re: How many people you think are on anxiety or ADD meds?

I think most people on this site assume that anxiety is just someone that is nervous or constantly worrying. Although that may be the case for some, actual anxiety disorder can manifest in different ways. Simply exercising, eating better and sleeping more can help but isn’t in of itself a cure for the disorder in a lot of instances. People assume someone can just “man up” and white knuckle through it but that’s not an option for a lot. Or at least not a realistic option.

I know for me and others that SSRIs have been a huge help when it comes to anxiety. I didn’t understand why it was happening (looking back it was a slow build that came to a tipping point) and at first, didn’t know that it was anxiety disorder. I had physical symptoms and felt sick/depressed to the extent that I couldn’t work or even walk down the street without issues. I wasn’t in position to just “remove/reduce stressors” in my life immediately (still not) and without SSRIs, I’m not sure if I’d be able to participate in society like I’d want.

I don’t plan to stay on them forever but to act like that type of medication isn’t helpful or is something shameful is either faux masculinity or a misinformed opinion.

This thread also talks about younger people being overly medicated. Society has changed and things like social media and other things indisputably subject the younger generation to higher risk of these issues. Instead of discounting things that help symptoms, the complaints should be focused on the root cause of why young people are having the issues. I know for me that removing social media (especially reels) helped some.

All that to say that things are different today for young people and to base assumptions off your own/different experience is why there are often disconnects or misinformed opinions.

TLDR SSRIs can be a huge help for anxiety and was for me.

The guy and any parent that can't parent and turn kids into addicts need there kids taken away. Back in the day it was Ritalin. Whomever gives a child Adderall or Vyvanse needs to be shot! Grow up and let the kids grow out of being hyper, they're kids for crying out load. Go in the yard and wear there arse out throwing the ball and running around the yard. If you don't have time or your to lazy to parent then don't have kids. End of story!

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OP-How old are you? Do any of the people taking anti anxiety/ADD/ADHD meds have a daily exercise routine? Walk daily, gym, bike, run, pilates/yoga?

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I’m 34. I know I had a small benefit of my parents having me late in life. Both are in their 70s. So they weren’t all about the new age medication stuff that many who grew up in the 90s got.

The two oldest guys talk about working out sometimes. As far as set routine idk. My boss lives a mile from work and walks it regularly even when it’s cold. He has no kids but I believe he’s responsible for his parents and a sibling. Warranty guy has never mentioned anything but he’s the classic 6’3 gangly guy.

The girl has went from in shape to chubby a couple times in the 7 years I’ve been with this company. She was building a gym room. Lives alone.

From an AI source...

In the United States:

Approximately 13-14% of Americans aged 18 or older (about 34-35 million people) take antidepressants
Of these, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are the most commonly prescribed, accounting for about 70% of antidepressant prescriptions
For anxiety specifically, around 11% of Americans (about 29 million people) take anti-anxiety medications

Key trends:

Usage has increased significantly over the past two decades
Women are about twice as likely as men to take antidepressants
Usage tends to increase with age, peaking in the 45-65 age group
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a notable increase in prescriptions

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It’s not working either. People are at a breaking point like never seen before all while quality of life is better than ever for most.

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Quality of life is way worse for everyone because nobody has any friends

People would rather watch Netflix alone and get doordash than have a dinner with friends

Drugs are for sheep

I just drink a pint of whiskey every night

Use of benzodiazepines for anxiety in the sixties and seventies, as well as using anticolonergics like benadryl for sleep has led to the whole influx of Alzheimer's you see today. If you're doing this on a regular basis you need to find another way. These meds are not without consequence.

Maybe you actually have the disorder but it's definitely over self and professionally diagnosed.

Maybe everyone has some level of AD or ADH and we should save the ADD/ADHD label for the ones who cant function without drugs or aid. Not the college kids who want drugs.

It’s an epidemic. Everyone I know is on something. It’s pathetic, sad, and disservice by the entire medical profession