Antidepressants & Your Mental Health: What You Need to Know

By Dr. Daniela Steyn, Wellness MD Health

Depression is one of the most common conditions people experience, with a lifetime estimate of about 12% for Canadians. At Wellness MD in Oakville, many patients arrive with questions about antidepressants, especially SSRIs. I wrote this blog to help answer some questions I am asked every day. Medication can be life‑changing for some, but it is never the whole story. In my experience, the strongest outcomes come from a combined approach: evidence‑based medication + psychotherapy + lifestyle medicine.

This guide will help you understand the benefits and risks of SSRIs, when they’re helpful, and why nutrition, movement, and therapy remain essential pillars of recovery.

🌿 What Are SSRIs?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They work by increasing serotonin availability in the brain, which can improve mood, sleep, and emotional regulation. This medication doesn't make serotonin; it rather decreases the breakdown. You can increase serotonin levels through physical exercise and the food you eat.

Most Common SSRIs Prescribed in Canada

Generic Name	Brand Name	Typical Dose Range*
Sertraline	Zoloft	50–200 mg daily
Escitalopram	Cipralex	10–20 mg daily
Citalopram	Celexa	20–40 mg daily
Fluoxetine	Prozac	20–60 mg daily
Paroxetine	Paxil	20–50 mg daily

*General information only. Dosing must be individualized by your prescribing clinician.

Benefits of SSRIs

SSRIs can be extremely helpful for:

• Moderate to severe depression

• Anxiety disorders

• Panic disorder

• OCD

• PTSD

• PMDD

They are generally well‑tolerated and considered safer than older antidepressants.

Risks & Side Effects to Be Aware Of

Most side effects improve within a few weeks. Common ones include:

• Nausea or digestive upset

• Headaches

• Sleep changes

• Sexual dysfunction

• Weight changes

• Increased anxiety during the first 1–2 weeks

Rare but serious risks include:

• Serotonin syndrome

• QT prolongation (especially with high‑dose citalopram your doctor will order an ecg)

• Increased suicidal thoughts in people under 25 (requires close monitoring)

Why Medication Alone Is Not Enough

Research consistently shows that the best outcomes occur when medication is combined with psychotherapy and lifestyle interventions. SSRIs can help stabilize mood, but they do not teach coping skills, rewire thought patterns, or address root causes such as inflammation, stress, sleep disruption, or nutritional deficiencies.

This is where our Wellness MD Psychotherapists, CBT providing MD's and Nutritionists play a transformative role.

The Power of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

CBT is one of the most effective treatments for depression and anxiety. It helps patients:

• Identify negative thought patterns

• Build emotional resilience

• Reduce rumination

• Improve problem‑solving

• Strengthen coping strategies

• 
  

CBT + SSRIs is more effective than either alone. Our Wellness MD Psychotherapist provides CBT‑based therapy tailored to your needs.

🍎 Lifestyle Medicine: A Foundational Treatment for Depression

Lifestyle psychiatry research shows that nutrition, movement, sleep, and social connection are core treatments, not optional add‑ons.

🥗 Foods That Support Mood

A Mediterranean‑style diet has been shown to significantly reduce depressive symptoms. Key foods include:

Eat More Of:

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale)

• Colourful vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, carrots)

• Omega‑3 rich fish (salmon, sardines)

• Nuts & seeds (walnuts, chia, flax)

• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)

• Whole grains (quinoa, oats)

• Olive oil

• Fermented foods (kimchi, kefir, yogurt)

Limit:

• Ultra‑processed foods

• Sugary snacks

• Alcohol

• Trans fats

• Highly refined carbohydrates

Our Wellness MD Nutritionist creates personalized plans that support both mental and physical health.

Exercise:

A 2024 BMJ meta‑analysis found that walking, jogging, pilates, and strength training significantly reduce depressive symptoms, with effects comparable to antidepressants.

Start with:

• 20–30 minutes of walking daily

• 2–3 strength sessions weekly

• Pilates or stretching for stress reduction

Movement increases BDNF (a brain‑healing protein), reduces inflammation, and improves sleep, three essential components of depression recovery.

🌱 Why Choose Wellness MD Health in Oakville?

At Wellness MD, we treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Our team supports you with:

• Psychotherapy (CBT‑based)

• Nutrition counselling

• Lifestyle medicine coaching

• Hormone and metabolic health optimization

• Collaborative care with your prescribing physician

Our goal is to help you feel better faster, stay well longer, and build a life of resilience and joy.

Ontario residents can book directly with our Nutritionist or Psychotherapist, no referral needed.

❓ FAQ: Antidepressants & Mental Health

1. Do I need medication for depression?

Not always. Many people improve with therapy and lifestyle changes alone. Others benefit from combining these with medication.

2. How long do SSRIs take to work?

Typically 4–6 weeks for full effect. Some improvements may appear earlier.

3. Can I stop my antidepressant once I feel better?

Never stop abruptly. Work with your health care provider to taper safely.

4. Are antidepressants addictive?

SSRIs are not addictive, but stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal‑like symptoms.

5. Can nutrition and exercise really help depression?

Yes! I am double board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine and so passionate about this topic. High‑quality research shows that exercise significantly reduces symptoms and improves long‑term outcomes.

6. Should I see a therapist even if I’m on medication?

Absolutely. Therapy addresses root causes and builds long‑term resilience.

💛 Ready to Start Feeling Better?

If you’re in Oakville or the surrounding area, our team is here to support your mental health with compassionate, evidence‑based care.

👉 Book with one of our Certified Nutritionists

👉 Book with one of our Psychotherapists

Together, we’ll build a personalized plan to help you reclaim your energy, joy, and well-being.