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What do you think why American are on... - Anxiety and Depre...
What do you think why American are on antidepressants more than other countries?
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63 Replies
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I feel like Americans are on more antidepressants because of what’s going on in the world COVID deaths of family members suicide rating is high too
• in reply toHb2003
That is true. However, this is statistic in 2016 and it is known the use of antidepressants is rising in America so what’s the cause in general?
Yeah cause we are one of if not the most stressed. I'm not surprised at all, and I came across this statistic some time before or a similar one. Just taking one variable: trying to achieve or maintain your standard of living is a stressful one. 40 hours 5 days a week is often not enough and a second or third job may be necessary. We don't get holiday like they do in Europe, within which a bunch of countries do and fall lower on the list. I am surprised by Iceland; I would think they would be lower on the list.
• in reply toKainan
That’s very true, we work very hard and OT all the time. All work no play. Our standard of living is a result of capitalism where credits can get you things and paying it off is another. Therefore we keep working. There’s not enough vacation time as our standard approximately 12 days a year. Plus our retirement age is 65 when other countries are much less, some are 55 so we keep working till 65 and more. Some other countries, they allow employees to take naps in between for productivity. I’m surprised too as Iceland came right before us. Maybe isolation can play a big factor? Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🤗🙏
Kainan• in reply to
That’s true regarding naps. And they take a lot of time at lunch or afternoon to chat and hang out I believe
The internet. Social media, cyberstalking, cyberhacking (everything from bank accounts, to government secrets), cyberbullying, scams, identity theft (mines been stolen), etc..
I grew up when we had analog phones and black and white 3 channel TVs. I miss those times actually.
• in reply to
That is true we went overboard with technologies and here we are paying the price. I don’t have any social media except YouTube, Tiktok and this site only. Going back to simpler time could be the answer to limit all the chaos. We can’t control the outside noises but we can pick n choose how we manage our lives at our best. Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🤗🙏
• in reply to
I don't do social media either, but billions do sadly. 🤗
• in reply to
That’s great, one less thing to worry about 😂😂. Those who do, hence the statistics 😅
I feel that America has become a nation that wants instant gratification in life.
The more "toys" we have, the more we want. Self satisfaction is never reached
and so we look for it in a pill.
• in reply toAgora1
Yes Agora1. We want quick fix but never actually try to find the cause n work through issues. I.e unrealistic images with a poor diet plan. Comparing and keeping up with the Jones is the mentality and it’s a long term suffering. Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🤗🙏
There are more Americans on anti depressants than any other country in the world because there are more Americans in the world than any other country.
I think you do not allow yourself as much recreation time, as many day's holiday, to refresh the mind and body.
There are people in the U.S., they often appear here, who cannot afford medical care. Why does not the richest and most powerful country in the world make healthcare free for all its citizens at the point of need? Maybe not my place to say but I've been thinking it a long time. There I've gone and said it now☺.
They have given free healthcare in Canada 😊
• in reply toJeff1943
It is true America is number 3 in population right after China and India. We are known for all work and no play for sure. We do have medical plan to offer for those with low and none income. Those are right above the poverty line are mostly working class have to pay out of pocket for healthcare. Budgets are not distributed accordingly to the needs of people. Thank you for your thoughts. 🤗🙏
• in reply toJeff1943
Didn't Obama bring it in, but Trump repealed it. American's weren't happy to pay more taxes to make this possible, so condemning their poorer citizens to ill health, around 35 million people who cannot afford medical insurance. I also saw an documentary showing a senator travelling with a group of Americans to Canada to buy a months supply of insulin and other drugs that cost $40, if I remember rightly, that would have cost over a $1000 in the states. It's all about the money.
In order to live the American dream of riches and success, bosses of companies perpetuates the poverty of the ordinary worker in minimum pay. Hence 2or 3 jobs.
Living to work, not working to live!
In England, our health care isn't free as people believe. It's paid for through our taxes. No brit would begrudge a rise in our taxes if it meant a better NHS. No brit would stand for the privatisation of the NHS. At this moment we are proud of our doctors, nurses and all front line and key workers and appreciate their hard work in this pandemic.
Jeff1943• in reply to
Well said, Jeremiah, well said indeed. The National Health Service was established in 1948, I cannot conceive of living in a country where all healthcare is not free of charge at the point of need.
It's enemies, the great vested interests of pharma and medical care, call the British system "communist medicine". Great will be the wrath of the people of other nations when they realise what they have been denied.
In a ted talk I watched on depression he said the other countries do not use medicine like we do they use actually things to get the person better vs having them depend on meds. The story he shared was a guy was working in an old minefield and he had his leg blown off instead of giving home meds when he became depressed they gave him a cow because he was just depressed b/c with no job he felt worthless and so in giving him a cow they helped him find his worth again. so it is not that we are more depressed just we are more dependent on meds. Also think about it some of the third world countries have it worse than us we just are more dependent on things than ourselves and people.
