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I’ll never regret taking Prozac – whatever scientists are saying now

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2 months ago

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I’ll never regret taking Prozac – whatever scientists are saying now

According to the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, antidepressant medication prescription rose by 10 to 15 per cent during the pandemic. For myself and fellow depression sufferers, the UCL study is huge news. It flies in the face of everything we’ve historically been told by our doctors. Patients were often told to compare their condition with diabetes and their medication with insulin: but, unlike with diabetes, there is no blood test for depression in the way there is for blood sugar. This hypothesis cannot be proven.

In the late Nineties the “depression is a chemical imbalance theory” was really taking off. I was in my last year of A-levels and very, very unwell. I was washing my hands obsessively until they bled, terrified that I was going to be killed by germs in the air that I breathed. I was convinced that I had to repeat phrases to keep my family alive. I was struggling to stay in school or leave the house, so my mother booked a GP appointment. I remember it well: a Friday evening in early spring, the sense of danger all around me. Not wanting to sit on the seats in the waiting area in case I picked up an infection. Keeping my hands in my pockets at all times. Terrified. 

The doctor had a funny tie on. I stared at it as my mother tried to tell him about my behaviour. He told me that it sounded as if I had something called obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) coupled with clinical depression. He said that he would put me on a waiting list for cognitive behavioural therapy, that it would probably come through in about six months, and to come back if things got worse in the meantime. In the car park, as the reality of what he had said began to dawn on me, things got worse. I sobbed. I could not wait another six minutes for help, let alone six months. So we went back and he put me on antidepressants.

‘A lifeboat when I was drowning’

I have been on them, more or less, ever since. They have been my one constant, through breakdowns and suicidal episodes. Sometimes a well-meaning friend will ask if I ever wonder what life might be like off them, to which I can only reply that I know what life would be like off them: thoroughly miserable. I will probably be on antidepressants for the rest of my days. Not because I think that they are a miracle cure for mental-health issues – I have come to realise there isn’t one – but because to come off them now, after so long, would involve a hellish withdrawal process I do not have the time nor inclination to go through. 

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While coming off antidepressants, when supervised by a doctor, is generally not a problem for people who have been on them for a short period of time, it has been very difficult every time I have tried. I know the drill: brain zaps, dizziness, fatigue and a return of a deep depression. It has become easier, if you will, to simply stay on them – after all, they don’t affect my ability to function, nor my ability to feel emotions, as is so often claimed.

Research shows that, even after a short time on antidepressants, up to 50 per cent of users may suffer withdrawal when they try to stop. The problems, which also include depressed mood, anxiety and insomnia, can be so debilitating many patients end up taking years to gradually wean themselves off the potent drugs. Others are wrongly told their mental-health problems have returned so they need to keep taking the pills for decades, researchers have claimed.

“I’ve seen patients so dizzy they’re unable to stand, barely able to sleep and suffering panic attacks,” says training psychiatrist Mark Horowitz, clinical research fellow at North East London NHS Foundation Trust and UCL. “Worse, they get told by their doctor that it’s their depression coming back, rather than something caused by the drug. People can end up trapped for life on tablets. Some are driven to suicide by the withdrawal symptoms, not their original illness.”

Given this new research, not to mention the physical dependency I have to antidepressants, do I regret being prescribed them back when I was 17? No. I will always be grateful to them, because they provided a lifeboat when I was drowning. Even if antidepressants only offer a placebo effect, that is something – in fact, I would argue it is essential when access to mental health care in this country is so poor and provision so sparse.

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But I do think this UCL research should be the prompt for us to look into other treatment models. Depression is a complex illness that requires a multi-faceted treatment approach; antidepressants are definitely overprescribed because they are the only affordable facet of treatment. 

‘A faulty coping mechanism’

As a spokesperson for the Royal College of Psychiatrists said, in response to this review: “Antidepressants will vary in effectiveness for different people, and the reasons for this are complex, which is why it’s important that patient care is based on each individual’s needs and reviewed regularly. Continued research into treatments for depression is important to help us better understand how medications work as well as their effectiveness. Medication should be available for anyone who needs it. We would not recommend for anyone to stop taking their antidepressants based on this review, and encourage anyone with concerns about their medication to contact their GP.”

