![]() Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. We encourage you to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medications or treatments. In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the potential long-term effects of antidepressant use. While millions of people rely on these medications to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that extended use may come with its own challenges. For individuals currently on antidepressants or for those exploring alternatives to medication, bioenergetic somatic practices are emerging as a powerful way to support nervous system regulation naturally. Here, we examine both the long-term effects of antidepressants and alternatives like somatic practices to empower those seeking more integrative approaches to mental health care. What We Know About Long-Term Antidepressant Use: Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for mood disorders. While they can be life-saving for some people, long-term use is raising concerns with some health professionals and patients alike. Potential Undesired Effects of Long Term Use
The Bioenergetic and Somatic Approach to Nervous System Regulation For individuals who experience limitations or side effects with antidepressants—or those simply exploring medication-free paths to mental wellness—bioenergetic somatic practices offer an alternative for managing the nervous system. These practices focus on regulating the body's stress response, reducing emotional overwhelm, and fostering healing at the physical and energetic levels. They work by helping the nervous system return to a state of balance, empowering individuals to process and release stored tension or trauma. What Are Bioenergetic Somatic Practices? Bioenergetics is a body-centered approach to therapy that integrates movement, breathwork, and energetic awareness to release pent-up energy or unprocessed emotions stored in the body. Somatic practices focus on reconnecting with bodily sensations in order to process emotions from the "bottom up" (from the body to the brain), rather than the "top down" (from thought to action). Here are some examples of bioenergetic somatic practices.
Why Nervous System Regulation Matters Both antidepressants and somatic practices ultimately aim to restore balance to the body’s nervous system. When the nervous system is dysregulated—whether due to chronic stress, trauma, or lifestyle—emotional health naturally suffers. Somatic practices teach individuals to develop increased awareness of and control over their state of regulation. For example:
Finding Balance: Antidepressants and Bioenergetic Practices While bioenergetic somatic practices can be beneficial, it’s important to note that they are not a "replacement" for antidepressants. For those who use antidepressants, integrating somatic work alongside medication can enhance emotional regulation, improve body-mind awareness, and reduce reliance on external interventions over time. For those aiming to avoid or transition off antidepressants, incorporating bioenergetic practices into a comprehensive treatment plan, ideally supervised by a healthcare practitioner, may provide a viable path forward. This approach is about integrating both the science of emotional health and the wisdom of the body. As awareness of the undesired long-term effects of antidepressants continues to grow, it is essential to explore holistic and empowering alternatives for managing mental health. Bioenergetic somatic practices hold tremendous promise for individuals seeking non-pharmacological ways to regulate their nervous systems, release stored stress, and foster emotional resilience. What’s most important is finding a path that feels aligned with your individual needs. Whether that involves long-term medication use, somatic practices, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches, mental health care should always be about empowering people to thrive. Remember: Consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or treatment plan. Healing journeys are not one-size-fits-all. If this topic resonates with you, consider joining the QuEST Academy. This small step can open the door to greater well-being.
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Shawna isan observer of natural laws and patterns,a lover of learning, a proud mother, adoring grandmother, redeeming daughter (sorry for causing you trouble grwoing up, mom & dad) and passionate about serving YOU! <3 CategoriesArchives
May 2023
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