Managing Mental Health & the Fight for Access

Truly managing mental health isn’t just about bubble baths and positive affirmations! It’s a holistic practice that requires tending to both the mind and body in ways that truly support our well-being. 

For me, that journey began with facing the reality of my depression and anxiety. There were days when my mind felt like my worst enemy. Panic attacks would come without warning, and the heaviness of depression made even the smallest tasks feel insurmountable.  I knew I needed help, and for me, that meant turning to antidepressants.

Medication gave me the stability I needed to function, and once I could manage the day-to-day, I found that things like yoga helped me go deeper. Through movement and breath, I started to unpack my trauma, understand my triggers, and learn how to self-regulate in ways I never could before. 

But NONE of that would have been possible without the foundation that medication provided. I know how fortunate I am that antidepressants have worked for me. Because I also know that for many, finding the right treatment can be a long and difficult road. That’s why protecting access to mental health care is so important.

However, recent developments have raised concerns about access to these essential medications. The current administration has established the "Make America Healthy Again" Commission, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with a focus on addressing health challenges, including mental health disorders. This initiative has sparked discussions about the use of antidepressants. Both President DUMP and RFK Jr. have expressed intentions to scrutinize the "threat" posed by these medications… que eye roll…

While it's crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of any treatment, it's equally important to recognize the role SSRIs play in the lives of many individuals managing depression. 

Research has shown that yoga can improve depressive symptoms and anxiety in patients with major depressive disorder, offering a complementary approach to traditional treatments.

In my personal journey, combining yoga with antidepressants has been the key to managing my mental health. This combination gave me the mental stability I needed to get through my day-to-day life and eventually allowed me to focus on deeper healing and self-love. 

It's concerning that access to SSRIs and other life-saving medications may be under threat. We must advocate for comprehensive mental health care that includes a range of treatment options tailored to individual needs. 

Mental health care isn’t one-size-fits-all, and no one should have to fight for access to the treatment that keeps them afloat. Whether it’s medication, therapy, yoga, or a mix of everything, people deserve the right to choose what works for them. The reality is, without SSRIs, I wouldn’t have had the stability to explore other healing tools like yoga. We have to speak up, push back, and demand a mental health system that prioritizes care over politics. 

Because EVERYONE deserves the chance to heal.

Love,

Kristina