In his excellent book on the history of depression, A Cure for Darkness, science writer Alex Riley explores why a condition that affects 332 million people globally has such a poor track record when it comes to effective treatment. Riley describes the horrific ice-pick lobotomies of the Forties and Fifties, and questions how antidepressants came to be seen as the go-to in terms of treatment, detailing the aggressive marketing campaigns that led Newsweek to note that: “Prozac has attained the same familiarity of Kleenex and the social status of spring water.”

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Health & fitness

Hospitals set to be ranked in national league table with failing managers facing sack in football-style NHS reforms

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22 mins ago

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November 13, 2024

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Hospitals set to be ranked in national league table with failing managers facing sack in football-style NHS reforms

HOSPITALS will be ranked in a national league table — with failing managers facing the sack in football-style NHS reforms.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting will today vow to tighten the screw on badly performing bosses.

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Health Secretary Wes Streeting will vow to tighten the screw on poorly performing NHS bossesCredit: Rex

The NHS will be more like the cut-throat Premier League with losing managers facing the chop.

More than 120 NHS trusts in England will be scored on their waiting times, patient care and spending.

Mr Streeting said there will be “zero tolerance for failure” and crisis teams will be sent to turn around low-ranking hospitals.

Research shows health service productivity is down and senior staff are rarely dismissed.

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Addressing hospital chief executives at the NHS Providers Conference, Mr Streeting will say: “With the combination of investment and reform, we will turn the NHS around and cut waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks.”

Reforms will also block pay rises for chief executives failing to improve services.

They will cut off financial freedom while giving those at the top more power to spend cash on equipment and tech.

Top managers will be paid extra to work in struggling areas.

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Amanda Pritchard, NHS England chief executive, said: “NHS leaders welcome accountability — but it is critical that responsibility comes with the support and development.”

But Patricia Marquis, of the Royal College of Nursing, said: “We should not be tolerating poor management but scapegoating trust leaders is not the solution.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves reveals new investment in the NHS ahead of Budget

“NHS staff must not be pitted against one another.”

Hospitals will be ranked in a national league table

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Hospitals will be ranked in a national league tableCredit: Getty

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Womens Workouts

CORE Calisthenics Full Body Workout [NO EQUIPMENT] | EPIC III Day 39

Published

39 mins ago

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November 13, 2024

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CORE Calisthenics Full Body Workout [NO EQUIPMENT] | EPIC III Day 39



Full body calisthenics workout using only our body as resistance to increase strength, build muscle, strengthen the core and challenge our bodies! This may be a break from the dumbbells but it isn’t easy!

I am sure you know how much I love changing range of movement from 1/2 reps to full range or partials! And unilateral exercises! And complexes! And bodyweight exercises! It’s all in here!

All you will need is your mat, a chair for Bulgarian lunges, dips & decline push ups and a yoga block/thick book!

Each complex is 2 minutes duration, with 20 seconds rest inbetween!

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HEEL ELEVATE SQUATS 1/2 REPS x20
FULL RANGE x10

SCAPULAR PUSH UPS x10
DEADSTOP WIDE PUSH UPS x10

BULGARIAN LUNGE 1/2 REPS x15
FORWARD LEAN FULL RANGE x15

BULGARIAN LUNGE 1/2 REPS x15
FORWARD LEAN FULL RANGE x15

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HEEL TAP x20
REVERSE CRUNCH x10

SIDE PLANK TO PUSH UP x10
ONE SIDED LADDER x10

SIDE PLANK TO PUSH UP x10
ONE SIDED LADDER x10

ELEVATED LUNGE 1/2 REPS x20
REAR STEP LUNGE x20 (same side)

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ELEVATED LUNGE 1/2 REPS x20
REAR STEP LUNGE x20 (same side)

X1 LEG DOG TO PUSH UP KNEE TUCK x5
SWITCH SIDE! X5

ON ELBOWS BUTTERFLY KICKS x50
ON ELBOWS TUCK TO EXTENSION x20

PLANK ALTERNATING LEG LIFT x20
ALTERNATING KNEE TAP x50

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SQUAT STEP OUT x20
1/2 REP STAGGERED SQUAT x20

SQUAT STEP OUT x20
1/2 REP STAGGERED SQUAT x20

ELEVATED CURTSEY STEPS OUT x10
PULSES! x20

ELEVATED CURTSEY STEPS OUT x10
PULSES! x20

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DIPS x20
DECLINE PUSH UPS x10

I have missed these workouts and I remembered why I love them so much! The carry over to other forms of training is huge! Not only helping increase your strength and build that muscle but also core strength and body awareness! During bodyweight only exercises, I am focused on actually making it as challenging as possible!

