Are We Over-Medicating?
The question of whether we as a society are over-medicating in the treatment of anxiety and other mental health concerns is an important one. Clearly, medications remain an important and sometimes life-saving treatment option. However, what is the long-term plan? This is an important question for any health condition - be it diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and so on. If we simply accept a pill as the answer to solve mental and physical problems, we have given up the chance to re-evaluate our lifestyle, to change our bad habits, and to do the inner work to help us understand ourselves so that we can acknowledge, accept, grow and become a better version of ourselves. Let's not lean exclusively on pharmaceuticals, but also take back the responsibility we each have to improve ourselves.
*Disclaimer: Sarah's story has been shared with permission and her name has been changed to protect her privacy.
Sarah, a 20-year-old college student, had always been a little anxious. Between exams, social pressures, and an uncertain future, she often found herself feeling overwhelmed. She self-diagnosed a panic-attack one morning before a midterm exam. When she visited her doctor for help, she was diagnosed with anxiety and handed a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication.
She hesitated. Did she really want to start medication at this point in life? She was otherwise healthy. Were there other ways to manage her stress without relying on a pill every day? Sarah had a childhood friend whose mother was a long-standing acupuncture advocate. So instead of heading straight to the pharmacy, Sarah decided to try something new for her - acupuncture.
After a few sessions, she noticed a shift. Her sleep improved, she felt more centered, and the waves of anxiety weren’t as overwhelming. Could it be that addressing her anxiety naturally was possible?
Medication: A Quick Fix or a Long-Term Solution?
Many doctors prescribe medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines to manage anxiety. While these drugs can be life-changing in severe cases, they also come with risks. SSRIs may take weeks to work and can cause side effects like weight gain, fatigue, and emotional numbness. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium, work quickly but carry a high risk of dependency and cognitive impairment (Cambridge Journal of Psychiatry, 2018).
But what if, in some cases, we didn’t need a pill to begin with? What if we had the chance to explore a deeper path to healing?
Acupuncture: Treating the Root, Not Just the Symptoms
Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for thousands of years to restore balance in the body. By placing fine needles at specific points, acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be just as effective as medication in treating anxiety disorders (Annals of General Psychiatry, 2021).
Unlike medication, acupuncture does not numb emotions or introduce chemicals into the body. Instead, it works with the body’s natural rhythms, helping individuals gain control over their anxiety while developing a deeper understanding of their emotional well-being.
Should We Medicate Every Problem?
Sarah’s story makes us question a common cultural habit: when did we start believing that every emotional struggle requires a prescription? While medication has its place—especially in severe or crisis situations—it shouldn’t be the only tool we turn to. Relying on pills alone robs us of the opportunity to do deeper inner work to understand and ultimately take actions to overcome or resolve the root causes of our struggles.
By choosing acupuncture, Sarah took the time to learn more about herself. She adopted mindful breathing techniques, improved her diet, and worked on identifying the triggers behind her anxiety. She realized that anxiety wasn’t just something to be “fixed” with medication—it was a message from her body that needed attention.
A Balanced Approach to Mental Health
To be clear, medication is sometimes necessary. But shouldn’t we ask ourselves: Are we reaching for a prescription too quickly? Are we exploring all of our options before committing to long-term pharmaceutical treatment?
Acupuncture provides a safe, effective way to manage anxiety without the side effects of medication. It offers a chance to heal from the inside out rather than simply masking symptoms. When combined with mindful practices, lifestyle changes, and, if needed, professional therapy, acupuncture can be a powerful tool for long-term well-being.
The Takeaway: Your Path to Healing
Sarah’s journey is a reminder that healing is not one-size-fits-all. If you or someone you love struggles with anxiety, consider exploring acupuncture as a natural, empowering alternative. Your health is in your hands. Will you reach for a pill, or will you choose a path that nurtures true healing?