Why is Gen Z struggling with anxiety and depression—and are Americans relying too heavily on psychiatric medications to address the mental-health crisis?

In this episode of The Brief: Insights From The Inside, Shabbos Kestenbaum sits down with Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a board-certified psychiatrist, former FDA medical officer, and founder of TaperClinic, to examine antidepressants, psychiatric overprescribing, and why so many young Americans are struggling with their mental health. Dr. Witt-Doerring challenges the way depression is diagnosed and treated, discusses the potential side effects of SSRIs, and explains why sleep, exercise, diet, relationships, and social connection deserve greater attention alongside medical treatment.

The conversation also explores Gen Z loneliness, declining friendships among young men, social media, and the growing looksmaxxing trend. Shabbos opens up about his own experience with anxiety, depression, and psychiatric medication as the two discuss a fundamental question: Are we addressing the underlying causes of mental-health struggles—or simply treating the symptoms?