008: A Different Approach to Anxiety and Antidepressants + Rising Suicide Rates with Dr. Ellen Vora

Jul 14, 2020

1 in 10 Americans are on antidepressants, a number that has increased by 400% between 1988 and 2008. 

When I saw these numbers I was shocked. I’ve seen people around me get prescribed antidepressants without any mention of potential risk, side effects, or the importance of seeking help when going off these types of medications.

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Ellen Vora about a holistic approach to mental health. We discuss how to manage anxiety, true informed consent for antidepressants, as well as her take on the rising suicide rates in the United States.

If you are triggered by discussions around anxiety, depression, psychiatric medication, or suicide, then this episode may not be for you. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call 1(800)273-TALK for support.

Episode Highlights: 

• 3:14 Dr. Vora’s journey from medical school to her eventual focus on holistic medicine and mental health  
• 6:38 What is anxiety and how does it manifest for different people?
• 8:49 True anxiety and false anxiety: which to overcome and which to lean into.
• 11:23 Why it’s so hard for us to sit in stillness with ourselves
• 15:23 Dr. Vora’s approach to treatment and helping people create a balanced life
• 18:01 The profound interconnection of our bodies and the impact of our gut on mental health
• 20:33 Where to start with lifestyle changes if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression 
• 25:01 Why being the “model” patient when it comes to a healthy lifestyle sometimes is a red flag
• 27:33 Clarity around SSRIs and antidepressants as tools for treating depression and anxiety
• 30:01 Creating a safe space to talk about mental health and medication
• 32:58 Why Dr. Nora tries to avoid antidepressants in her approach to treating depression
• 36:25 How family modeling can contribute to anxiety and depression
• 40:45 The significant piece of information that’s missing during informed consent conversations
• 46:52 Risks associated with taking antidepressants
• 50:36 Dr. Vora’s perspective on why suicide is on the rise in the United States

Links and Resources: 

• @ellenvoramd on Instagram
• ellenvora.com

Guest Bio:

Ellen Vora, MD graduated from Columbia University medical school, received her B.A. in English from Yale University, and she’s a board-certified psychiatrist, medical acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. Dr. Vora takes a functional medicine approach to mental health–-considering the whole person and addressing imbalance at the root, rather than reflexively prescribing medication. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Vora is also a writer, speaker, and consultant for healthcare startups.