The Truth about Psych Med Truths

Psychiatry Information: What You May Not Have Been Told

If you’re here, you may be:

  • Questioning your medication
  • Struggling with side effects
  • Trying to understand your symptoms
  • Or supporting someone who is

This page is not here to create fear. It’s here to offer clear, honest information, so you can better understand what may be happening in your body and make informed decisions, at your own pace.

Take your time - There’s no rush.

The “Chemical Imbalance” Myth

For a long time, we were told that feeling depressed or anxious was caused by a “chemical imbalance” in the brain or having a lack of serotonin. This made it sound like your brain was simply "broken" and needed a pill to fix it.

However, huge new studies have looked at all the evidence and found that this isn't actually true.

Professor Joanna Moncrieff, a leading expert, led a massive review that changed how we look at mental health.

Here is what the research really shows:

  • Low serotonin doesn't cause depression: There is no solid evidence that having less serotonin makes you depressed. You can watch Prof. Moncrieff explain this in simple terms in this short video and in this in-depth video.
  • There is no test for a "chemical imbalance": No doctor can do a blood test or a brain scan to prove your chemicals are "out of balance." It was a theory that was never actually proven.
  • Your life matters more than your brain chemistry: Instead of a broken brain, research suggests that things like stress, trauma, and your environment are the real reasons we feel the way we do. This article from Mad in America breaks this down in a very easy-to-read way.

What this means for you:

If you are feeling depressed or overwhelmed, it’s not because you were born with a chemical defect. Your feelings are a real response to what you’ve been through. Knowing that the "chemical imbalance" is a myth means you can stop blaming your biology and start looking at ways to help your nervous system heal.

Ready to take the next step in your healing journey?

Explore my Tapering Page Or continue to learn more about Psychiatric Meds