How do antidepressants work? More specifically SSRIs
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‘Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors’ work in the brain to help lift your mood. Basically, your brain uses chemicals to send messages between cells. One of these chemicals is called serotonin, which helps you feel happy and relaxed.
When you’re feeling down or depressed, you might have lower levels of serotonin moving between brain cells. SSRIs work by blocking the “reuptake” or reabsorption of serotonin back into the cells that released it. This leaves more serotonin available to move between cells, helping to boost your mood and make you feel better.
Think of it like this: Imagine serotonin as a bunch of tiny boats sailing between islands (the cells). Normally, some of these boats return to their original island, leaving fewer boats to reach the other side. SSRIs essentially prevent many of the boats from turning back, ensuring that more boats reach the other island, making it a livelier place.
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