't have to fire.
Depression is hell to live with, I know this for a fact. Being on medication is hell, but depression is worse, and I would worry more about those who are NOT on anti-depressants than those of us who are. Being on anti-depressants says that there is a problem that has been identified, and it's being treated. It's a medical condition that can be treated, as is asthma, glaucoma, cancer, broken bones or any other of a plethora of medical conditions.
Since I wear glasses also, should I not be allowed to shoot because I can't aim properly? Everybody is responsible for their own actions, I have taken the responsibilty to treat my depression, to get glasses so I can see, and live my own life and not blame everyone else for the things I deal with.
Being depressed does not make you inherently dangerous, nor should it preclude you from owning a firearm. I know I'm not alone in this, my mother, my brother, my supervisor, a brother-level friend, and maybe 8 other people I know are firearms owners, AND on anti-depressants. To my knowledge, none of these people have ever drawn their firearms on another human without defensive cause, and when they did, the situation defused, and they didn't have to fire.
Depression is hell to live with, I know this for a fact. Being on medication is hell, but depression is worse, and I would worry more about those who are NOT on anti-depressants than those of us who are. Being on anti-depressants says that there is a problem that has been identified, and it's being treated. It's a medical condition that can be treated, as is asthma, glaucoma, cancer, broken bones or any other of a plethora of medical conditions.
Since I wear glasses also, should I not be allowed to shoot because I can't aim properly? Everybody is responsible for their own actions, I have taken the responsibilty to treat my depression, to get glasses so I can see, and live my own life and not blame everyone else for the things I deal with.
Green Lantern
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As a pharmacy tech, AND as someone that has loved ones with depression:
I think the best case scenario might be if the antis try some B.S. like that, then get buried by the backlash that would result. See, these days there are about more people taking antidepressants than NOT taking them.
As for the prohibition, ask yourself this? Would you rather go shooting with someone who's on antidepressants and needs them - or with someone NOT on antidepressants and who needs them?
As others have pointed out, the statement that someone taking antidepressants will "go bonkers" WITHOUT them is NOT true.
What worries me is that I can easily see people avoiding treatment just BECAUSE of "rumblings" of this. I'd hate to see how bad the "Stuff" could hit the fan if this ever WAS proposed!
I think the best case scenario might be if the antis try some B.S. like that, then get buried by the backlash that would result. See, these days there are about more people taking antidepressants than NOT taking them.
As for the prohibition, ask yourself this? Would you rather go shooting with someone who's on antidepressants and needs them - or with someone NOT on antidepressants and who needs them?
As others have pointed out, the statement that someone taking antidepressants will "go bonkers" WITHOUT them is NOT true.
What worries me is that I can easily see people avoiding treatment just BECAUSE of "rumblings" of this. I'd hate to see how bad the "Stuff" could hit the fan if this ever WAS proposed!
TimboKhan
Member
Nope. Completely wrong. For me, at worst it means that I will cry at odd times, and just feel.... well, I will just feel depressed! Thats not "unstable", and it doesn't mean I shouldn't own a gun.
This is true. Except for my closest buddies, I never told anyone that I was on anti-depressants or even that I was depressed. For some reason, there is a percentage of people that just want to judge you, play doctor, and try to tell you what is wrong with you and why. My mom, for example, will just not drop the subject. I know she is just trying to help and to understand, but frankly, I always feel more depressed after talking to her, and I honestly regret ever telling her that I have depression. Every time someone kills themself, or every time someone in her church mentions depression, or every time ()*&)@#$ Oprah does a show on depression, I have to hear about it. Sucks. By the same token, you would never, ever guess that I had depression and I am about as far away from a pasty-faced milquetoast as you can get. It is easy to sit and judge when your experience in the matter equals nothing, and your idea of medicine is to walk it off. But this 6-1 former all-state wrestler, former all-state football player, former all-conference Baseball player, Former Marine, and college graduate is telling you: Your wrong. Depression sucks, and it is prevalent. It's not about a weak mind, it's not about daddy not hugging you enough when you were three (although I guess it could be), and it's not about whining or trying to think of excuses. It's a real, valid condition that very likely is affecting someone you know.
plexreticle
Member
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- 1,240
What a bizarre question. Should people on anti depressants not be allowed to own a car?
I believe when i applied for my purchase permit in nj one of the questions is are you seeing a pyschiatrist and/or taking medications. I was taking antidespressants when i got my permit, for sleeping disorder, but am not anymore, they didnt make me unsafe to handle a gun on them or off them.
Prince Yamato
Member
Antidepressants alone is not a reason to deny someone gun ownership. As someone else stated, sometimes the medications are used for their side-effects. People who suffer chronic diarreah/bowel movements are often given Anti-depressants to cease the frequent bowel movements. Frankly, I'd love to see a case like that hit the Supreme Court. The headline would read:
"Man denied gun on account of pooping too much."
"Man denied gun on account of pooping too much."
Here is the deal with this.
I myself have been on anti-depressants. When I was much younger, I had a rare and unrecognizable condition whereby I had constant vertigo. Multiple visits to neurologists, ENT's, etc. and nobody could figure out the cause.
Finally, a neurologist suggested, "Maybe it's a physical manifestation of stress?"
So I began psychotherapy whereby I was placed on anti-depressants. The doctor I worked with seemed bogus and I felt it was a waste, especially because I was fairly certain that it was not the cause of the problem. I switched psychiatrists, and that psychiatrist prescribed medication like candy. He tried anti-psychotics (just because of the anti-anxiety and sedative side-effects), anti-depressants, and more... all at once. The result? I was asleep throughout most of middle and high-school due to the sedative side-effects.
