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

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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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Womens Workouts

Reduce Body Fat By Easy Cardio Workout | Exercises By Bipasha Basu Part 1 | Good Health 24/7

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Reduce Body Fat By Easy Cardio Workout | Exercises By Bipasha Basu Part 1 | Good Health 24/7



UNLEASH with Bipasha Basu ► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOTgXW0fnGE&list=PL9vsk6jg0N5w78EpMZ7drInX1F8p2IDId
Subscribe to Stay Fit ► http://bit.ly/GH24by7

Bipasha Basu is known to be the epitome of fitness and hardcore regime in Bollywood. In this video she tells us of how to do a rigorous 15 mins workout and burn the fat outta u. Unleash can help improve your lung,heart and circulatory function. The routine helps strengthen the bones and improves muscle coordination,It burns major calories and greatly assists in weight loss.

#bipashabasuworkout #cardioworkout #fitnessvideo #cardio #aerobicsworkout #weightloss #fatburningworkout #weightlossworkout #homeworkout #gymmotivation #bipashabasufitnessvideo #workout

Live Happy & Healthy Everyday!!

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Womens Workouts

35 Min FIERY Full Body HIIT Cardio Workout (No Equipment) | FULL BODY Series 24

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35 Min FIERY Full Body HIIT Cardio Workout (No Equipment) | FULL BODY Series 24



Welcome to the final workout of our FULL BODY Series, a 35 minute fiery full body HIIT cardio workout that requires no equipment! This high intensity session is designed to push you to your limits, burn calories, and leave you feeling stronger.

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You’ll work through a series of challenging bodyweight exercises, each performed for 45 seconds, followed by a brief 15 second rest. The workout targets all major muscle groups. We’ll end with an intense 3 minute finisher with six exercises performed back-to-back for 30 seconds each. Get ready sweat and finish strong in this no equipment HIIT cardio workout! Workout details listed below

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Become a premium member to get early access to our latest workouts, ad-free and timer-only videos, and support our channel. Help us to continue creating high-quality home workout videos and programs.
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FREE HOME WORKOUT PROGRAMS
💾 6 Week Shred I Playlist: https://bit.ly/6WeekShred1
💾 6 Week Shred II Playlist: https://bit.ly/6WeekShred2
💾 6 Week Shred III Playlist: https://bit.ly/6WeekShred3
💾 Shredded: 2 Week Ab Challenge: https://bit.ly/ShreddedChallenge
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⏱️ Duration: 35 minutes
🏋️ Equipment: Just a mat
⏱️ Intervals: 45/15 Sec Rest
🔥 Finisher: 30/30/30/30/30/30
🧊 Cool Down & Stretch: 20 Sec x 12 (4 mins)

Exercises for this No Equipment Full Body HIIT Cardio Workout

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Workout // 45/15
High Knees
Squats
Ghost Rope
Inchworm Push Ups
Plank T-Rotations
Blast Off Push Ups
Side Plank Hold R
Plank Hip Dips
Side Plank Hold L
Front to Back Squat Walk
Front to Back Lunge R
Front to Back Lunge L
Cossack Squats
Wide Push Ups
Shoulder Taps
Superman Push Ups

Rest

Leg Raises
Cross Crunch + Toe Touch R
Cross Crunch + Toe Touch L
Bicycle Crunches
Crunch Kicks
Half Burpees
Jumping Jacks
Lateral Squat Walk
Curtsy Lunges
Mountain Climbers
Hand Release Push Ups
Standing Oblique Twist R
Standing Oblique Twist L
1-1/2 Squat + Jump
Butt Kicks
Lower Rear Lunges

Rest

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Finisher // 30/30/30/30/30/30

Lateral High Knees
In & Out Squats
Push Ups
Cross Mountain Climbers
Spot Sprint
Burpees

Cool Down & Stretch (4 mins)

* * * * *

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DISCLAIMER: Before starting any workout, consult your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you. Understand that participation in any exercise carries inherent risks of injury. By engaging in this video’s exercises, you acknowledge these risks and voluntarily assume full responsibility, releasing TIFF x DAN from any liability for potential harm. Some video links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. Your decision to purchase is always your own, and your support is greatly appreciated!

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Womens Workouts

FAST Walking in 30 minutes | Fitness Videos

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FAST Walking in 30 minutes | Fitness Videos



30 minutes of fast walking MOST days of the week is super HEALTHY!

A very special EDIT from the hit series Miracle Miles!

Get the Walk at Home App so you can walk the full series, 1 Mile, 2 Mile, 3 Mile, 4 Mile …. and 5 MIRACLE MILES! www.WalkAtHome.com

Let’s WALK everybody!

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Download, stream, or purchase our latest workouts and accessories!
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🔹 Walk at Home is the world’s leading fitness walking brand. Created by Leslie Sansone, Walk at Home has helped MILLIONS of people live active and healthy lives for over 30 years. Walk at Home is one of the top-selling fitness brands at mass retail, including Walmart, Target, and QVC. Walk at Home’s popular YouTube channel has over 2 Million subscribers and is ranked as one of the TOP FITNESS CHANNELS on YouTube. Walk at Home’s best selling app offers a fresh, new set of workouts every month! Learn more at https://walkathome.com 🔹

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Walk at Home by Leslie Sansone® is a YouTube channel for at home walking workouts and fitness exercises. Join the Walk at Home crew on mile walk workouts, fat burning workouts, workout plans and more. We also love to post videos on strength training, cardio exercises, fast and easy workouts, firming routines, and more! Make sure you hit the subscribe button and turn on the “bell” icon 🔔 for notifications on new workout videos. Say hello in the comments too! 👋Happy walking!

#walkathome #fitness #workouts

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Health & fitness

I’ve lost over six stone but now my weight loss has stopped – could it be down to my tablets?

