@Been
Sorry to hear that. Really discouraging. We are all suffering, all frustrated. But we cannot take this anger out on others, especially those in this community.
Doctors/psychiatrists are given pretty strict prescriptive guidelines, which include SSRIs as first-line treatment for anxiety/depression. All of these guidelines come from above. They have some discretion, but deviating heavily comes with potential harm and lawsuits.
There is no malicious intent, but a lot of ignorance in the medical community. Pharm companies don't know the long term effects of these drugs, nor do they care. They are a business. Month-long clinical trials establish their "safety." The medical associations use clinical trial efficacy/side effect profile information to guide medical care. I think they truly believe SSRIs are the gold standard -- best efficacy with few side effects. Doctors adhere to these standards.
Most general practice MDs have no understanding of the mechanisms/pharmacology of psychotropic substances. They really shouldn't even be allowed to prescribe them. It's a shame.