Thats a valid point i think, most addicts are seeking releif from something.
But with regard to depression, as has been mentioned, no one seems to know much about it at all, but a worthwhile exercise in any instance is to attempt to isolate any causal factors.
In some instances, they can be dealt with, with some net benifit.
If you dont know exactly, then thats problematic.
At the very least, opiates (the top notch gear rearden has access to) are a known quantity, its astonishing the potential side effects of some of the legitimate pharmaceauticals, chemical cocktails of indiscriminate, poorly targeted effect.
Severe manic phase depression is serious, and i think does require serious drugs-waiting a few weeks for the prescription to "kick in", and rebalance the chemistry is bullshit, it has to be hit right where it hurts, now, not in a week or three's time if at all, on the basis of what some doctor "thinks".
I gather Rearden bases his use of said product to maintain an even keel, and if thats all that works then so be it.
I realise "eat well and exercise" is redundant for the most part, people dont describe depression as "crippling" for no reason.
There is something you obviously havent tried though, and it has to be said your "cure" is far preferable.
