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Depression is a leading cause of suicide in America, and antidepressants can go a long way in ensuring these cases decline. Jordan Peterson shares his views on antidepressants and why he thinks they are necessary.
Dr. Jordan Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist, YouTube personality, author, and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. He began to receive widespread attention as a public intellectual in the late 2010s for his views on cultural and political issues.
“Don’t underestimate the utility of medical interventions. Depression is a catastrophe. It carries with it a very high suicide rate.”
For years, there have been debates about the effectiveness of antidepressants in treating depression. Stigma is a substantial contributing factor to the negative PR antidepressants have. Most people living with depression find it hard to start on the medication because of the fear of stigma and never being able to come off the medication.
“You’re a biological entity. If there’s something out there that can help you strengthen yourself so that you can prevail, great!”
Together with psychotherapy, antidepressants are prescribed as part of the treatment for depression. Statistics show that 4 out of 10 people succeed with the first try. If the first option does not work, patients often get success with their second or third try.
However, many people who can benefit from this drug never take it. This is out of fear of the drug.
“And you know, people… you hear, ‘everyone takes antidepressants, you know, everyone’s taking them.’ It’s like, no one takes those bloody things without serious consideration. Half the time I spend with my clients when they’re depressed is often a 2 years long attempt to try to get them to tentatively try an antidepressant. Because they’re so guilty that they’re relying on an external crutch to sort out their lives, that they can’t even tolerate it.”
If you are a person living with depression, antidepressants can go a long way in helping you live a better life. Antidepressants will not make you forget your problems, but they will balance out the chemicals in your brain to make it easier for you to handle your life issues.
“But some antidepressants, especially for people whose lives are together and who are depressed, antidepressants can be absolutely miraculous.”
With proper diagnosis and incorporating behavioral interventions, antidepressants are a miracle drug that can make life more bearable and worthwhile.
“And so… so… medical interventions, anything! If you’re sick, you do what’s necessary to get better. And you leave your pride behind if you have to.”
MensGroup is an online men-only support group offering peer therapy to men with depression. Alongside proper medical intervention, being part of a community can go a long way in helping you deal better with your diagnosis.
