Are antidepressants becoming the new quick fix? Mental health expert warns against self-medication

Are people becoming too dependent on antidepressants? A psychologist explains when medication may be needed, the risks of self-medication and long-term use.

New Delhi: Mental health is no longer discussed only behind closed doors. More people are talking about depression, anxiety, burnout and emotional distress, and seeking professional help is gradually becoming less stigmatised. But with this shift comes another question. As awareness increases, are people also becoming more reliant on antidepressants?

The answer is not as simple as the rise in prescriptions might indicate. Increased use of medication can be an indication of improved detection and treatment of mental health problems. At the same time, experts caution against treating every difficult emotion or stressful period as a disorder that needs a prescription.

Are people becoming dependent on antidepressants?

Speaking exclusively to News9 Digital, Arpita Kohli, Psychologist & Counsellor at PSRI Hospital, Delhi, said increased conversations around mental health should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of excessive dependence on antidepressants.

“The growing conversation around mental health does not necessarily mean that people are becoming overly dependent on antidepressants. In many cases, increased awareness is encouraging people to recognise symptoms earlier and seek professional help rather than silently struggling for months or years. At the same time, we need to be careful not to medicalise every experience of stress, sadness or anxiety. Feeling low or overwhelmed at certain points in life is a normal human response and does not automatically mean that medication is required.”

When does someone actually need an antidepressant?

A bad week, a stressful........

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