Antidepressants were swimming in the rivers, and our bloodstreams were just as polluted as the waterways

Antidepressants were swimming in the rivers, and our bloodstreams were just as polluted as the waterways

Karen Thompson Walker is a renowned author known for her thought-provoking and imaginative storytelling. In her works, she often explores themes of fear, survival, and the impact of external forces on individuals and society as a whole. One of her most famous works, "The Age of Miracles," delves into the consequences of a slowing rotation of the Earth on the lives of ordinary people.

The quote "Antidepressants were swimming in the rivers, and our bloodstreams were just as polluted as the waterways" can be interpreted in various ways within the context of Walker's writing. One possible interpretation is that it reflects the pervasive influence of external factors on our internal well-being. In a world where antidepressants are so prevalent that they are found in the rivers, it suggests a society that is heavily reliant on medication to cope with the challenges of everyday life. This could be a commentary on the over-medicalization of mental health issues and the ways in which pharmaceuticals have become a crutch for individuals struggling with their emotions.

Furthermore, the comparison between the polluted rivers and our bloodstreams could symbolize the interconnectedness of the natural world and human existence. Just as the waterways are contaminated with antidepressants, so too are our bodies affected by the toxins of modern life. This could be a metaphor for the ways in which external influences seep into our internal selves, shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.