Russians Spend Hundreds of Millions on Prozac: War Environment and Crisis Trigger Antidepressants
Russians are taking antidepressants in unprecedented quantities as they endure Vladimir Putin's dictatorship and nearly four years of war with Ukraine.
TL;DR
- Sales of antidepressants in Russia have nearly doubled, reaching over $270 million in the past year.
- The increase in antidepressant use is attributed to reduced stigma around mental health, stockpiling due to sanctions, and broader economic and social upheaval.
- Political repression, the war in Ukraine, international isolation, inflation, and economic decline have created a climate of fear and uncertainty.
- The worsening cost of living crisis has exacerbated concerns, with funding diverted from social services to support the war effort.
- Over a third of Russians believe the economy is worsening, and many struggle to afford basic necessities like food.
- The price of potatoes has significantly increased due to crop failures.