Different countries, same problems: The Guardian newspaper takes a close look at antidepressant withdrawal and related issues in Australia

Over the past few days, The Guardian newspaper published a series of articles exploring and highlighting subjects close to all of our hearts: antidepressant withdrawal; the harms of medicalizing emotional and social problems; and the importance of sharing our experiences—in our own words—of taking and stopping antidepressants, and of rediscovering life beyond the mental health industry. 

The series focuses on Australia, but we’re sure the themes and experiences will resonate with all of you across the world. So if there’s only one thing you can put time aside for to read this busy holiday season weekend, it’s this:

• Article 1 of 4 (Friday, December 20, 2024): “A pill for every ill’: doctors say Australia overprescribing antidepressants to mask toxic social conditions”
   
• Article 2 of 4 (Thursday, December 19, 2024): “We asked readers about taking antidepressants. The response points to a ‘silent epidemic’ and urgent need for reform”
   
• Article 3 of 4 (Thursday, December 19, 2024): “Nineteen readers on their experience taking and withdrawing from antidepressants”
   
• Article 4 of 4 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024): “The new science ending the ‘terror and panic’ of coming off long-term antidepressant use”—our heartfelt thanks to Anna King for sharing her harrowing story.

Do let us know in the comments how these articles compare to your own experiences where you are.