Part 5/16:
Despite ongoing medical efforts, current treatments seem to hit a ceiling. Traditional antidepressants such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have been around since the 1950s but haven't significantly improved success rates or safety profiles. Many people remain on these medications for decades, often without addressing their root causes. While these drugs can help some, they tend to numb or suppress symptoms rather than catalyze meaningful change.
Furthermore, the U.S. faces a paradox: technological and medical advancements have not translated into longer, healthier lives. Instead, rising rates of suicide and substance overdoses have become the leading causes of death, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative approaches.