TheKicksShrink
TheKicksShrink
Minisode 109: Everything You Know About Antidepressants is WRONG
Minisode 109: Everything You Know About Antidepressants is WRONG
Minisode 109: Everything You Know About Antidepressants is WRONG
Thursday 5th June 2025
Dr. Mirza debunks myths about antidepressants, explaining their true effects and addressing common fears in an engaging style.
Explicit
12 minutes
Informative
Honest
Educational
Supportive
Engaging
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Sobriety Toolkit
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Get the buttons here!Debunking Antidepressant Myths with Dr. Mirza
Episode Overview
- Antidepressants are not 'happy pills'; they help restore emotional balance.
- Feeling emotionally flat is a side effect that can be adjusted with medical guidance.
- Antidepressants are not addictive; withdrawal symptoms can occur if stopped abruptly.
- The chemical imbalance theory is oversimplified; antidepressants aid neuroplasticity.
- Gradual tapering of medication under doctor supervision is recommended.
"Antidepressants don't force joy; they remove the filter that blocks your natural emotions"
In this episode of TheKicksShrink Podcast, Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza tackles the myths surrounding antidepressants, revealing truths that might surprise you. With a touch of humour and deep expertise, Dr. Mirza dismantles common misconceptions about these medications. You've likely heard them referred to as 'happy pills' or been told they're addictive, but Dr. Mirza explains that antidepressants aren't designed to make you feel high or dependent.
Instead, they help remove the mental fog that depression creates, allowing you to experience life more clearly. He compares depression to wearing dark sunglasses indoors, and these meds help take those glasses off, letting your natural emotions shine through. Dr. Mirza also addresses the fear of feeling emotionally flat or disconnected when on antidepressants. He reassures that such feelings are side effects, not the intended outcome, and adjusting the dose or medication can often resolve them.
He emphasises that antidepressants don't erase your personality or values; they aim to restore your emotional balance. Another significant myth tackled is the fear of addiction. Dr. Mirza clarifies that while sudden discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms, it's not addiction. Instead, he encourages gradual tapering under medical supervision. Moreover, Dr. Mirza discusses the controversial chemical imbalance theory and explains how antidepressants work beyond serotonin levels, enhancing neuroplasticity and aiding therapy effectiveness.
If you're considering antidepressants or seeking clarity on their effects, this episode offers an honest look at what these medications can do and the importance of informed treatment choices. Dr. Mirza's engaging style makes complex topics accessible and sheds light on the realities of mental health treatment.