Douglas from The Splintered Mind, of course doesn’t know about the other responses (with a little attitude) that I send to special readers when I’m a bit peeved. I was feeling bad about the following two–like maybe I let anger get the best of me–but then Holly reminded me that is good and healthy to defend yourself, especially when/if that’s difficult to do with family members and friends in your life who say the same kinds of things.
On the combox of my post “My Holistic Approach to Depression”:

The blogger doesn’t “get it”. Just because drugs have helped her, does not mean that they help everyone; nor does it mean that they are without harmful effects for some.
Those of us who promote other choices are not trying to take the Blogger’s precious pills away from her. We’re simply trying to let people know that drugs are not the only option, and for many, they are not the best option.
That doesn’t mean that one should rely on feel-good claptrap. But one should open one’s mind and remember that the drug companies are not public-service, nonprofit organizations. They are here to make money. And with people like the Blogger, they are succeeding nicely.

To which I responded:

Hi Mozena,
I appreciate your argument, but my blog post was about all the different types of therapy I use to treat my depression, among them many natural minerals and vitamins.
Silly me, I do trust western medicine. I think, along with eastern medicine, it’s a real ally. I don’t think the pharmaceutical companies are part of a big conspiracy. I don’t really care if they are. Medicine helps me to love deeper, to think more clearly, and to write this e-mail with as much compassion as I can possible find. Because opinions like yours are truly hurtful in my world. Being polite to people that hurt me like this is the hardest part of my job. Hands down.
Best to you. Therese

And to this loving comment by Wendy on the combox of my post “My Error on Health”:

I’m surprised that you, a journalist with a website, would stoop to the most base speculation of a celebrity’s death. Being in a hurry to go to bed? And to disrespect not only the deceased, but we who read your words. Not to mention, you make yourself just like the other hyenas feeding on fresh carion. I’m sorry, but I will read your contributions with reticence from now on.

I simply responded:

Clarification: I am not a journalist.

Anger or defense? Maybe both. But healthy all the same, I think.