The best cure for anxiety and chronic depression is not SSRI or SNRI antidepressant drugs
The best antidepressant drug (AD) type is SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). However, more evidence shows it does not provide a lasting remedy to treat the root cause of depression. There are also withdrawal issues and progressive resistance to (selective) antidepressants.
Abusing dopamine
Author Dr. Anna Lembke explains people are prone to exploiting anything that releases dopamine. It could be anything from social media to drug medications. However, “we should stop running away from the pain in our lives and instead seek it out,” she said in her book ‘Dopamine Nation.’
The act of taking drugs makes you feel better
Antidepressant drugs may not be necessary to overcome depression. But taking medicine makes a person “feel better,” a placebo effect that may have serious side effects in the long run. In short, it’s psychosomatic with little efficacy but with greater risk.
On the other hand, psychiatrists, PHP, IOP programs, or Christian counselors helps, but true healing begins with believing in God and following the Biblical process of renewal:
Why SSRI may not work for you
- Antidepressant drugs don’t help with common depression but can mask chronic anxiety. [NCBI]
- Therapeutic strategies that are found to be effective in the short term are not necessarily the most suitable for long-term treatment. [Fava, 2020]
- Certain medications may potentially worsen long-term outcomes of mood and anxiety disorders in (fraction of them) individual cases. [Fava, 2020]
How drugs help: SSRI prevents the reabsorption of serotonin in neurons (happy hormone), making it more available to counter stress hormones. Other sources, such as FGF2 in the food supplements like Laminine, claim to help regulate stress hormones.
Antidepressant don’t help with common depression but can mask chronic anxiety.
SSRIs, antidepressant meds, side effects
Two recent reviews show dry mouth, profuse sweating, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and sleep disturbance (multiple long-wake periods) are adverse effects of long-term SSRI use. Also increased risks of osteoporosis and fracture, bleeding disorders, hyponatremia, and diabetes mellitus. [NCBI]
- New research shows SSRI antidepressant meds can activate the rewiring of the brain (neuroplasticity). Doing so may have physiological effects that may place someone at long-term health risk—but still not provide a cure. [Penn; Tracy 2012; ADAA]
- Serotonin is associated with several body functions, and messing with its reuptake can affect homeostasis. Perhaps, the reason studies show it can increase the risk of heart attack and even death. [Journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics]
- Depending on dosage and tolerance, the most common side effects include feeling agitated or anxious, shaky or palpitations, etc. [NHS]
The best anti-depression motivation and eventual cure is found in our relationship with God
A study published in 2014 shows that “greater spirituality” improves depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and cognitive distortions. Patients were clinically treated for depression with one of three SSRIs (Escitalopram, Sertraline, Paroxetine).
The result shows that those who believed in God (Believers) had a better mean change score than those who did not (Unbelievers).
Psychotherapy or talk therapy
Studies show SSRI works best when combined with therapy, but available research shows psychotherapy or “talk therapy” is more effective than medications. [APA Div. 12 Society of Clinical Psychology]
Seek repentance, “A change of mind”
Medicines save lives. It is not a sin to take prescription drugs. However, when it comes to anxiety or depression, the Bible tells us that having the “mind of Christ” frees us from them.
A BIBLICAL ALTERNATIVE TO PHP or IOP FOR TEENAGERS.
