A Culture of Overprescription

In a world where mental health issues are on the rise, society has increasingly turned to psychotropic medications as the default solution for conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. However, as these substances become more widely prescribed, we must ask ourselves: Are these medications truly the best solution, or simply the most convenient?

At the Live Pure Project, we believe that psychotropic medications should be the absolute last resort, not the first line of defense. A holistic approach—one that incorporates lifestyle changes, dietary shifts, mindfulness, and connection to nature—offers long-term healing rather than temporary symptom management.

The stark contrast between Western societies, where these drugs are widely prescribed, and Eastern cultures, where mental health is often addressed holistically, raises an important question: Why are we so quick to medicate rather than explore the root cause of mental distress?

Pharmaceuticals: A Double-Edged Sword

Psychotropic medications, including SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), benzodiazepines, and stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin, are designed to alter brain chemistry in an attempt to alleviate symptoms. However, the reality is that these medications come with a myriad of side effects, ranging from dependency and withdrawal to suicidal thoughts and emotional numbness.

Consider Prozac, one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. The FDA has placed a black box warning on the drug due to its association with increased suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. This serves as a stark reminder that while these medications may ease symptoms in the short term, they can also introduce new dangers—sometimes more severe than the original condition.

The Missing Element: The Mind-Body Connection

The Western medical model often separates the mind from the body, treating mental illness as a chemical imbalance rather than an interconnected, systemic issue. This mindset ignores fundamental aspects of mental well-being, such as:

• Diet – Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin D, have been linked to depression and anxiety.

• Physical Activity – Regular exercise has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression.

• Nature Exposure – Spending time outdoors reduces stress, inflammation, and cortisol levels, offering a natural antidote to anxiety and mental fatigue.

• Mindfulness & Meditation – Practices like yoga, Qigong, and deep breathing techniques can help regulate the nervous system and promote long-term emotional balance.

Meanwhile, Eastern healing systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, recognize that mental health is deeply connected to the body’s energy balance, diet, and spiritual well-being. These ancient practices have been used for centuries to restore balance without pharmaceutical intervention.

Mongolian Shamans: A Holistic Approach to Autism

One striking example of alternative healing comes from Mongolian shamans, who have reportedly had success in treating autism without pharmaceutical drugs. Their methods are deeply rooted in spiritual traditions, incorporating:

• Rituals, drumming, and immersive healing experiences

• Energy balancing techniques that involve the entire family unit

• Nature-based practices that ground and stabilize emotional imbalances

One case study revealed that a non-verbal child began speaking in full sentences after weeks of shamanic healing, reinforcing the idea that autism and other neurological conditions may respond to non-invasive, energetic therapies rather than pharmaceutical suppression.

This stands in stark contrast to the Western model, where children diagnosed with autism are often placed on powerful medications that dull symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes.

The Silent Epidemic: Adderall and Ritalin

ADHD diagnoses have skyrocketed in the Western world, with millions of children being prescribed stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. While these drugs may improve focus and impulse control in the short term, they are also:

• Highly addictive, classified as Schedule II controlled substances (the same category as methamphetamine).

• Linked to anxiety, insomnia, and long-term cognitive impairment.

• Overprescribed in the U.S., whereas countries like Sweden and Norway take a far more restrictive approach.

Why is ADHD diagnosed far less frequently in countries that do not rely on pharmaceutical interventions? Could it be that our fast-paced, overstimulated culture creates conditions that make focus difficult, rather than ADHD being a universal biological disorder?

This overreliance on medication highlights a systemic issue—one that treats children as problems to be fixed rather than individuals to be nurtured.

The Mindful Approach: Redefining Mental Health Treatment

At the Live Pure Project, we advocate for a paradigm shift in mental health care—one that prioritizes:

• Dietary healing through whole, nutrient-dense foods

• Daily movement and connection to the body’s natural rhythms

• Emotional healing that addresses trauma, stress, and energy imbalances

• Spending time in nature, allowing the nervous system to reset and regulate

Traditional cultures have long recognized that the body and mind are deeply intertwined—that healing one without addressing the other leads to temporary solutions, not lasting change.

Conclusion: Moving Away from Medication as the Default

The growing dependence on psychotropic medications is a crisis that requires urgent re-evaluation. While these drugs may serve a role in extreme cases, they should never be the first option. Instead, holistic healing, lifestyle changes, and spiritual well-being should be the foundation of mental health care.

The body and mind are not broken—they are out of balance. And balance is not achieved through medication alone.

By embracing a mind-body-spirit approach, we can break free from pharmaceutical dependency and foster true, lasting mental health. The question is: Are we willing to step outside the system and reclaim our natural ability to heal?