From Pills to Positivity: How Exercise Became My Antidepressant
I gave up antidepressants 5 years ago, and it was the best decision I ever made
Disclaimer: This article is based on personal experience and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. If you are experiencing anxiety or other mental health concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider.
It was the year 2020 when I was sitting on my yoga mat. I wasn’t doing yoga, but I was feeling an incredible sense of anxiety over what the world had come to with Covid. I was overwhelmed and knew I had to make a decision. Instead of calling a friend as we were in the middle of the pandemic, so seeing a friend was next to impossible, I decided- I am giving up antidepressants.
I had been on antidepressants for more than a decade, and to be honest, I don’t know why. I had been on Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Prozac, and Zoloft. I had seen a physician in my 20s, and when I told her I was struggling with life (school, relationships, and future), she said I had anxiety and depression and wrote me a prescription. She didn’t recommend any other changes; I made them a part of my everyday life without questioning it. To be honest, being on antidepressants never made me feel better, but I took it every day because a medical…
