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One of the most common questions I am\u00a0asked has to do with taking an antidepressant for depression. People wonder if it is wrong for a person of faith to rely on medication.<\/p>\nOne of the most common questions I am\u00a0asked has to do with taking an antidepressant for depression. People wonder if it is wrong for a person of faith to rely on medication.<\/p>\n
Before I answer,\u00a0we need to be careful not to judge people as to why they take medication. There are many reasons people may need an antidepressant. For example, depression can be a secondary effect of a disease like cancer, heart disease, or other syndromes and disorders. When depression is medically induced, it often takes a medical solution to correct the biological changes that result from the disease. Also, depression can be a side effect of taking certain medications like beta blockers, corticosteroids, stimulants and more. And there are people more genetically prone to depression due to their genetic make-up. This doesn\u2019t mean depression is automatic, but it may mean that as life circumstances pile up, depression can result.<\/p>\n
Antidepressants are\u00a0useful for depression treatment. Their use is usually determined by the cause of the depression and the response to other types of treatment.\u00a0For example, people with bipolar depression\u00a0usually need to be on a mood stabilizer in order to control mania and psychosis. This type of depression is treated with medication as a first line treatment. Other types of depression, like major depressive disorders, persistent depression, etc., need a focus on the root of the depression and what it takes to keep a person safe and functioning. Medication is often necessary. Sometimes it is life saving.<\/p>\n
The choice isn\u2019t between medication or faith. Both can work together.\u00a0We know God is our ultimate healer and we pray for healing. Taking an antidepressant is not a lack of faith any more than taking insulin for diabetes is a lack of faith. God works through modern medicine\u00a0to heal and stabilize people.<\/p>\n
One of the benefits of using a medication is that it sometimes improves mood enough for people to revitalize their spiritual lives. Antidepressants\u00a0don\u2019t replace spirituality, but can be an agent towards better functioning again. And because medications treat symptoms,\u00a0you still have to work on the causes of clinical depression.<\/p>\n
An important step in healing is to build faith through the Word of God. Claim God\u2019s promises for a sound mind and peace. Stand on the Word no matter how you feel. Continue to renew your mind.\u00a0If you find you need medication along the way, you haven\u2019t let God down. Use what you need.<\/p>\n
Finally, be willing to explore all aspects of the depression. For example, are you holding on to anger and hurt, are you\u00a0getting sleep or\u00a0running yourself\u00a0in the ground, do you\u00a0think negatively about most situations, do you\u00a0need to change your\u00a0behavior and thinking? Lifestyle changes and talk therapy are powerful in terms of depression treatment.<\/p>\n
Medications should not be used\u00a0to avoid parts of life in need of change.\u00a0But they are an aid that is sometimes necessary given the multiple causes of depression. There is no shame in taking an antidepressant to feel better. Always ask your prescriber about the safety, side effects and benefits to risks for you. Once you are informed, you can make a decision just like any other type of medical treatment. And as you would with all other medical treatments, pray for discernment. Use the treatments available to treat your disorder if those will help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One of the most common questions I am\u00a0asked has to do with taking an antidepressant for depression. People wonder if it is wrong for a person of faith to rely on medication. Before I answer,\u00a0we need to be careful not to judge people as to why they take medication. There are many reasons people may…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":419,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4100],"tags":[3504,4081,1736,4457,4456],"class_list":["post-10956","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health","tag-antidepressants","tag-clinical-depression","tag-depression-treatment","tag-faith-and-medication","tag-faith-and-science"],"yoast_head":"\n