Too many people take too many pills

I hate these articles. While yes, this is true, it's also true that _many_ people have severe, untreated illness that they're just "toughing it out." My friend with BPD ruined his life because he's "stronger than the disorder, I don't need to take my meds"

Spent millions foolishly, genius engineer - horrible story. Easily fixed.

Who exactly is responsible for the patient’s wellbeing long term? The old idea of doctors and pharmacists should be putting themselves out of a job doesn’t seem to be reflected in many healthcare systems. It is also not morally responsible for patients who may not be self reliant to do so for a number of reasons(I.e. not in right health or mind).

On the reverse, how many doctors or pharmacists actually recommend lifestyle and supplementation changes before resorting to a prescription through observation? My experience has been quite disappointing and I lose faith every time I get a checkup.

For what it is worth, I’m not on any prescriptions and actively refuse recommended prescriptions when only seen for 30 minutes every half year. It always feels like an up sell when all you want is to be sent on your way with an acknowledgment that you’re healthy.

Yes I take too many pills for my liking but I don't do that for the pleasure of swallowing pills, I do that to not end at the hospital

People want pills or miracle diets. People don't want lifestyle changes. They're busy, stressed, strapped for cash, and anyway they like the standard American diet. Collectively, we could shape our environment so healthy decisions are easier and unhealthy choices are harder, but we can't even agree to tax sugar. So we won't make policy changes anytime soon, and individually many of us will fail to make healthier choices. What more is there to say?

There is a fine and very important distinction to be made here.

If you have a health problem, you should do your best to get exercise, eat healthy, etc. However, that doesn't mean medicines are wasteful or pointless. People often greatly benefit from them.

I've struggled with ADHD, depression, and anxiety my whole life. And indeed, yes, the best treatment I've found is diet, weight training, and long-duration cardio. Which I do.

But people who are "in the hole" need medicines to dig them out. And also, people with kids/multiple jobs don't have as much time as I do. And these habits take years to finally stick. And I still need ADHD medication.

And the best treatment for things like this is to try every treatment you can together, but don't overwhelm yourself in the process (and it takes wisdom to not overwhelm yourself).

People on Twitter opine about this kind of stuff piss me off. They think their vague notions about what is right for society--that they have no experience with--should take precedence over my decades of (informal) research and lived experience. It's okay to have opinions and discuss things, but don't try to bully the people who actually know what they're talking about.