[jordan_curve]

one common effect of SSRIs is that they can dull emotions. This is helpful and can be a positive effect if you are very depressed or get stuck in anxious spiraling.

If you're very stable and happy emotionally, then that dulling might be unpleasant.

Beyond that, while SSRIs tend to have fewer side effects and be more safe than many other classes of anti-depressants, even SSRIs have very noticeable side effects. They are very easy to stomach if they make a dramatic difference in your mood and quality of life, but if you were already mentally well the side effects will be more impactful than whatever benefits you might get.

[tokyolights2]

Exactly this. I take a low level of SSRIs because I am an otherwise highly functioning person who has a tendency to get into severe anxious spirals that can last days on end and induce vomiting. I do all the things that a person should do to mitigate, including meditating, exercising, lots of friends, etc etc.

I know that my medication dulls my most intense emotions, but that is the point. It is slightly sad knowing that I don't experience the highest highs that I used to, but it is completely worth it to stop experiencing the lowest lows that were completely debilitating. I would stop taking them immediately if I could be assured that I wouldn't fall back into physically debilitating anxiety.

[throitallaway]

Or, SSRIs dull you to the point of feeling like an observer (rather than participant) of your own life, which makes one even more depressed and hopeless.