If you want to talk about Ben Cousins, post it here (mega merged thread)

[Guzzitza]

I take it that you have never been struck down with depression. If so, I hope you never do. It's not a matter of feeling sad or blue ,we all go through this, depression is a mind numbing sadness that can strike without any logical reasoning.

The reason it's more prevalent these days is that we recognise it now as a real illness. Sufferers no longer need to suffer in silence as they have done in the past, especially men.

I have been treated for depression so I do know what I am talking about.

I respect your personal experiences with depression, however it should be said that although the increase in mental disorders is partly due to increased awareness, there is a large portion of that increased which can be attributed to misdiagnosis as a result of people "identifying" symptoms that they have and approaching their GP - who gladly hands out said prescription. So in part the earlier post is correct, a certain proportion of these cases are what i would call - hypochondria.

I should also note, this is particularly the case with ADD. It's misdiagnosis is ridiculously high, and a real problem in the medical community.

Guzz

[goswannie14]

I respect your personal experiences with depression, however it should be said that although the increase in mental disorders is partly due to increased awareness, there is a large portion of that increased which can be attributed to misdiagnosis as a result of people "identifying" symptoms that they have and approaching their GP - who gladly hands out said prescription. So in part the earlier post is correct, a certain proportion of these cases are what i would call - hypochondria.

Guzz

You forgot to add that people often diagnose themselves from what they have read about it on the internet.

[Guzzitza]

Well I was suggesting self misdiagnosis in general, from all forms of media (including the net), and from friends, relatives, - which then spurs someone to see their GP. They end up regurgitating symptoms they feel they have. Granted, I dont think this is intentional. Once you hear symptoms, and you feel you are suffering, its very difficult to be objective.

[stellation]

Well I don't know him personally, I'm not a doctor (despite what I tell the laaaaaaaadies) and all I know of it is what has been reported in the media; I feel comfortable that I can make a diagnosis in this case.

[Big Al]

Well I was suggesting self misdiagnosis in general, from all forms of media (including the net), and from friends, relatives, - which then spurs someone to see their GP. They end up regurgitating symptoms they feel they have. Granted, I dont think this is intentional. Once you hear symptoms, and you feel you are suffering, its very difficult to be objective.

It's a fair point. This is the reason there is a stigma around mental illness. People see the increase in the diagnosis of illnesses like ADD and they tend to be sceptical.

[Mr_Juicy]

What traffic offense was he charged with?

The old "driving erratically" charge is the one they always use when they don't have due cause.

I reiterate... HE WAS DRIVING ERRATICALLY AND THAT'S WHY THEY PICKED HIM UP. (i don't use capitals often but I needed to get my point across)
As for the charge bit, it's not the charge of "driving erratically" (there is no such charge, it is merely a reason to stop a vehicle). there was no charge of that. the charge that was dropped that I referred to, albeit vaguely, was the charge of refusing to cooperate with the police and provide a drug test. This REAL charge was dropped because the wrong police officer did the processing.

Now I'm as confused as you are.

P.S. How do I know this? My wife's sister is a wa police officer and she explained it to me.

[AnnieH]

It's a fair point. This is the reason there is a stigma around mental illness. People see the increase in the diagnosis of illnesses like ADD and they tend to be sceptical.

ADD shouldn't be confused with a mental issue ... it's a behaviourial issue.

Telling a mother her child has ADD and giving her a prescription is probably a whole lot easier for a doctor than telling the mother she is bringing up a spoilt brat who eats too much sugar.

[TheGrimReaper]

Cousins doesn't have ADD, he's just an arrogant little smartarse that's gets away with everything in WA because the judges and police support the Eagles.

[Guzzitza]

ADD shouldn't be confused with a mental issue ... it's a behaviourial issue.

Telling a mother her child has ADD and giving her a prescription is probably a whole lot easier for a doctor than telling the mother she is bringing up a spoilt brat who eats too much sugar.

Sorry Annie, but you are incorrect. Your behaviour is determined by your mental state. ADD is a mental state issue, its symptoms are behavioural.

[goswannie14]

Sorry Annie, but you are incorrect. Your behaviour is determined by your mental state. ADD is a mental state issue, its symptoms are behavioural.

I think Annie may have been suggesting also that ADD is over diagnosed. As she said it is easier to give a script to some parents, rather than tell them their kid is a brat who probably just needs a little bit of discipline (and/or a little less sugar).

[AnnieH]

I think Annie may have been suggesting also that ADD is over diagnosed. As she said it is easier to give a script to some parents, rather than tell them their kid is a brat who probably just needs a little bit of discipline (and/or a little less sugar).

You know me so well!!
Exactly what I meant - I forget that sarcasm can't be "read".

[reigning premier]

I think Annie may have been suggesting also that ADD is over diagnosed. As she said it is easier to give a script to some parents, rather than tell them their kid is a brat who probably just needs a little bit of discipline (and/or a little less sugar).

I'd agree with that... Nothing wrong with a bit of the old "hand of understanding" across a kid's arse as they misbehaving....

[reigning premier]

I reiterate... HE WAS DRIVING ERRATICALLY AND THAT'S WHY THEY PICKED HIM UP. (i don't use capitals often but I needed to get my point across)
As for the charge bit, it's not the charge of "driving erratically" (there is no such charge, it is merely a reason to stop a vehicle). there was no charge of that. the charge that was dropped that I referred to, albeit vaguely, was the charge of refusing to cooperate with the police and provide a drug test. This REAL charge was dropped because the wrong police officer did the processing.

Now I'm as confused as you are.

P.S. How do I know this? My wife's sister is a wa police officer and she explained it to me.

Pfft... He was pulled over because he was being targeted. Either because of who he was, or where he had been. I think that's been fairly well documented. It was a synchronised event which he got caught up in. How and why is open to debate.....

As for HE WAS DRIVING ERRATICALLY.... I'm assuming there was a reason why you weren't called as a witness to the event???

Not doubting his refusal to take the teste either.... It's well documented. He of course has got off that due to the stupidity/naivety of the police....

[Mr_Juicy]

Pfft... He was pulled over because he was being targeted. Either because of who he was, or where he had been. I think that's been fairly well documented. It was a synchronised event which he got caught up in. How and why is open to debate.....

As for HE WAS DRIVING ERRATICALLY.... I'm assuming there was a reason why you weren't called as a witness to the event???

Not doubting his refusal to take the teste either.... It's well documented. He of course has got off that due to the stupidity/naivety of the police....

whatever. now @@@@ off. you don't believe me. I don't care. Keep living in your fairytale mate.

[reigning premier]

whatever. now @@@@ off. you don't believe me. I don't care. Keep living in your fairytale mate.

Think calm blues oceans... calm blue oceans... calm blue oceans...