From Worms to Wellness: RFK’s Controversial Health Agenda

A Controversial Appointment

President Donald Trump has appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the United States. Kennedy, who has openly admitted to struggling with heroin addiction during his university years, and who once revealed that a parasitic worm had infected his brain, is now overseeing American healthcare policies. His first target: SSRIs and other medications used to treat disorders such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).

The Kennedy Family and Mental Health

The Kennedy family has a complex history with mental health, most notably exemplified by the tragic story of Rosemary Kennedy. Rosemary, the sister of President John F. Kennedy and Senators Robert F. and Ted Kennedy, was born with intellectual disabilities. In an attempt to manage her mood swings and behavioral issues, her father, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., arranged for her to undergo a lobotomy in 1941 when she was just 23 years old. The procedure left her permanently incapacitated and unable to speak intelligibly. Rosemary spent most of her life in an institution, isolated from her family for many years.

Kennedy’s Broader Health Agenda

Kennedy’s appointment has been controversial due to his history of promoting anti-vaccine views and other conspiracy theories. Despite these concerns, the Senate confirmed his nomination with a narrow 52-48 vote.

Beyond targeting SSRIs, Kennedy has also pledged to take on “big pharma” and ultra processed foods with the goal of promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing chronic diseases. Among his proposals is the creation of self-sustaining “wellness farms” for individuals struggling with addiction. While this has gained some attention, it also faces criticism due to the lack of strong scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness.

Concerns from the Medical Community

Many medical professionals and experts have voiced concerns about Kennedy’s stance on SSRIs, arguing that these medications are safe and effective when used as prescribed. SSRIs play a crucial role in managing mental health conditions, helping patients achieve a balanced state of mind and improve their overall quality of life. The claims of SSRIs being more addictive than heroin have been widely disputed by experts in the field. According to the CDC, 13.2% of adults aged 18 and over used antidepressant medications in the past 30 days during 2015-2018. Use was higher among women (17.7%) than men (8.4%).

The Role of SSRIs in Mental Health

SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are commonly prescribed to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including PTSD, CPTSD, and ADHD. Kennedy has suggested that these medications could be more addictive than heroin, a claim that has been widely disputed by experts. Medical professionals argue that SSRIs are safe and effective when used as prescribed and that they play a crucial role in managing mental health conditions.

A systematic review found that SSRIs significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to placebo. However, it can take some work to find the right dosage. Individuals may respond differently to SSRIs, and what works for one person might not be as effective for another. It often requires some trial and error, under the supervision of a healthcare provider, to adjust the dosage to a level that provides the desired effects while minimizing side effects. This process can be frustrating, but it’s important to be patient and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to find the optimal treatment plan.

The Science Behind PTSD and CPTSD

PTSD and CPTSD, in particular, are treated with SSRIs. These conditions, caused by extreme trauma and/or repeated exposure to extreme trauma, can lead to brain damage. Doctors can use scans to observe the physical damage caused by these traumas and determine potential treatments. Paired with medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the brain’s neuroplasticity allows it to heal over time. Just like other organs, such as the kidneys and liver, the brain can malfunction, but science offers ways to help individuals recover from these malfunctions.

Mislabeling Vulnerable Individuals

Individuals who have endured PTSD or CPTSD have often experienced significant trauma and have likely engaged in self-reflection and therapy if they have a diagnosis and are receiving medication. These medications help balance brain chemicals that have been disrupted by external forces. Kennedy, an admitted heroin user, has labeled these individuals as addicts, portraying them as ‘junkies’ seeking their ‘fix,’ while these individuals argue that they “need” their medication to balance their brain chemistry to a baseline that others naturally have.

The Wellness Farms Proposal

In addition to his controversial views on SSRIs, Kennedy has proposed the creation of self-sustaining “wellness farms” for individuals struggling with addiction. During a virtual event in July 2024, Kennedy outlined his plan to address the country’s opioid epidemic by establishing these farms, where individuals could receive treatment in a tech-free environment while growing organic food. Kennedy suggested that these wellness farms would be funded by a sales tax on cannabis products. He argued that growing organic foods would help people recover from addiction, although this claim lacks strong scientific evidence.

Historical Skepticism

Kennedy’s proposal for wellness farms has been met with skepticism. Critics point out that similar initiatives in the past, such as the Federal U.S. Narcotic Farm in the 1930s, had limited success. The “Farm”, which operated from the 1930s to the 1970s, aimed to rehabilitate individuals with drug addiction through a combination of incarceration, therapeutic labor, and research. However, the success rate was disappointingly low, with only about 7% of patients achieving long-term recovery.

The wellness farm model has not proven to be as effective as medication-assisted treatments like methadone maintenance. Medication-assisted treatments have shown higher success rates in reducing opioid use, decreasing the risk of infectious disease transmission, and improving overall treatment retention. Moreover, this proposal sounds a lot like socialism and a commune rather than anything else, especially for a party that so vehemently claims to fight against this type of group control.

Parallels to Authoritarian Regimes

America often talks of terror attacks; however, they fail to address the terror that they consistently place upon their own citizens. Those who suffer from PTSD and CPTSD are among the most vulnerable in America. Many of these sufferers are military veterans who rely on the very medications that RFK aims to take away to maintain their health. To go after the most vulnerable in your community, threaten their hard-fought stability, and propose placing them in camps… Is that not terror in and of itself? This suggestion is wildly concerning considering America’s continued parallels to Nazi Germany and authoritarian control. During the Holocaust, one of the first groups targeted and put into camps by the Nazis were the mentally and physically disabled.

Conclusion

The outcome of the vote on Kennedy’s bill will determine whether his vision for addiction treatment will become a reality. As America continues to grapple with these controversial policies, it remains crucial to prioritize the well-being and dignity of its most vulnerable citizens.