Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, commonly referred to as SSRIs, are antidepressant drugs that are mostly prescribed to individuals who display any form of depression. SSRIs function by raising the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter chemical found in the brain. The chemicals’ main function is to transmit signals in the brain between nerves. Scientists and researchers believe that serotonin has a positive effect on emotions, temperament, and sleep. After transmitting signals that facilitate communication among nerve cells, reabsorption of serotonin usually occurs, a process known as reuptake. As SSRIs inhibit reabsorption, this ensures that serotonin levels remain high (Lochmann and Richardson, 2018). The SSRI drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help treat depression include Escitalopram (Lexapro), Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Citalopram (Celexa), and Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva).
Jean Twenge is a sociologist, researcher and also the author of the book Generation Me: Why Today’s Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled—and More Miserable Than Ever Before. She once told New York magazine that through her research, she was able to conclude that, “modern life is not good for mental health.” (Edelstein, 2017). Over the years, there has been a deterioration in individuals’ mental health. The factors responsible are far too many, but living in a world that views asking for assistance as a sign of failure is stressful. As a result, antidepressant medications are overprescribed in today’s society.
Treatment options for depression may occur in a variety of forms, many of which do not require the use of medical prescriptions to have significant outcomes. Instead of depending on pharmaceutical medicines, naturally occurring antidepressant alternatives may be a much better option (Murphy, 2022). If not completely cured, depression could be considerably alleviated by addressing root causes and making other lifestyle adjustments that promote innate mental health and wellbeing. Alternatives to antidepressants include getting adequate sleep, avoiding toxic environments and people, mild exercise, light therapy, counseling, improving one’s diet, and physical therapies like walking and yoga.
References
Edelstein, J. H., (2017) “Young People Are Growing Ever More Depressed. Is Modern Life To Blame?”. The Guardian, 2017.
Lochmann, D., & Richardson, T. (2018). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In Antidepressants (pp. 135-144). Springer, Cham.
Murphy, Lyle. “Antidepressant Alternatives”. Alternative To Meds, 2022.