The gratuitous loss of life in the French Alps is the latest in a constellation of catastrophes that impel us to a short-lived, frenetic discussion about mental health – mostly, as it turns out, how dangerous it is when people who work in any capacity with people don’t have it. Until recently, there was very little discussion of psychoactive substances, sometimes known as medication, their side effects, the perils of withdrawal and appropriate lengths of time on these drugs. In fact, it’s still mainstream messaging, even from organizations and nonprofits legitimately trying to help, to “ask your depressed friend if he’s taking his meds” or to “check in with his GP” as if doctors are more and more the new drug reps.   (more…)