23. SSRIs, Stupidity, and Lies

Esme is back! This week, the Okayviuses discuss Selective Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), the very common antidepressant that, for a variety of reasons, is the target of a lot of influencers and media members who make money by lying to their audiences. The Okayviuses are quick to acknowledge that the experience of going on SSRIs leaves a lot to be desired, but ultimately conclude that the experience is a lot better than the worst possible outcome for anyone who is suffering from depression.    Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions about depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised.   If you or someone you love is dealing with these issues, please know that hope and help is available.   Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. - Call or text 988 - Chat at 988lifeline.org     Visit our website: crazytogetherpod.com   Support our show:  Buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/crazytogetherpod.    Sources for this episode include: Serrano, Jody. "How to Separate the Facts About Antidepressants From Social Media Fiction." Lifehacker, Ziff Davis, 12 Aug. 2022, https://lifehacker.com/social-media-is-lying-to-you-about-antidepressants-1849404119  Dickson, Ej. "Who Is the Psychiatrist Behind the Antidepressant Study Taking Over Right-Wing Media?" Rolling Stone, Penske Media Corporation, 30 July 2022, https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/ssri-right-wing-attack-joanna-moncrieff-1388067/  Goldberg, Alyssa. "Trump, RFK Jr. Go After SSRIs in Executive Order. Here's How They Work." USA Today, 18 Feb. 2025, www.usatoday.com.  Bendix, Aria. "RFK Jr. says he'll review SSRI use among kids — here’s what doctors say." NBC News, NBCUniversal Media, 21 Feb. 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/rfk-jr-ssri-antidepressants-children-doctors-risks-studies-rcna192722  Cleveland Clinic. "SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): Uses." Cleveland Clinic, 2025, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24795-ssri  Cleveland Clinic. "Serotonin: What Is It, Function & Levels." 18 Mar. 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin    Our theme music: Midnight—Declan DP [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch:    • Midnight — Declan DP | Free Backgroun...   Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/midnight-declan-dp