• in reply toteen_anxiety
Love your answer, love ted talk, so refreshing thoughts you have❤️. Often time, depression comes from lost of passion, drives in life and by giving tools can change his life all around. Great point on third world countries perspective, American can lean on the entitlement mentality. Thank you for your thoughts 🤗🙏
Wow! I haven’t watched that ted talk. Thanks for sharing! 🐮💕
I saw this Ted talk and it was so interesting how this was such a simple solution instead of meds. In theUSA, psychiatrists just want to give you meds. There is no magic pill to cure depression. But, finding a good therapist could be a life saver.
and that is the blessing of this site its helps without meds.🙂
Oh yes definitely ❤️☺️
Because this an instant gratification country where pharma companies control way more than they should!
• in reply todmt1121
Definitely we American always seek for instant gratification, a quick fix to a long term issues. Pharmaceutical companies control many aspects in our health. Things have been regulated now but for a while, they showered doctors with lavish vacation trips to them and their family and in return, just keep writing those prescriptions to these patients. It’s heart breaking. Thank you for your thoughts 🤗🙏
In my mind it's mainly because of their Isolated life, ppl like to live alone and they don't socialise well or they don't encourage for frequent get-together with families. Of Course social media, mobiles are already a big threat around the world, it's is not the only reason. when i was in USA in 2014 I hardly saw people taking casual walks with group of friends / family members on the streets. Party culture is another thing. Americans always look for quick solutions by taking antidepressants but there are other natural ways too. Life style, work culture in US is way better than many asian / developing countries where ppl work 13-16 hrs daily with no summer breaks, so i don't think it could be a reason as well.
• in reply toMindtree
Family values and socializing definitely play important roles in our mental health. Social media interfere with our peace of mind. Cultural factors, quick fix, instant gratification sure influence on our well being. Thank you for your thoughts 🤗🙏
That's interesting. I just downloaded a graph from 2017 covering England Scotland & Jersey ( channel islands). I can't transfer the image here, but the graph shows over 150 AD users for England & nearly 200 per 1000 people in Jersey. It will be more now - at least in Jersey. Maybe prescriptions have gone down in the UK?
We cover our trauma with medication.
• in reply toRafiki11
Ah yes the chemical cosh.
• in reply toRafiki11
Sadly we American always seek for quick solution in medication. Thank you for your thoughts 🤗🙏
Rafiki11• in reply to
We’ve decided to diagnose and medicate kids to protect the parents from feeling bad. So ADHD or ODD etc not Developmental Trauma Disorder. (Yes, ADHD and ODD are real things that can manifest without trauma. But they are over diagnosed.)
• in reply toRafiki11
It’s always been controversial for years with kids and ADHD, ODD. They are minors so it comes down to parents’ choice.
Good question....Apart from sociological factors, stress, and having a bad leader you need to include those other accomplices, diet, lack of exercise, alcohol, poverty.
Fast food strips away the very vitamins and minerals required to maintain essential levels of brain chemistry.Antidepressants are really a quick fix to boost that chemistry that effects mood...serotonin, dopamine.
But its a fine balance that can only be fixed long term by correcting diet and exercise.
After being on Antidepressant for two years and still unable to motivate and regain any sense of happiness i made a decision to get well by any means possible.
I started by having a daily walking routine...at first this was a stepping stool because i had no confidence going outside.And i addressed my diet.
I was a junk food carbohydrate muncher, which i believe are most Americans.
Finally i increased my vitamin and mineral intake, and stopped medication.
It can be done...at the age of 66 now and i still walk that walk and take essential food and supplements.I am not on medication, i am quite upbeat, the sadness i feel is due to the pandemic, watching the devastation unfold throughout the world.Trying to remain positive is easier if you look after your health and keep in touch with friends and family.Best wishes from the UK.
