The rate of antidepressant use in the United States rose by 400 percent between 1988 and 2008, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are some reasons why:
- There is much more awareness these days of mental illnesses.
- The prevalence of frosted flakes, Big Macs, and other processed foods in our diets.
- The increase of environmental toxins in the world
- The lack of human connectedness and interdependence, especially amongst young adults, thanks to video games, iPads, texting, and other technological advances that take us away from face-to-face personal interaction.
- The breakdown of family and social structures and community support. More and more people are becoming loners.
- And the biggest one of all: increased stress in our lives, including lost jobs, family breakups, and wars and rumors of wars.