Ep. 73 - Are We Treating the Problem or Just the Symptoms? The Truth about Antidepressants

Are antidepressants actually treating the root cause of depression and anxiety, or are we simply managing symptoms? In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa is joined by Katie Collins, PA-C, a physician assistant with experience in family medicine, urgent care, and lifestyle medicine who now helps parents make more informed health and medical decisions. Katie and Melissa have a candid conversation about antidepressants, SSRIs, informed consent, and the research behind the medications so many people are prescribed. They talk about the long-standing "chemical imbalance" theory of depression, what the research actually tells us about serotonin, the limitations of antidepressant clinical trials, placebo comparisons, conflicts of interest in research, and why reading beyond the abstract matters. They also discuss what can get overlooked when depression and anxiety are reduced to a diagnosis and a prescription, including nutrition, sleep, hormones, blood sugar, nervous system dysregulation, trauma, identity, relationships, lifestyle, and spiritual health. As Christians, Katie and Melissa also explore an important question: What happens when we begin to see ourselves as "broken" or defined by a diagnosis rather than seeing ourselves through the lens of who God created us to be? This is a thought-provoking conversation about informed consent, asking better questions, looking beneath symptoms, and becoming more empowered participants in our own healthcare. If you are interested in working with Melissa, apply here for a free clarity call to see what option is the best fit for you: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/clarity-call-form Connect with Katie: Find Katie on Instagram at @katie.c.pac for more conversations about conventional and "crunchy" approaches to health, informed decision-making, and navigating healthcare as a parent. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without guidance from your qualified healthcare provider.