Amy…the term “anti-depressant” is completely subjective. Me and you have completely different definitions of what an “anti-depressant” is. This is like someone who says they eat “healthy” because they are a vegan. Someone who follows the paleo diet may claim they are “healthy” as well. There can only be one right answer as to what is healthy, and I am not saying either of the two are correct.
Prozac, the most popular “anti-depressant” in the U.S. does not even exist in many countries around the world. It has been shown to increase suicidality and induce mania. Prozac’s main function is to raise serotonin levels. On the other hand, “anti-depressants” in Europe, for example, are those that lower serotonin levels. A very popular drug called Tianeptine works to enhance the uptake of serotonin and is the standard in places like Europe and Asia, the same way that Prozac is the standard in the U.S. Pretty ironic, being that they both do opposite things, and are both considered “anti-depressants.”
I have extensive experience with the mainstream U.S. “anti-depressant” medications like Prozac, Lexapro, etc. but never saw any improvement. When I began take anti-serotonin medications like Tianeptine or cyproheptadine, I saw tremendous improvement in my feelings of anxiety. I am a new person because of these “anti-depressants” and there has never been any documented dependancy found with these medications. Making vague statements like you did is the real danger here.
Amy…please do the entire 180 degree health forum a favor and don’t comment on areas that you are not familiar with. Try and view the world outside the little bubble that you have seemed to become accustom to living in.