Calls to reduce the use of antidepressants have brought attention to the challenges of long-term use and the difficulty of stopping these medications. However, such efforts sometimes fail to consider why antidepressants are so commonly prescribed. In the United States, antidepressants are among the most frequently prescribed medications, with about one in six adults taking them. Health officials and researchers have raised concerns about the overuse of these drugs, as well as the challenges patients face when trying to stop them. One notable voice in this debate is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, who has encouraged doctors to explore non-drug treatments for depression whenever possible. The majority of antidepressants prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs, including the widely known Prozac, were first approved in the 1980s and work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood. SSRIs are often effective for moderate to severe depression, but they may not be necessary for milder cases, where other treatments like therapy can be more beneficial. However, the line between mild and severe depression is often unclear. In everyday language, people may use the term "depression" to describe everything from feeling down to a serious mental health condition. Screening tools used in primary care clinics can help identify patients in need of treatment, but they can also lead to overprescription if a person's symptoms are temporary or mild. Most antidepressants are prescribed by primary care doctors rather than psychiatrists. These doctors often have limited time and resources to provide alternative treatments, such as talk therapy. In contrast, clinics that include mental health professionals and collaborate with psychiatrists tend to offer more comprehensive care. These models are becoming more common but remain rare in many areas. Stigma has long been a barrier to mental health care, but the situation has changed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rates of anxiety and depression have increased, especially among young people. Telehealth has made mental health care more accessible, with a significant rise in virtual prescriptions for antidepressants. This shift has helped more people access treatment, though some may still struggle with the stigma of seeking help. The increase in antidepressant prescriptions since 2020 reflects broader trends, including greater access to care and the convenience of virtual visits. However, it also highlights systemic issues in the U.S. healthcare system, such as limited access to mental health specialists and a lack of support for non-drug treatments. While some people may benefit from alternative approaches, others rely on medication to manage chronic depression. For those who want to stop taking antidepressants, the process can be complex. Research suggests that withdrawal symptoms, such as sleep disturbances and flu-like symptoms, are relatively common but generally manageable with a gradual reduction in dosage. Most people, with the guidance of a skilled clinician, can safely discontinue these medications if they no longer need them. The key is ensuring that patients have access to informed, individualized care when making such decisions.