The Scale of Antidepressant Use Among Young Adults

Antidepressant prescriptions among Americans aged 18 to 24 have surged in recent years, with 16.5% of this demographic—over 5 million individuals—currently taking SSRIs or other antidepressants, according to a 2025 study published in BMJ Mental Health. A separate analysis by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that prescriptions for antidepressants among 12- to 25-year-olds increased by two-thirds between 2016 and 2022, raising concerns about overprescription and the lack of long-term safety data for pediatric and adolescent use.

While SSRIs remain a critical tool for managing depression and anxiety, their widespread use—particularly among young people—has sparked debates about whether they address symptoms or simply suppress underlying distress. Critics argue that overreliance on medication may delay access to psychotherapy, lifestyle interventions, or social support systems that could better address root causes of mental health struggles.

Public Figures Spearhead the Conversation

High-profile voices, including Ella Emhoff, the 26-year-old stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, have amplified these concerns. In a recent TikTok post, Emhoff shared her experience coming off SSRIs after 15 years of use, beginning at age 11. Her reflection aligns with a growing narrative among Gen Z about the unknowns of long-term SSRI use, including potential withdrawal symptoms, emotional blunting, and the difficulty of discontinuing medication after prolonged dependence.

“I’ve been on SSRIs for over a decade, and now researchers are calling out the lack of research on long-term use of these things. That means I was around 11 when I started taking them.”

Emhoff’s openness has resonated with peers who, regardless of political affiliation, are questioning whether their mental health struggles were medicalized too quickly—or if societal pressures (e.g., academic stress, social media comparison, economic anxiety) were misdiagnosed as clinical depression.

Expert Perspectives: Balancing Criticism with Caution

While figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have gained attention for advocating federal initiatives to help patients taper off antidepressants, mental health professionals emphasize that the conversation must be nuanced. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) acknowledges the risks of overprescription but warns against oversimplifying the issue.

“Blaming the mental health crisis solely on overmedicalization ignores the reality that millions of patients lack access to timely, comprehensive care—including therapy, peer support, and community resources,” said Dr. Theresa Miskimen Rivera, president of the APA. “Our priority is ensuring safe prescribing practices, evidence-based tapering protocols, and expanded investment in non-pharmacological treatments.”

The APA supports Kennedy’s call for better training for healthcare providers on tapering strategies but stresses that abrupt discontinuation can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, irritability, and flu-like symptoms. A 2023 study in JAMA Psychiatry found that only 30% of patients attempting to stop SSRIs did so without professional guidance, highlighting the need for structured support.

Key Considerations for Those Questioning SSRI Use

If you or someone you know is considering tapering or reevaluating antidepressant use, experts recommend the following steps:

• Consult a psychiatrist or primary care provider experienced in tapering. Abrupt discontinuation can be dangerous.
• Explore gradual reduction under medical supervision, with adjustments based on tolerance.
• Combine medication changes with therapy (e.g., CBT, ACT) to address underlying issues.
• Monitor for withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings, insomnia, or sensory disturbances, and report them promptly.
• Build a support network, including friends, family, or support groups like NAMI or Mental Health America.

For those who find SSRIs effective, the conversation isn’t about guilt or stigma but about informed decision-making. “Medication can be life-saving, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution,” notes Dr. Rachel Greenberg, a Harvard-affiliated psychiatrist. “The goal is to use it as part of a broader treatment plan—not as the sole intervention.“

Looking Ahead: Policy and Research Gaps

The federal government’s recent focus on mental health strategy includes initiatives to improve access to care, reduce stigma, and fund research on long-term SSRI effects. However, advocates argue more must be done to:

• Expand telehealth options for mental health services, particularly in underserved areas.
• Increase training for primary care providers on non-pharmacological interventions.
• Invest in studies on SSRI use in adolescents and young adults, including withdrawal protocols.
• Promote workplace and school-based mental health programs to address root causes of distress.

Gen Z’s growing skepticism may ultimately drive systemic change—but only if paired with evidence-based solutions and compassionate care.