Hours after being sworn in, new Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. proceeded with his first 100-day plan to fight the growing rate of chronic diseases. But one particular goal that he fixated on, which sparked fear in many, was his plan to combat prescribed drugs that treat anxiety, depression and mood disorders, specifically serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
According to an article from Mother Jones, back in 2023, RFK Jr. claimed that people taking antidepressants are more likely to commit school shootings while on a live stream on X with Elon Musk. This statement fueled concerns about SSRIs, despite a lack of conclusive evidence supporting the claim. Many experts argue that untreated mental illness, rather than the medications themselves, is a greater risk factor for violence. According to the Mayo Clinic, untreated mental illness can lead to family conflicts, social isolation, substance abuse, self-harm and harm to others.
According to a 2018 CDC study, 13.2% of people in the U.S., roughly 44 million Americans, are on antidepressants. SSRIs are the most widely prescribed, with medications like Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro and Celexa being some of the most recognized.
SSRIs improve moods and can completely change a person’s life if they struggle with severe depression or anxiety, maybe even save it. These medications work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, sexual desire and more.
“I know people, including members of my family, who've had a much worse time getting off of SSRIs than they have getting off of heroin,” Kennedy said in his hearing according to NPR. This statement is particularly striking because Kennedy is a recovered heroin addict and has firsthand experience with its withdrawal, giving weight to his claim. However, he did not clarify whether he has personally experienced withdrawal from SSRIs.
Mental health is a major concern in today's society. Generation Z, born between 1997-2012, has been shown to experience more mental health issues than previous generations. Whether this is due to increased awareness and openness about mental health or the impact of social media, it remains a significant issue for many Gen Zers. SSRIs have been a crucial tool in helping many combat these negative feelings.
It’s important to acknowledge that, yes, SSRIs come with a long list of side effects, but their primary purpose is to help battle mental illness. When it comes to getting off of SSRIs, doctors advise patients to taper off gradually to reduce withdrawal symptoms, which can include mania, crying spells, mood swings and depression. These symptoms are most severe when patients quit the medication cold turkey.
Banning SSRIs would lead to numerous problems. If these medications were prohibited without allowing patients to gradually wean off, 13.2% of the population would experience withdrawal. The very thing that gives them the motivation and energy to wake up in the morning would suddenly be gone. Not to mention, many individuals might turn to alternative, potentially unsafe methods to cope with their symptoms. The sudden removal of these medications could cause an overwhelming mental health crisis, increasing hospitalizations, suicide rates and economic burdens on healthcare systems.
Many individuals who rely on SSRIs to function in their daily lives could face huge setbacks in their work, education and relationships. This would harm individuals and affect families and communities at large, making the crisis far worse than before. Rather than abruptly stripping away a critical treatment option, the government should focus on refining mental health care practices, improving access to therapy and investing in research for alternative treatments that maintain efficacy without severe side effects.
Banning SSRIs would likely do more harm than good. Without access to proper treatment, millions of people struggling with mental health conditions could see their symptoms worsen, leading to increased rates of self-harm, suicide and substance abuse. Instead of focusing on eliminating SSRIs, efforts should be made to improve mental health care and ensure that patients receive the support they need.
Suzanne Piper is a junior at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Suzanne know by tweeting her @_suziepiper.