During planks, whether moving or trying not to move whilst arms or legs are moving, try to keep hips down! Sometimes we can forget to think about this, particularly during dynamic planks such as plank rolls! I do too! Think about gaze straight down to mat, shoulders relaxed, quads tight!

During elevated curtesy lunges, aim to use that extra depth available by lowering knee to where possible yet still comfortable!

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You can always make each exercise more challenging so make this your focus!!

Have fun and really enjoy the free feeling of body only!

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Always ensure you warm up before any workout. Here’s my EPIC III 5 Min Warm Up Routine: https://youtu.be/JOoIsy8SX4c

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Don’t forget to Subscribe and turn on notifications so that you don’t miss any Workouts, Community Updates or Surprises: https://youtube.com/c/carolinegirvan/?sub_confirmation=1

Here’s today’s optional add-on: https://youtu.be/cS-bIr-6hQM

EPIC III Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhu1QCKrfgPXAMz4TJv5Ub4IFvdXjuFXy

EPIC Beginner Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhu1QCKrfgPUZ7_HDxP8P_-0ffNoobSDH

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My Cardio Workouts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhu1QCKrfgPVj9hpw_O3t1LoUcqUWpJio

My Ab Workouts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhu1QCKrfgPX_3_Fir25lT1zjLvmjifl7

Join The Caroline Girvan Community

▶ Instagram: https://instagram.com/carolinegirvan
▶ Private Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/carolinegirvan

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▶ My Amazon UK Page: https://amazon.co.uk/shop/carolinegirvan
▶ My Amazon US Page: https://amazon.com/shop/carolinegirvan

▶ Business Enquiries Email: info@carolinegirvan.com

Disclaimer: If you are new to exercise or planning on embarking on a new fitness programme, you should consult your physician. This video may offer health, fitness or nutritional information and is meant for educational purposes only. This information is not meant as an alternative to seeking professional medical advice or suggested treatment. Please know that performing any exercise or programme is solely at your own risk. Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

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Womens Workouts

4 Best Exercises For Women Over 50

Published

2 hours ago

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November 12, 2024

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4 Best Exercises For Women Over 50



What is the best workout for women over 50?

This workout we’ve prepared for you today is perfect for older women, for women over 50 years old, to help you regain muscle strength, improve metabolism, and aid in reducing weight gain due to old age.

This workout will help you start to live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy your health to the fullest. It will also put you in a happy mood!

Good luck and we highly encourage you to get started with exercising everyday!❤️💪

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**If you want to be notified when I upload a new video, make sure to subscribe to our channel. I upload new videos everyday from Sunday to Friday!

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Womens Workouts

30 min FULL BODY SCULPT WORKOUT | With Dumbbells (And Without) | Warm Up and Cool Down Included

Published

3 hours ago

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November 12, 2024

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30 min FULL BODY SCULPT WORKOUT | With Dumbbells (And Without) | Warm Up and Cool Down Included



Join me for a 30 minute FULL BODY WORKOUT to sculpt and strengthen from head to toe. Some movements will be with dumbbells and some without. Today I’ll be using two 10 LB weights. The warm up and cool down will also be included. Intervals will be 45 seconds on and 15 seconds rest during the workout. So get ready to sculpt! 💞 xox Mik

EQUIPMENT:
– Mat (optional)
– Medium Set of Dumbbells (2 10LB weights)

💞 WOMEN’S BEST LEGGINGS (affiliate link): 💞
https://womens.best/fitbymik
20% OFF CODE: FITBYMIK20

Need a personalized FITNESS and NUTRITION plan, totally custom to your goals? Apply for ONLINE 1:1 COACHING here: https://www.fitbymik.com/11-coaching

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Want to improve your flexibility? Check out my stretching guide here:
https://www.fitbymik.com/trainwithme/p/a-yogis-guide-to-flexibility

WEBSITE: www.fitbymik.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fitbymik/?hl=en
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fitbymik/

#homefitness #fullbodyworkout #dumbbells

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Womens Workouts

20 minute Full Body Standing Strength Workout with Dumbbells | Seniors, Beginners

Published

4 hours ago

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November 12, 2024

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20 minute Full Body Standing Strength Workout with Dumbbells | Seniors, Beginners



This 20 minute full body strength workout will build muscle in your arms, legs, back, and core. We use dumbbells with these standing exercises, but you can use anything with weight such as water bottles or cans. The goal is to use weight that is challenging for you.

