Today, Explained How antidepressants got political
108 snips
Nov 20, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Meg Jay, a developmental clinical psychologist and author, dives deep into the rising use of antidepressants among young adults, noting a jump from under 5% to 20%. She highlights the complexities of their effectiveness and potential withdrawal challenges. Jay also warns about the lack of long-term studies on SSRIs and their impact on developing brains. The conversation touches on how antidepressants have become politicized, with claims linking them to addiction and violence, urging a more nuanced understanding of their role in mental health.
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Sharp Rise In Young Adult SSRI Use
- Antidepressant use among young adults rose from under 5% in the 1990s to about 20% today.
- Meg Jay connects this rise to broader cultural changes and increased prescribing to younger ages.
Social Media Drives Medication Interest
- Social media increased awareness of mental health and medications, contributing to a form of social contagion.
- Meg Jay warns many young people copy medication use from online content without understanding risks or effectiveness.
SSRIs Are Not A Silver Bullet
- Antidepressants help some people but are effective only about half the time according to research.
- Jay emphasizes they're blunt instruments that can reduce both negative and positive emotions.
