Dont cast shame on them, love them. You can find her at www.heatherriggleman.com. I think God sees a faith journey with medication, not a lack thereof. Then ask Him every morning to remind you of His love during the day and when anxieties threaten to overwhelm you, thank Him once again for His presence with you. Daily we should learn to be still before our Lord. Romans 16:17 cautions us about this being something that we can face. With these perspectives, medications for our physical, emotional, and mental pains can be part of our faith experience, not hindering it! The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. I have provided the links in the footnotes if you want to read each source further. Will it always be a thorn in our side, like myself? Though depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance, its also situational. But life was still difficult because of the anxiety. Abba hears your cries. New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. You need to learn how to manage these feelings so that youre capable of living your best life. Because when it comes to our hearts and minds, we hear an underlying message that says, "Jesus is enough." Here's a simple, and Biblical way to look at this topic! Should Christians use anti-depressants? I was sick of everyone telling me, Just believe more. We see this in the entire book of Job. But is this what God thinks? 212-348-5900. After reading both of these lists you should still talk to your doctor and spend time in prayer before deciding against taking antidepressants. Proverbs 19:2 is a helpful verse to . Like King Hezekiah (Isaiah 38), we're praying and relying on God to give us and the doctors wisdom to find the proper medication and process to help us thrive. 7 Reasons To Consider Taking Anxiety Medication Easily the most readily available drug is alcohol, and most of us are known to enjoy a glass of wine, for example, from time to time however, when taking anti-anxiety medication, you need to be cautious. Could be. You can also create your own once you understand what calms you. Your email is 100% safe. Mental Health Grace Alliance resources complement and promote professional services for additional and ongoing care. Dont lower your guard just because your depression is most likely caused by a chemical imbalance. Keep away from them. In these cases is when Christians should take medication for depressants. Depression can be passed down through generations and in these cases it is chronic. No. You may have wondered about these questions that we hear frequently: When approaching the question of medication, we walk our counselees through three questions that help clarify whether anxiety medicines would be an appropriate choice. This is why theyre helpful for anyone coping with depression. As I mentioned at the beginning, even if youre comfortable without medications - this is helpful for you to understand the topic in general and have compassion for others. They might have some recommendations before starting you on medication. Subscribe to the CompellingTruth.org Newsletter: Is it okay for a Christian to take mental health medicines like anti-depressants? I believe that Christians should only take antidepressants and anxiety medication when their feelings of depression are chronic and severe. The Bible says, "Cast all your anxiety . 10 Drinking Alcohol While Taking Anti Should You Take Anxiety Medication? A cure for social anxiety disorders. ScienceDaily. (We use this story in our curriculums for helpful insight and reflection). Of course not. We also dont know how long Timothy used the medicine (wine) for healing, whether for a short time or permanently to protect his stomach. Most medications will have minor to problematic side effects. God hears him and says He will extend His life (healing). Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The key is being educated about medications - not fearing them, just building awareness. It wasnt for nothing though, Job endured because of His commitment and faith to the Lord. Solicitation Disclosure Statement And surely I am with youalways, to the very end of the age. Within many Christian circles, the topic of taking antidepressants and similar medications for emotional or mental pain often comes with a lot of embarrassment and guilt. Your counselor can give you additional tools to actively combat your mental health outside of your medication. Certainly God can heal without medication ( Matthew 8:13; Matthew 9:22; James 5:14-15 ). DISCLAIMER: Living Grace, Redefine Grace, Family Grace, Thrive workbooks, free resources, blog articles, and all other resources are biblical and educational resources to provide support for mental health challenges and are not intended to replace or discontinue professional therapy and/or medical services, counsel, and treatment plans. Paul saw many incredible miracles through his ministry, including the healing of a disabled man (Acts 14:8-10), the resurrection of a dead man through prayer (Acts 20:9-12), protection from the deadly bite of a poisonous snake (Acts 28:3-6), and even healing and casting out of demons through mere physical contact with Pauls clothing (Acts 19:11-12). It keeps the world from spinning off its axis within our minds. No, taking anti-anxiety medicines is not wrong because you are doing it to find relief and the ability to function at an improved level. This chemical is what helps your brain to work normally and find happiness even when bad things happen. Probiotic/Gut Health is an important health consideration affecting anxiety. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It is not a sin to take medicine for depression. So how do you talk to your doctor about antidepressants? It hasnt been easy, but would I change it if I could? In the secular world at large there is a huge reaction these days against the overuse and dangers of anti-depressants. Though the general answer to this question is yes, it is not a blanket answer. One of the ways that He can do this is through medicine. Medication as a personal help (14:28) Expected pain and suffering in the Christian life (15:27) Being honest about our pain (16:47) No promise of answers to all of our questions (17:32) Self-forgetfulness instead of an inward focus (18:00) Practical tools for overcoming anxiety and depression (19:03) An invitation to carry our struggles to God . Although SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines are common treatments for anxiety, other medications are used, too. In addition, it is always helpful to address the spiritual component of our anxious thought patterns. Here are a few key verses that will help diminish fear and point your heart to God. If we got on medication the moment we feel depressed, we would all be on antidepressants by age 10. Life may go better in the short term on meds but working through the underlying emotions with a wise counselor has repeatedly been demonstrated to be a better long-term approach to anxiety. This Scripture points out that they had a common practice of having treatment and doctors for their health and healing. Anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities. This may be a dangerous approach for the two-thirds of people who don't respond well to or have negative effects from current treatment forms, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prescription