Hmmm -- interesting thread. Craig, I can't say that I agree with all of your insights, but I do agree that we have power over our own thoughts. And if these methods work for you, that is great.

I find most self help books, etc to be narcissistic and too self involved. Or to put it another way -- annoying! I would much rather escape into a good novel.

Personally, I also would not feel as if I am a productive citizen if I simply chose to put my head in the sand and not keep up with what is going on in the world. I don't obsess obsess over the news (too often), but it is important to be informed. While as individuals it may seem impossible at times to affect change, there are things we can do -- vote, contact our policy makers, volunteer if possible, etc. And collectively, I like to believe that we can still make a difference. Call me naive but thinking this way works for me.

I have not found AD's to work for me. I could not handle the side effects and I decided that I have the right to get depressed from time to time. But I would like to second Polar's comment that it is not a good idea for everyone to simply stop using AD's.