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I go for a poo once every five days - is this normal? Dr Zoe answers your health questions

OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice.

Today, Dr Zoe helps a reader whose weight loss has stalled.

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Sun columnist Dr Zoe helps a reader whose weight loss has stalledCredit: Olivia West
There are several medical reasons why weight loss could have stopped

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There are several medical reasons why weight loss could have stoppedCredit: Getty

Q: I’VE lost more than 6st in the past four years by not drinking alcohol and eating sensibly.

I had got down to 18st when I had a heart attack four months ago.

I am feeling a lot better but since going back to my diet, I am finding it difficult to lose weight.

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I am walking a lot but can’t seem to shift it.

Could the tablets I take be affecting my weight loss efforts?

A: Well done on losing so much weight so far, it’s not easy to do!

As weight reduces, using the same weight-loss methods can be more challenging as your body gets smaller and you burn fewer calories.

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One way to combat this is to get stronger and build muscle, which burns a lot of energy, so can help to readdress that declining metabolic rate.

If you feel you would struggle with that, your GP may be able to refer you for some extra support, such as a tier-three weight-management programme.

Injectable weight loss medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are offered by many of these services too, if that is a route you would consider.

Julia Hartley-Brewer slams government plan for NHS to offer free ‘fat jabs’ to tackle obesity crisis

Some medications are known to have weight gain side effects, including some diabetes and migraine medications, and antidepressants.

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These tend to have an indirect effect, in that they may cause you to have more of an appetite or feel fatigued, so you’re less likely to want to exercise.

But the only medication prescribed for somebody following a heart attack, that stands out is a beta blocker, particularly the old-fashioned ones.

In your case, I think it’s more likely your weight loss has just plateaued.

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Womens Workouts

35 MINUTE ALL IN ONE WORKOUT AT HOME for Beginners | Cardio, Strength

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35 MINUTE ALL IN ONE WORKOUT AT HOME for Beginners | Cardio, Strength



Lose weight, build muscle, and improve balance with our 35 minute All in One Workout at home for Beginners and Seniors that includes Cardio, Strength, Balance and Stretching exercises. The low impact cardio workout has six exercises in 30 second rounds, done twice.

The strength training section can be done with or without or weights (dumbbells, bottles, or cans).

00:00 Overview
01:09 Warm Up & Balance Work
10:42 Cardio Workout
22:13 Strength Training
30:08 Stretching/Cooldown Session

Want more full body workouts? Try our:
✳️ 40 minute All-in-One: https://bit.ly/3tfD5Fj
✳️ 20 Minute All-in-One:https://bit.ly/3O5qZqo
✳️ 10 Minute All-in-One: https://bit.ly/3DjxoMq

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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.

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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 #lowimpact #seniorworkout

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Health & fitness

With scurvy on the rise – we test three products to help you get more vitamin C

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With scurvy on the rise - we test three products to help you get more vitamin C

IT is a disease from the Victorian era but scurvy – caused by vitamin C deficiency – is re-emerging according to doctors.

It was rife among seafarers between the 15th and 18th century because they didn’t have fresh fruit and veg.

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Find out more about these three products to help you get more vitamin C

It’s clear we are not getting the 90mg needed by men and 75mg for women a day.

So, here are three ways to top up your Vit C levels. . .

HIGH-STRENGTH SHOT

This high-strength, fast-absorbing liquid contains a whopping 1,000mg of vit C

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This high-strength, fast-absorbing liquid contains a whopping 1,000mg of vit CCredit: Supplied

IF your vitamin C levels are low, this super strong, clever liquid from DoSe is perfect.

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This high-strength, fast-absorbing liquid has a lovely tropical flavour and each 5ml serving contains a whopping 1,000mg.

The daily upper limit for adults is 2,000mg.

The vitamin C liquid is wrapped in micro-bubbles of phospholipid liposomes which means a 200 per cent better absorption.

The 240ml bottle gives a 48-day supply (£35, victoriahealth.com) but you need to keep it in the fridge and it only lasts for three months.

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NUTRIENT SMOOTHIES

These smoothies taste great and you can pick them up in the supermarket

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These smoothies taste great and you can pick them up in the supermarketCredit: Supplied

THESE smoothies from Mockingbird are made using a special cold-pressed system to keep in the nutrients.

Top 5 Vitamins for Beautiful Hair

They taste great, you can pick them up in the supermarket and they don’t break the bank.

I tried the raw defence which contains pressed apples and carrot, crushed mango, orange, passion fruit, acerola cherries, celery and lemon.

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A 150ml glass gives you nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of both your daily vitamin C and A requirements with just 72kcal.

There are five servings in a 750ml bottle – which contains 500g of fruit and veg in each.

It is on offer at Asda at the moment for £3 so works out at 60p a glass.

I love these for the whole family and have bought them again.
mockingbirdrawpress.com

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FERMENTED DRINK

Yakult Plus Peach contains 24mg of vitamin C which is about 30 per cent of your daily requirements

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Yakult Plus Peach contains 24mg of vitamin C which is about 30 per cent of your daily requirementsCredit: Supplied

THIS is a very clever idea.

Yakult Plus Peach is a new addition to its fermented range which, like the rest of the drinks, is packed with 20billion friendly bacteria, scientifically proven to reach the gut alive and increase the bacteria in the gut.

It also contains 24mg of vitamin C which is about 30 per cent of your daily requirements.

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This tastes great, is fat-free and has 70 per cent less sugar and 33 per cent fewer calories than Yakult Original.

This peach version has 2.7mg of sugar, 2.3g of fibre and 29kcal in each little 65ml bottle.

I love a multi-tasker and I love things that look after the health of your gut too.

This has just gone on sale at Ocado – £3.70 for 8 bottles.
yakult.co.uk

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