>>The discovery that many mental illnesses are the result of abnormal brain
chemistry, and that many of these can be dramatically helped (though
obviously not permanently *cured*) by medications, is one of the greatest
discoveries of 20th century medicine, IMHO. <<

I  have spent some time pondering the prevalence of depression, the role of
brain chemistry, and life in general.  I know more people on antidepressants
now that I ever have in my life. Why would so many have deficiencies of
chemicals that upset emotional  well-being?

I think it only reasonable to say that 20th century western life is more than
a little hectic, demanding and stressful.  Since entering the field of
lactation and childbirth, I grow more in amazement of our demands upon women
and how very poorly we are all supported in mothering.  We think we have it
so good with multi-room homes, cars, appliances, restaurants............  but
are we so well off? Are we really happier than those living in more primitive
conditions?   It seems reasonable to me that the incredible stress that so
many live under, even unconciously, may well drain our reservoirs faster than
our bodies can replace, thus resulting in an inbalance of the brain
chemistry. Sad commentary of our lives.  We are desperately in need of any
and all tools to combat this................  psychotherapy AND drugs, as
appropriately indicated.

But I am also wondering............... is there any connection to our
historic lack of breastfeeding? After all, human milk optimizes brain
development; what cow has to worry about feeling good or bad or much of
anything at all? I seriously doubt cows have much of an intellectual life, at
least anything close to that of humans.  Does human milk contribute to a
better balanced brain chemistry, or to better development that copes better
with today's stress? I have no idea as to the answer here, but I see such a
strong connection with the rise in cancers, autoimmune illnesses, etc. and
the lack of breastfeeding, that I just have to wonder.  Sure, there are other
environmental and lifestyle factors, but have we been weakening the human
species with less than optimum infant nutrition the past century?

Lisa Marasco