A recent surge in antidepressant prescriptions in Russia paints a stark picture of the psychological toll inflicted upon its citizens. After four years of relentless conflict in Ukraine and living under Vladimir Putin’s increasingly authoritarian regime, Russians are reportedly turning to antidepressants at unprecedented levels.
This alarming trend suggests a deep-seated struggle with mental health, as individuals grapple with the daily realities of war, economic sanctions, and the pervasive atmosphere of a dictatorship. The ‘grinding war’ in Ukraine, often shielded from the public by state propaganda, nonetheless casts a long shadow over the nation, impacting families, futures, and the collective psyche.
The significant increase in antidepressant use serves as a powerful indicator of widespread distress, highlighting the hidden costs of prolonged conflict and oppressive governance on the everyday lives of ordinary people.
Source: Original Article
