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First, I want to share this story I heard from the Moth podcast that I subscribe to. It is by Andrew Solomon about depression treatments. It is a funny, interesting story so I hope you all listen to it:

http://odeo.com/episodes/23948047-Andrew-Solomon-Notes-on-an-Exorcism

I thought about this story when we were discussing mind vs. matter in class. I agree with the "Emily Dickinson" approach, that our brains are strictly matter. However, I do not think this view excludes the possibility of a "spirit" or "soul", just an "immaterial" one. Our brains may be made of small particles fashioned into elements and making up cells; some may see this as dehumanizing. However, I see this as the reason for the billions of differences we find among each of our personalities. The way in which different molecules interact with other molecules in certain patterns is what makes us all different. We like somethings and dislike others. We have memories that are triggered by certain occurrences. Our moods change in relation to chemicals but also to interactions with other people and even the weather (like Andrew Solomon describes in his story). I find the prospect of little particles interacting and electrifying us with thoughts, feelings, and actions to be so beautiful!

On another, somewhat related note, I have a close friend who in the past struggled with anorexia and depression and currently struggles with crippling anxiety. To say the least, his mind is very peculiar. After our discussions in class, and after re-listening to Andrew Solomon's story, I started to think about all the treatments my friend has tried like different drugs, psycho-therapy, etc. I find it interesting that certain treatments, whether pertaining to mental health or other health issues, work for certain people. This idea supports loopy science! There is no "fact", no specific way that always works in science. Everyone is different, as explained above, and different treatments will work for different people. Science may help to find patterns among the relation of chemicals that could in turn help to establish certain treatments on a practical level, but what works for one person might have a completely different effect on someone else.