Exploring the Controversies of Antidepressants: A Journey from Illness to Functioning

For individuals living with severe depression, the journey towards a semblance of normalcy can be fraught with challenges. I, a sufferer of such an ailment since childhood, can personally attest to the profound impact that daily medication has had on my life. While I've never truly experienced the 'happiness' I sought for so long, the ability to function and maintain a semblance of dignity has been a defining aspect of my journey.

Depression as an Illness

Depression, an insidious illness that permeates all aspects of one's life, impacts reasoning, functioning, and dignity. This intrinsic struggle is compounded by the societal stigma and the arduous task of demonstrating functionality amidst these challenges. The pursuit of becoming a productive member of society and retaining one's dignity often feels like an uphill battle, with antidepressants serving as a critical tool in this fight.

Antidepressants and Their Effects

Antidepressants, while effective in tricking the brain into thinking one is feeling better, often cause altered states of consciousness. These states can include false confidence, euphoria, mania, or hypomania. It is essential to recognize that these altered states are subjective and can be seen as either positive or negative based on individual experiences.

Are These Altered States "False"?

The notion of altered states being "false" is a nuanced one. Medications do indeed influence our thoughts and feelings, yet these experiences can still be as real as those resulting from external circumstances, such as falling in love, winning the lottery, or spending time with friends. It is crucial to understand that our experiences and environment are interdependent, and altered states brought on by medication are as valid as those occurring naturally.

Are Antidepressants Truly "Antidepressants"?

Depression is a complex mental health condition with no specific physical parameters. As such, it is inaccurate to claim that a particular drug or group of drugs is the functional opposite or 'antidote' to depression. Psychotropic drugs do not 'medically restore' wellbeing; rather, they alter how we think and feel by directly influencing the brain.

The Effectiveness and Impact of Antidepressants

While many individuals find antidepressants to be more harmful than helpful, a significant portion reports only a modest disinhibition and pro-social effect. This influence is independent of whether the drug causes the desired mental or physical alterations. For example, some medications can cause hypomania or a mild alteration in personality and behavior, which can sometimes be perceived as 'better than well.' Such effects are not limited to the limited range of effects commonly associated with antidepressants.

Conclusion

The use of antidepressants is a deeply personal and complex decision, depending on individual circumstances and experiences. While these medications may not facilitate the same profound sense of happiness, they can provide a critical lifeline in the journey towards better functioning and retaining dignity. It is essential to approach this topic with a nuanced understanding, recognizing the subjective nature of altered states and the multifaceted impacts of psychiatric medication.

Keywords: antidepressants, depression, fake happiness