• in reply to
We American do work very hard and result in lack of time to take care what’s inside. TV dinner, microwave food, quick and low cost fast food is just right around the corner; hence, we pay the price with our health through poor diet. Not only antidepressants, lets pick something such as high cholesterol, you’ll be on Lipitor to control your cholesterol level but a change in life style, diet will play a major factor to maintain your health. I’m glad to hear you recovered and consistently on a solid plan to maintain your good health. A positive mindset is always a plus. Best wishes from USA. Thank you for your thoughts 🤗🙏
Lack of affordable housing and if your working poor you cannot afford healthc or if you have it you cannot afford to use it cuz of out of pocket expenses and if mental health is an issue you cannot miss much work or may lose your job. Things can get pushed back and resurface later and theres no time energy or money or desire to deal with it. Some become workaholics others drink or fall into addictions while others may go to jail or become mentally ill or traumatized and homeless or build a protective bubble that won't last and go deeper into depression become isolated or go back and forth between hospitals or get better and become homeless and get worse again. Some suffer quietly and work or go to school and still on meds and that may continue yet the truth is each of us is affected by what happens in our life and our reactions to it and how others react or ignore or how the system omits or puts a spin on things. The U.S. has more individuals incarcerated than any other country and recidivism is high. Why? What happens when a individual cannot get a 2nd chance or falls through the cracks. What about the elderly poor or disabled? Some disabilities are not easy to see and theres still stigma present so understandably individuals may be reluctant to talk. What about advocates who speak and try to navigate their way through politics the legal system and law enforcement and can become so mired in all of it and drowned out by other voices. Some individuals just give up or go on meds or give in to the injustice or insanity of it all. I spoke with a man who finally made enough progress in his life and was feeling good and was off ss. He became homeless because he got a job and couldn't do it and with nothing kept trying and became sick and injured went off his meds eventually because he was exhausted and gave up and the infection in his foot got worse too until he ended up in a nursing home. A life crushed. Thousands of dollars every month for care. What will happen to him when or if he ever gets better?? What about millions who are in poverty. Life can be exhausting. Theres so much gray. What belief system or frame of reference is even valid. "Take everything you think you know and forget it and start over." Wise words that I heard from someone I love and respect. The more I think I know the more I realize theres much I don't know. I've walked a mile in others shoes seeing through their eyes having empathy and learning hard truths theres no easy answers yet perhaps there should be some comfort in that things are changing a little. Or maybe I just want to believe that. (Watch Neverending Story and you'll get the symbolism and metaphors)
• in reply toGentlespirit
I love how passionate and heartfelt you are on your thoughts on this topic. Love your approach of emptying all the belief system and old frame of reference and get yourself a new perspective results new actions. We can’t expect different results by doing the same thing. Always with love, compassion and understanding, we can see where others suffering coming from. I’ll look forward to watching Never ending story. Thank you for your thoughts🤗🙏
• in reply toGentlespirit
Excellent answer!
I choose to look at positive side too though and that is that life can be very overwhelming and I think that most people and countries could share with what is working and not working. There is a reason why nations rise and nations fall. I feel strongly about providing housing for everyone though and in this country healthcare for all. Where there is respect dignity true equality and justice for all along with basics there will be a strong country because strength comes from within.. I am not a robot or a politician I'd just like to see some fairness and can't we just help each other along the way because we all basically want the same thing a decent life and future for our famy and our grandkids. If we didn't care we wouldn't fight so hard for the future and more of us would give up. I end this with a heartfelt wish for peace and in mind body and spirit health too.
• in reply toGentlespirit
If the government takes care of their people, the people will take care of the government. We all yearn for equality, justice and an adequate healthcare and housing system for all of us. Having positive mindset would help get us through tough time. Best wishes xxx
Great observation, everything goes back to history. We are conditioned to by pharmaceutical companies. If you look at TV commercials, we are fed with brand names of antidepressants. Ambien, Lunesta, Prozac... the list goes on with the suggestion take them and they will be your answers to your suffering. Thank you for your thoughts🤗🙏
It’s true. That’s the reality we currently are facing in America. If only each of us can raise our awareness individually, things can always change, not instantly but generations to come.
Thank you for your feedback . I wasn't sure if I should be so forthright and I want to be honest and find my voice again because i care and sometimes when I'm not able to speak I pray that I can continue on and not give up.
• in reply toGentlespirit
I appreciate your honesty and deep thoughts on this. Since we are in anxiety and depression room, I made this post so all of us can raise our awareness. It is an accumulation of all opinions from here and other parts of the world. We need to break the cycle starting from us by realizing all factors contributing to our mental health. Sending you much love n lights 🌈🙏xxx
As a Nation, we have lost our first Love. Also, we look for the easiest ways to get what we want. We want a fast-food lane for those things that we desire. We no longer follow our Nations motto "In God we trust"😭
• in reply toutep99
Definitely we need to better ourselves through awareness. Thank you for your thoughts 🤗🙏
Very informative knowledge. We all learn something new everyday. We American do have a lot of work to do. Have a great evening 🌈🙏
This might sound silly but my roommate made a good point. This is just people actually on antidepressants not necessarily depressed people or people that believe they are depressed or those who just ignore the signs. I personally choose to think this shows we have more chances and ways to get help as well as more people willing to ask for the help they feel they need. I might not be right but I choose to see the positive in the numbers.
I truly agree ☺️
Marketing. I don’t believe you see as much advertising in other countries. There is a culture of going into the doctor and asking for a particular medicine instead of discussing symptoms and solutions. Doctors prescribe it for a variety of reasons one being time. After doing all the insurance paperwork they don’t have time to properly diagnose someone. This is not new. Prozac was the first big drug. Americans tend to go straight to pills. Long before Prozac there was benzos aka mother’s little helper— big with moms in the suburbs. One therapist told me he pops Tylenol with every minor pain. This is us.
Because our government positions are splattered with back door deal politicians owned by pharmaceutical companies. Not to mention our tech usage and subliminal advertising making us feel like we always need someone to take care of us.
Oh and maybe street drugs are also legal in some of these other countries right?
Meaning that people simply self medicate with their buddies homegrown insurance free
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