Behavioral therapy, counselling, biofeedback, meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga, good diets, supplements, exercise and a lot of forgiveness help most people overcome depression. Pharmaceuticals only treat the symptoms of underlying problems. Americas lead the world in prescription for antidepressants. Statistics show that less than half of patients find them helpful. They are not likely to stop taking them, no matter the consequences. This is understandable; depression is a terrible disease. Still, it is always prudent to consider the side effect of these drugs. Each person must decide whether the risks re worth the potential benefits.
Reference
Physicians increasingly concerned about long-term effects of antidepressants
The Wall Street Journal (8/28, Petersen, Subscription Publication) reports physicians are increasingly concerned that patients taking antidepressants may be subjecting themselves to unnecessary side effects and risks over the long term. Research indicated that people taking such medications were at a 14% higher risk of strokes and heart attacks, and a 33% higher risk of death.
meta-analysis of 17 studies that was published in 2017 in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
