Our per-capita SSRI consumption is lower than more than a few EU countries'.

Also sadness is a natural and ok state of being. Being a gronked out happy zombie is unnatural and should be suspect.

Findecanor an hour ago | parent | next [-]

One should not trivialise depression. It is a lot different than just a feeling.

I've suffered from and been successfully treated for depression. I would describe it more as an addiction to feeling low than anything.

I suspect that in the EU there can very well have been a lot of overprescription of SSRI for conditions other than depression, however. Many times, people are just melancholy because of external life factors, and no drug could improve those.

	▲	slackfan 40 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		If you haven't stared at a wall deciding whether to continue living or not - you have not lived. No trivialization here.

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voxadam an hour ago | parent | prev [-]

What percentage of the US population that finds themselves in need of an SSRI or similar medication can afford to obtain and fill such a prescription as compared with citizens of EU countries that enjoy universal healthcare?

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slackfan an hour ago | parent [-]

I realize that you're baiting, but it's just a google search away. We're at about 10%, vs some EU countries' 13-14%. Considering that - it's highly unlikely that anybody who needs access to SSRIs does not have it.

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voxadam an hour ago | parent [-]

Forgive me, I wasn't baiting. I was just trying to elude to the fact that a substantial percentage of the American population can not afford to get a doctor to prescribe them medication and often can not afford to fill that prescription. The lack of insurance and prevalence of underinsurance in the US very likely an important aspect of what we're talking about.

	▲	slackfan an hour ago \| parent [-]
		Concern bait is still bait, considering I've worked in the healthcare system enough to know you're adamantly incorrect about both the cost and availability of psychiatric care. Unfortunately I also know that attempting to convince you otherwise is a mug's game.