According to Dr Robert Rowan's newsletter, SSRI anti-depressant drugs inhibit the absorption of calcium into your bones. Researchers found that daily use of SSRIs can cause a 4% reduction in bone mineral density in your hips. The lower spine lost 2.4% of bone density.
There are a great many drugs in this class, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft, are popular examples, and millions of women are given these drugs. The other thing they often do is lower blood pressure. If you have lower blood pressure you have more risk of falling. So your bones are weaker and you fall more – a sure prescription for disaster.
Besides that the drugs don't even work for your depression. " National Institute of Mental Health director, Dr. Thomas Insel, says SSRIs don't work for 70% of patients." So they don't do what you are taking them for and they increase the risk of bone fracture. A report from Natural News says that a new study has found that the drugs work no better than a placebo. It is a very good article here.
Unfortunately depression is common in post-menopausal women and a depressed person often does not make wise lifestyle choices. But there are other alternatives that are better for you and work better as well.
Dr Rowan says, "While chemicals force changes in your brain, nutrients encourage your body to correct the problem. St. John's wort, amino acids like tryptophan and tyrosine, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, SAMe, and of course the Living Foods Diet are among just a few of the alternatives you should try."
If you have read a recent study that St John's Wort was proven to be worthless for depression, just take it with a grain of salt. The study was done by a drug company and the St John's Wort that they used was inactive. Don't believe a word of what the drug companies say and you'll be better off.
Low thyroid and other low hormones lead to depression as well so you should have those checked. There are many lifestyle changes that can move you out of depression. Moving around more is a good one. Get a rebounder and start jumping every hour for just a minute. You will be surprised how it gets you into a different frame of mind.
I have been depressed myself at times in my life (as we all have) and I know there were always two voices within me. One was really sunk in the despair, unwilling to give it up, and the other was telling me to get on with my life. If you can only promise yourself to walk or rebound or dance for one minute a day in the beginning, then you can start back on the path to wellness and clarity.
May you be well and happy,
Pam