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Summary of Transcript:
Dr. Daniel Amen discusses the use of antidepressants and the increase in depression and suicide rates despite their usefulness. He believes that depression is a symptom with many causes and sees the pharmaceutical industry as more interested in reorders than cures. He suggests that people turn off the news and avoid negativity, which can impact their mental health. Dr. Amen also emphasizes the importance of checking for biological information on the organ that causes depression which is one’s brain. He suggests that serotonin drugs work for only about 20% of patients and offer alternatives. He emphasizes the importance of keeping one’s brain healthy and preventing the eleven major risk factors that can lead to depression.
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Summary of Description:
The coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted mental health, with 45% of Americans reporting the pandemic affecting their mental health. This has increased the use of antidepressant medications, with new prescriptions filled during the pandemic jumping by nearly 19%. However, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have potentially dangerous side effects, including suicidal thoughts, and alternatives should be considered. Amen Clinics offers brain imaging science to help people with emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and learning issues, and calls from people experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts have increased during the pandemic.
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Exploring Alternatives to Antidepressants Amidst the Pandemic
45% of Americans have reported experiencing mental health concerns due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The fear, anxiety, and isolation that have come with the pandemic have resulted in the increased use of antidepressants to alleviate symptoms. However, it’s essential to understand the potential side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and consider alternative treatments for mental health issues.
Understanding SSRIs
SSRIs are one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. These drugs work by preventing the absorption of serotonin, a chemical that impacts mood, in the brain. While SSRIs can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, they can also come with a laundry list of side effects, such as insomnia, sexual dysfunction, headaches, and nausea. Suppose you’re someone who has a history of suicidal thoughts. In that case, SSRIs can be especially dangerous, as they carry black box warnings, indicating the drug poses severe potential side effects such as suicidal thoughts.
Alternatives to Antidepressants
It’s essential to know that alternative treatments are available to help combat mental health issues. Natural alternatives can be palatable and have fewer side effects than prescription drugs. A recent report showed that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be as effective as medication in treating depression – this means that therapy may be worth exploring. Exercise also tops the list of alternatives for treating and improving mood because it releases endorphins, which enhance mood and promote relaxation. Mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation, can help ease depression and anxiety by allowing participants to observe and acknowledge their thoughts and feelings without reacting negatively.
Amen Clinics: A Place of Hope
Amen Clinics are one of the world’s leaders in applying brain imaging to help people with emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and learning issues. Given the increase in mental health concerns during these trying times, Amen Clinics have noted increased calls from people experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-888-288-9834 for assistance.
Conclusion
While the pandemic has brought its share of struggles, it’s essential not to succumb to the stress and anxiety caused by it. There are alternative treatments to antidepressants and other prescription drugs that can help improve your mood and alleviate symptoms. Mindfulness exercises, exercise, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help improve mental health and well-being, so exploring these holistic practices before taking prescription medication is worth exploring.
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Source Description
At Amen Clinics—one of the world leaders in applying brain imaging science to help people with emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and learning issues—calls from people experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts are way up.
According to a new poll, 45% of Americans say the coronavirus pandemic impacts their mental health. This is evidenced by the increased use of antidepressant medications during the lockdown. According to a recent report, the number of new prescriptions for antidepressants during the pandemic jumped by nearly 19%. This isn’t surprising, considering the pandemic is ramping up stress, worry, and isolation. All of this can trigger your vulnerabilities. But before you call your doctor and ask for antidepressants, you must know about these drugs.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They come with a laundry list of side effects, including sexual dysfunction, insomnia, headaches, and nausea. They also carry a black box warning, posing the most severe and dangerous potential side effects, such as suicidal thoughts. In addition, once you start taking SSRIs, stopping can be challenging.
The good news is there are alternatives to antidepressants.
Read more: https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/11-alternatives-to-antidepressant-medications/
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