Druged up

Something I have been thinking about lately is how not that long ago, a few people were considered to have a "chemical imbalance" and for that reason were put on an antidepressant to increase their seritonin/norepi levels.  Now, at least in America, a very large portion of the population is on some form of antidepressant.  Maybe even a majority of the country.  I know I have been on SSRI's and SNRI's for some acute episodes in my life in which I was extremely stressed or under a great deal of duress.  But why are so many people chronically on antidepressants?  My best guess is our sedentary lifestyle.  Activity, work and exercise all release endorphins that cause us to feel good. Over time our culture has progressively become less and less active.  Without activity, endorphins are not released and people feel all around shitty.  So why do we even go down the SSRI/SNRI road?  Well, in my opinion it's because it's simpler than exercise and requires less work.  Not to mention is helps to fund the machine (big pharma, doctors get recurring copays, pharmacies get Rx refills).  But really is that in your best interest? I have long since quit my SNRI and I feel fine.  The more active I am the better I feel. I think for the most part we would feel better if we worked and played harder.  I hope that this is becomes a movement in our culture but I fear for the worst.  Unplug your TV, shut off your tablet, stop reading this blog and do something.  Anything.  Exercise.  Release some endorphins and you will be surprised at how good it feels. 

(just to be clear, I do understand some people have a legitimate need for SSRI's and I am not belittling that, but I think that as a culture we need to become more active and we will feel better)