Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of citalopram, an SSRI antidepressant, in the system of former Philippine public official Maria Catalina Cabral, who died on December 19, 2025, following a fall in Benguet. Authorities have stated the death is being treated as suicide, with no evidence of foul play, and the investigation remains ongoing.

In response to public discussion, the Philippine Psychiatric Association cautioned against linking antidepressants to suicide, emphasizing untreated depression as a risk factor and noting that SSRIs are considered safe when appropriately prescribed and monitored.

MISSD supports informed consent and transparency about known medication risks so that healthcare consumers, providers, and family members can be better informed prior to prescription. All SSRIs carry a black box warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for increased suicidal thoughts and behavior, particularly during treatment initiation or dose changes. Akathisia—a severe, medication-induced state of inner agitation—remains underrecognized and can contribute to suicidal crises.

We extend our condolences to Ms. Cabral’s family. Learn more at missd.co and read the full article at https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/12/30/2497741/psychiatrists-warn-against-linking-antidepressants-suicide.

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re sincerely grateful to everyone who supported our mission. MISSD’s awareness, education, and prevention efforts reached national and global communities — and we’re moving forward with big goals for 2026.

If you’re still considering an end-of-year, tax-deductible gift, there’s still time. Your support helps make this vital work possible.

Whether you share our free resources, take our courses, or make annual tax-deductible gifts, MISSD is thankful for your support. Contributions can still be made for 2025 through our easy donate link on the homepage, or by mail. Supporters will receive a receipt for tax credit. Together, we continue to make a positive difference for others.

Sending good wishes for a happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate. As families and communities gather together, we honor the resilience, hope, and courage that this holiday represents. Chag Sameach!

This New YorkTimes article about how long antidepressants are used mentions common SSRI issues like weight gain and changes in blood pressure, as well as withdrawal effects like dizziness, fatigue, or “brain zaps.” But it doesn’t include withdrawal akathisia, extreme anxiety, suicidality, or suicide — symptoms that many people experience and symptoms that are often dismissed or misunderstood. It’s a real missed chance to broaden understanding and support for people dealing with SSRI withdrawal.
Read the article at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/well/mind/antidepressant-duration.html.

Natalie would celebrate her 32nd birthday today if not for misguided prescribing and mistreated akathisia. MISSD has worked hard for more than a decade to ensure others are better informed about critical drug risks vs possible benefit. Our Akathisia Stories podcasts shares the lived experiences of real people to help reduce medication harms.

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a new safety alert for GLP-1 drugs—including Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Trulicity, and Mounjaro—highlighting potential risks of new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual mood changes.

The TGA acknowledged a complex relationship between medication effects, mental health, and rapid weight loss. The agency has received more than 70 reports of suicidal ideation and additional reports of suicide attempts or deaths among users.

MISSD believes all patients deserve truthful, transparent information about the risks of medication-induced symptoms that can lead to self-harm or suicide. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis of medication-induced akathisia and other adverse effects can save lives.

Read the full article at https://www.qoo10.co.id/en/international/50876/watchdog-updates-safety-warnings-on-ozempic-like-drugs-over-suicidal-thoughts-risk/.

Whether you support our mission with a tax-deductible gift, or by sharing our free resources with colleagues, family and friends, MISSD is grateful to have so many thoughtful people dedicated to saving lives and reducing avoidable harms. See our Constant Contact message and highlights here https://conta.cc/42p3aDG

New VA legislation encourages the use of AI tools to identify veterans at risk of suicide. For these systems to truly protect veterans–and everyone–MISSD believes they must include information about akathisia and medication-induced suicidality. Avoidable deaths can be prevented when the causes, risks and symptoms of akathisia are better understood, recognized and treated.

Read the full article at https://www.military.com/daily-news/investigations-and-features/2025/11/20/lawmakers-va-use-ai-help-prevent-veteran-suicide.html?ESRC=eb_251201.nl.

At Michigan’s State Capitol last week, veterans, clinicians, and caregivers united to advance safer mental health care. Together, we’re raising awareness of medication-induced harms including akathisia and suicide — because every life matters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V38eplKFnTU