A response to Benedict Carey and Robert Gebeloff’s New York Times article
In their article, Carey and Gebeloff point to the role of antidepressants as something that was supposed to be a temporary solution for a temporary problem. This rules out the idea that genetics come into play in determining mental illness. This also rules out the idea that things like stress and trauma don’t have long-term effects on a person’s ability to cope with life. Harvard Health claims that, “[m]any researchers believe that early trauma causes subtle changes in brain function that account for depression and anxiety.” What we’re learning about antidepressants, and depression itself, is that for many people, mental illness is not a temporary issue. Mental illness — depression, anxiety — is something that can come down to biology.
What the article suggests is that, like with opioids, patients on antidepressants can’t get off of them. If they try, they suffer through terrible withdrawal symptoms. For some people, this is true. Weaning off of Paxil wasn’t a pleasant experience. For those years that Paxil was working for me, however, the withdrawal experience was worth it. Not only did I not have to up my prescription dosage, but I also was able to find something that worked better for me at helping to manage my anxiety and depression. Can I live without my antidepressants? Sure. But what quality of life would I have? What quality of life would others have, who rely on antidepressants and other psychiatric medications to help balance their emotions?
To frame those on antidepressants as being addicts, unable to wean off of their drug of choice, furthers the stigma against those with mental illness and those who choose to take medication. In demonizing these people, we’re further alienating them. Beyond alienation, we’re ignoring the disgusting way society looks at those who need help. The idea that anyone can just roll out of bed and keep going, no matter what, stems from this American idea that anyone can pick themselves up by their bootstraps. But this doesn’t take into account genetics, biology, and life experience. This outlook offers no compassion to those who need it.