The 7 exercises are done in 30-second intervals. Aim to do 8 to 12 repetitions during each interval. We do two rounds of the exercises.

✳️ Mini traditional squats
✳️ Rows
✳️ Mini sumo squats
✳️ Rows with a tricep kickback
✳️ Reverse lunges
✳️ Bicep curls
✳️ Wood Chops

This workout can be done at least twice a week on its own or with another yes2next workout.

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yes2next celebrates fitness and joy at any age. It’s never too late to start exercising, creating, and doing. Say “yes” 2 your next steps to fitness and joy.

If you are new to our channel, we’re happy you clicked on our video! We hope you enjoy it! Please show your love💓 and support 🤝 and join the yes2next community by subscribing and pressing (🔔) to join the Notification Squad and stay updated with new uploads ✨ If you have any inquiries or requests, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

🔴 Subscribe Here: https://www.youtube.com/@yes2next
👍 Like the video (it helps a ton!)
💬 Comment below to share your opinion!
🔗 Share the video with anyone you think it might help 🙂

📲 Stay Connected:
📷 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: https://instagram.com/yes2next
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🌐 𝗪𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://yes2next.com
✉ 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: yes2next@gmail.com

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Disclaimer: This program is provided with your health and safety in mind, but every individual has their own limitations. It is crucial that you consult with your physician before beginning this or any other exercise program. This program is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment or advice. By participating in this exercise program, you do so at your own risk. Please stop if you experience pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

#beginnerworkout #seniorexercises #seniorfitness

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Womens Workouts

10 MIN FULL BODY HIIT FOR WEIGHT LOSS l Effective Workout after a heavy meal / 31 Day Challenge

Published

5 hours ago

on

November 12, 2024

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10 MIN FULL BODY HIIT FOR WEIGHT LOSS l Effective Workout after a heavy meal / 31 Day Challenge



▶ Free Diet Meal Plan https://bit.ly/ShirlynKim
▶Free Weekly Workout Plan
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy9EJey-edwvVqv8FuKKIaQ/community

▣You can complete this entire routine once or twice a day with my weekly workout plan on my channel for faster results.
▣For faster Results: Start with my Weekly Workout Program (four to five times a week ) and a good nutritious meal (essential:) together. Also, consistency is the magic key to achieve your fitness goal. You’ve got this & You can do it~!!!

▶▷How long does weight loss take to show up?
The time it takes for weight loss to show is that everyone is different, depending on a person’s body fat percentage, gender, diet, exercise habits, etc..
It takes at least two weeks and significant weight loss and muscle gains will take approximately eight weeks to see. Healthy weight loss is anywhere from 1 to two pounds per week.

▶Calories: 100 ~ 300 calories in 10 min workouts (Depends on your weight, height, gender, and muscle mass, the activity level, body fat percentage, etc.….

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▣ AB & CORE EXERCISES VIDEO
AB & CORE PILATES: https://youtu.be/HDbsd5En_uw
https://youtu.be/CSpKBLAS74g

▣ My Daily Skincare Routines: https://youtu.be/KhEgSU4fzSI

▣My Physical Conditions
Height: 164. 8 2) Weight: 44kg ~ 45kg 3)Body Type: between Mesomorph and Hourglass
▶For teenagers
It’s important for teens to lose weight the healthy way by making diet and lifestyle changes that nourish growing bodies and can be followed long term.
1)firstly think of a healthy eating plan, not diet; Fruits and vegetables every day. ..
( healthy eating doesn’t mean going hungry)
2)Do home workout 30 to 60 minutes a day three or four days a week—that’s a start, including, aerobic activity are running, swimming, and dancing(not too much)
3) Get enough sleep
4)Protein to build muscles and organs
5)Love yourself

▶ What I Wear: https://en.xexymix.com/

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▶Music By https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/f

Thanks for watching my video and hope you enjoy it. Lots of love from Korea😊
※Disclaimer This workout video on my YouTube channel is the one that I personally do to stay fit and healthy at home. When joining me for this workout video, check your health and safety with experts first since they are the most important. I am not responsible for any injuries and risks arising from this workout video.
※ 이 영상의 저작권은 크리에이터 Shirlyn Kim에게만 있음을 알려드립니다. 저작권 침해위반시 법적책임을 배상할 수 있습니다.
※ Please note that the copyright of this video belongs only to creator Shirlyn Kim. In case of copyright infringement, you will be held legally responsible.

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