drugs. He will keep your throat moist. Participation is voluntary. In part two of this article, I will expand on my answers and give a fuller explanation. You don't need to be drinking. Because every time they take their medication, it feels like theyre taking in more defeat than building up their most holy faith! You might have experienced trauma that caused you to encounter this mental battle. A part of you is tired and its hard to not believe these lies. This allows you to be more in control of your own thoughts. Are they both necessary? Benzodiazepines for anxiety work by slowing down the nervous system essentially muting the intense feelings of anxiety. Before we get started: It's important to recognize that feelings of anxiety could be a sign of underlying medical issues. Anxiety crops up when we least expect it. Even those with conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, which generally always require psychopharmacological treatment, may feel their faith is somehow less. They want to help you through this difficult time youre facing and give you a sense of comfort. What else besides medication might relieve anxiety? You are not alone. If you are considering medication, you would be smart to do some research with a trusted friend first. However, whether you are currently on medication, considering taking medication, or comfortable without medication, lets explore how the Scriptures reveal an optimistic view on this topic and end with some helpful tips! Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7, There is no fear in love. Shame sets in because we feel judged as weak and defeated. Even afterward, if they still disagree with you, be okay that they disagree with you; youre not any less, nor are they. Dont discount what youre going through. The Jesus is enough for everything counsel makes taking medications a personal failure issue, not a faith-building experience. After signing up, make sure to check your spam or junk folder so you dont miss out! If youd ever like to give a donation, you can do so here. Their job is to help you prioritize your health and stay healthy. The meaning of the Psalm means to: stop, cease striving and stop fighting. Just because we have the Holy Spirit living within us doesnt mean were invincible or exempt from having struggles with things like depression and anxiety. In 1 Timothy, Paul writes the following to Timothy when Timothy comes down with a physical ailment. Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges: The reference is to the custom for mourners to fast (cf. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The devil tempted Jesus by playing mind tricks on him and trying to get him to disobey the Lord. For some depression can be a result of their genetics or a chemical imbalance within their brain. If He didnt love you, youd have no reason to do this but He does love you, and therefore you can. For more information call Focus' counseling department at 1-855-771-HELP (4357) Monday . According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, benzodiazepines lose their therapeutic anti-anxiety effect after 4 to 6 months of regular use. That's what I used to think! Our body doesnt know any other way but to say no. I dont panic about my kids playing outside in the front yard. If God gave us anxious feelings as a reminder that he is in control, reminding us to trust him and worship him, then muting our anxious feelings to distract our anxious thoughts might actually be counterproductive to solving the root issues in the long run. On the other hand, wine had a wide range of medicinal purposes and was also used for a medicinal effect to help relieve depression/anxiety and for those mourning/grieving (see Proverbs 31:6, Jeremiah 16:7-8 the cup of consolation). *Again, showing the principle of care, not promoting strong drink(alcohol), because we have much better alternatives today. Maybe the medicine (wine) was part of Gods practical solution, the answer to prayer? Our heavenly wants us to be free of ailments and provided medicine for us to do so. Pregabalin. If you are the Son of God,he said, throw yourself down. the scriptural account and principle of medicinal purposes. Regular sleep almost always outperforms medicine as a treatment for anxiety. Ill discuss more practicals at the end, but I think this topic isnt so much about whos right or wrong or trying to find the right balance. Instead, one way is to have a broader understanding through Scripture because a broader perspective helps us have a more comprehensive, more informed dialogue. Is It Ok for Christians to Take Medication for Mental Illness? AND YES we should respond to our stressful hearts and minds with our spiritual values and practices with a grace-filled perspective and a whole-health/holistic approach (which we cover in many of our articles and resource materials). These are the four major categories of medicines that are used to treat anxiety, and all of them have side effects. Can Christians take antidepressants? I remember the very first time I ever had to deal with someone who told me they were struggling with anxiety and depression. Anxiety is both a mental health issue and a spiritual issue. So imagine if your pastor is promoting . Though feelings of depression are unbearable and can steal your joy, you should not automatically get on antidepressants. Depression and anxiety are serious ailments and it is Biblical to seek help. Finally, if you are currently in a battle with your depression and facing suicidal thoughts, please dont give up. Many courageous acts are energized by responding to fearful thoughts. Friend, trust me when I say that I know this isnt as easy as it sounds. Be strong and courageous. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. We are to prioritize our time with Him and listen to what our bodies need. Further, we have seen that anxious thinking must be addressed for serious progress to be made and that anxiety is an opportunity for worship and trusting God despite our fears. Medication is a faith-building experience. Anxiety: When should Christians take medication? Timothy had a stomach bug and in these times they didnt have medicine, so they used alcohol to help instead. If He loved you enough to send His only Son into the world to die for you, wont He continue loving you, both now and forever? Your God is holding you and wants you to speak truth into your life. Its a result of sin that we must endure difficult trials and some ways that Christians can experience suffering is through depression and anxiety. Our minds and our bodies are enormously complicated; sometimes things dont work the way they should, and medicine may be necessary. 2 Samuel 3:35), whereupon their sympathetic friends brought them bread and wine to console them; [the cup of consolation] on the principle statedProverbs 31:6. We can ask for our brothers and sisters in Christ to lay aside their assumptions and rest their hands upon us. Will He use friends, Biblical counselors, intercessory prayer and medication? We are sometimes embarrassed of mental health illnesses such as depression or anxiety, believing that if we were truly following God we would not struggle with such maladies. Paul doesnt touch a handkerchief and sends it to Timothy to be healed.
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