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Beyond the Pill: The Hidden Costs of Antidepressant and Anti-Anxiety Overuse
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In a world where mental health issues are increasingly recognized, prescription rates for antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have soared. These drugs, once reserved for severe cases, are now widely prescribed—even for mild symptoms or situational stress. While medications like SSRIs and benzodiazepines have undoubtedly helped millions, a growing chorus of voices is beginning to question whether we’re leaning too heavily on the pharmaceutical solution to emotional suffering.
Are we truly addressing the root causes of depression and anxiety, or are we medicating away symptoms without solving the underlying problems? This article dives deep into the cultural, clinical, and economic factors driving the overprescription of these medications. We’ll also explore the risks, alternatives, and what it really means to heal—beyond the pill.