"Unmedicated" by Madisyn Taylor

In an age full of anti-depressants, anti-anxieties, and other medications, Taylor is not the only one left wondering how we as a society got there.  This book starts out with Taylor's story of sickness--both physical and mental / emotional.  She tells of medications and how she decided she wanted to be drug-free once and for all.  What follows is her research of what she's found to work for her, along with practical tips for the average reader to incorporate into their daily lives.  There are four pillars of natural wellness, which include clearing one's mind, nurturing one's spirit, strengthening one's body, and developing friendships.  At first I was not sure if these "pillars" would be too hippy-dippy for me.  However, as I read more and more, I discovered that they really are not that "out there".  For instance, what some may call meditation, I would just call taking time to relax.  What some may call speaking with the universe, I would just call praying.  What some may call moving one's body in harmony with one's energy, I would just call yoga.  While Taylor briefly mentions some time she spent in Catholic school, the spiritual aspect of the book is not swayed heavily in any one particular religion.  Rather, Taylor encourages readers to find their own spirituality in healthy ways.  She encourages them to have objects that make them happy (could be a cross, a gemstone, a postcard with a quote, etc) and make spaces in their home where they can unwind (what she calls an altar, I would call a relaxing space).  Overall, I enjoyed this book.  I think a lot of what is written here is information that most people already know.  However, it is important to take the time to be reminded.  How many readers know they should take time to unwind but don't actually do so?  How many readers know they should exercise but don't actually do so?  After reading this book, I think it makes an excellent reference to go back to and remind oneself how to de-clutter, relax, and catch up with friends.  I should also note that Taylor very clearly states that she is not a medical doctor, encourages readers to work with their doctors, and that there are people who actually need medication to function.  Her purpose is not to have mentally ill people skip their meds.  Her purpose is to help people who need healing get to the root cause of their pain and fix it once and for all instead of just numbing it.  There is a difference between someone with a chemical imbalance who needs medication to function versus someone who is overweight and lonely who is on medication when what they really need to do is just exercise and make friends.