Shortly afterwards, I was diagnosed with an intestinal medical condition, completely uncurable. The condition, along with the sedative qualities of the medications (which were later deemed WAY overkill when I switched to another psychiatrist), created a need for me to switch into a sub-school (of my regular school) for children with severe learning issues. It lowered my self-esteem and I was taught nothing. Those schools are essentially finger-painting 24/7.
When I switched psychiatrists again, this time because I felt the previous one was popping pills into my mouth like I was a science experiment, it was decided that there really was NO NEED for me to be on ANY of those meds. The doctor offered for me to stay on a mild anti-depressant, simply because by this point I actually was mildly depressed from the troubles the last doctors had caused me and my real medical condition.
Not long after, I was taken off those drugs and was fine for years. Didn't see anybody for a long time.
About 2 years ago, I began experiencing anxiety and depression after I dealt with a very unruly girl, and some very unprofessional professors. I tried psychotherapy again just for the heck of it to see if it would help. It didn't. The psychologist suggested I get a psychiatrist involved. He like the doctor from my childhood, began popping pills into me. This time I didn't have negative side effects, but at the same time I felt the effects weren't treating my problems at the time.
A few months ago I switched back to my psychiatrist (the one who had originally deemed medication was not needed). He once again said I had fallen victim to over-prescribing doctors and said that there was absolutely no need to be on any medication. He believed my anxiety and depression to be within reasonable and healthy levels under the situations I was going through.
I was taken off of those meds, and once again was fine.
Now the only thing that I ever take is a Xanax once in a blue moon (prescription) to help me deal with stress due to my medical condition (flares, etc).
My case shows that these pills are prescribed without need, and that just because somebody has been on them, doesn't mean they needed them. I never needed pills. I needed time, and patience. That was it.
The doctors are eager however to try the newest meds to see if it helps.
If the legal usage of those meds one day prohibit me from owning a firearm, it will be a sad day. I have no mental issues. I have the same problems your average Joe has with depression and anxiety.
My mistake was that I gave doctors a chance to make things better, faster.... which both didn't work, and eventually may need to be explained on my record, if laws go into place prohibiting ownership.
Many people on such drugs are like me. They don't really have a problem. They're sane and normal people like me. The have no real mental disorder. They just have bought into the enticing notion of quick solutions via pills to problems that aren't severe enough to warrant them.
We all get stressed, and depressed sometimes. If one day we get penalized for giving doctors a chance to make things easier - it will be sad.
I myself have been on anti-depressants. When I was much younger, I had a rare and unrecognizable condition whereby I had constant vertigo. Multiple visits to neurologists, ENT's, etc. and nobody could figure out the cause.
Finally, a neurologist suggested, "Maybe it's a physical manifestation of stress?"
So I began psychotherapy whereby I was placed on anti-depressants. The doctor I worked with seemed bogus and I felt it was a waste, especially because I was fairly certain that it was not the cause of the problem. I switched psychiatrists, and that psychiatrist prescribed medication like candy. He tried anti-psychotics (just because of the anti-anxiety and sedative side-effects), anti-depressants, and more... all at once. The result? I was asleep throughout most of middle and high-school due to the sedative side-effects.
Shortly afterwards, I was diagnosed with an intestinal medical condition, completely uncurable. The condition, along with the sedative qualities of the medications (which were later deemed WAY overkill when I switched to another psychiatrist), created a need for me to switch into a sub-school (of my regular school) for children with severe learning issues. It lowered my self-esteem and I was taught nothing. Those schools are essentially finger-painting 24/7.
When I switched psychiatrists again, this time because I felt the previous one was popping pills into my mouth like I was a science experiment, it was decided that there really was NO NEED for me to be on ANY of those meds. The doctor offered for me to stay on a mild anti-depressant, simply because by this point I actually was mildly depressed from the troubles the last doctors had caused me and my real medical condition.
Not long after, I was taken off those drugs and was fine for years. Didn't see anybody for a long time.
About 2 years ago, I began experiencing anxiety and depression after I dealt with a very unruly girl, and some very unprofessional professors. I tried psychotherapy again just for the heck of it to see if it would help. It didn't. The psychologist suggested I get a psychiatrist involved. He like the doctor from my childhood, began popping pills into me. This time I didn't have negative side effects, but at the same time I felt the effects weren't treating my problems at the time.
A few months ago I switched back to my psychiatrist (the one who had originally deemed medication was not needed). He once again said I had fallen victim to over-prescribing doctors and said that there was absolutely no need to be on any medication. He believed my anxiety and depression to be within reasonable and healthy levels under the situations I was going through.
I was taken off of those meds, and once again was fine.
Now the only thing that I ever take is a Xanax once in a blue moon (prescription) to help me deal with stress due to my medical condition (flares, etc).
My case shows that these pills are prescribed without need, and that just because somebody has been on them, doesn't mean they needed them. I never needed pills. I needed time, and patience. That was it.
The doctors are eager however to try the newest meds to see if it helps.
If the legal usage of those meds one day prohibit me from owning a firearm, it will be a sad day. I have no mental issues. I have the same problems your average Joe has with depression and anxiety.
My mistake was that I gave doctors a chance to make things better, faster.... which both didn't work, and eventually may need to be explained on my record, if laws go into place prohibiting ownership.
Many people on such drugs are like me. They don't really have a problem. They're sane and normal people like me. The have no real mental disorder. They just have bought into the enticing notion of quick solutions via pills to problems that aren't severe enough to warrant them.
We all get stressed, and depressed sometimes. If one day we get penalized for giving doctors a chance to make things easier - it will be sad.
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