Should Christians Take Medication for Mental Illness?

[Angela53510]

From time to time we get people coming into this forum and talking about mental illness. While on the rare occasion, there might be a spiritual component, a lot of times, the real source is a disease of the brain, which causes a chemical imbalance.

I want to encourage everyone who works with someone who is going through any kind of mental illness, from major depression, through to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, to work with the medical community, but also with the Christian community.

For too long, the mentally ill have be condemned, instead of encouraged, helped and supported in the Christian community. I was supposed to start a Depression Support Group in January in my church, which I was really excited about. My church was also supportive, but a change in Rheumatoid Arthritis meds has me unable to follow through!

Anyway, this is a good blog to read by a pastor, about his experience with severe depression and anxiety, and how his attitude changed, when he was confronted by his own mental illness.

Should Christians Take Medication for Mental Illness? | Perry Noble Blog | Perry Noble � Senior Pastor of NewSpring Church
***Link fixed by 1still_waters***

Should Christians Take Medication for Mental Illness? | Perry Noble Blog | Perry Noble

 

[Elizabeth619]

I have been on anti depressants in the past. Along with Christian therapy. I am glad for both of them.

 

[Elizabeth619]

I have been on anti depressants in the past. Along with Christian therapy. I am glad for both of them.

To be honest I probably should seek therapy and/or medication again. Life is just not good for me right now. But I am not getting into that.

 

[Angela53510]

I have taken various medications when things were very black. Meditating on God's Word for the last 5 years has also been very healing for me

Sorry about the URL, not sure why it won't post properly!

 

[Tintin]

I believe that many people pop pills too readily. Much of the pharmaceutical world does far more damage than good but for something as serious and debilitating as mental illness, I think correct, regular medication would be necessary.

 

[Elizabeth619]

I believe that many people pop pills too readily. Much of the pharmaceutical world does far more damage than good but for something as serious and debilitating as mental illness, I think correct, regular medication would be necessary.

If a doctor isn't trained in mental health then they should refer a patient to a mental health doctor instead of medicating them. I see man physicians treat mental illness with medication when there needs to be an evaluation on exactly what the problem is and they dont do that.

 

[1still_waters]

I have taken various medications when things were very black. Meditating on God's Word for the last 5 years has also been very healing for me

Sorry about the URL, not sure why it won't post properly!

I fixed it.

 

[John_agape]

There is a common misconception that meds cure the problem. They don't. They reduce the symptoms.

Medication is a chemical crutch. This does not exclude a spiritual solution or support. The two can work great together. For example, if a person is so depressed that they are unable to function, then taking meds so that the symptoms are reduced can help the person adjust their life to reduce or deal with the cause of the depression. That will include a spiritual support.

Then there is the problem of doctors believing in the pharmaceutical industry's sales pitches. There are too many meds handed out like they were sweets. Meds are serious and do disrupt our biochemistry. That is what side effects are.

Just like praying before we eat, so we should pray before we take meds.

 

[Lucy68]

I think medication is useful in some instances but I do wonder about doctor's reluctance to look at a patient's diet and lifestyle. Most doctors are not trained in nutrition! Food affects our physical AND mental health. Lack of sleep is very detrimental to the mind. Stress is very hard on the body. Why don't we see more useful information about PREVENTING the cause of these problems instead of just how to treat the SYMPTOMS?

It doesn't take much research to see how contaminated our food supply really is. A real eye-opener for me was "Wheat Belly" by Dr. Davis. Modern wheat is very different from what our grandparents ate and it affects all parts of our bodies (the brain too). I've been wheat-free for over a month now and I feel so much better! I sleep better at night and I don't have the carb cravings that would lead me to overeat. Plus, my mental attitude is even better. Strange but true. There's another book called "Grain Brain" which I haven't read yet.

 

[jb]

I work in the health industry and it is ESSENTIAL that if a Christian experiences any kind of mental illness that they seek the proper medical advice as a matter of great urgency to get them stabilized, ALSO get your Christians praying for you AND to pray THROUGH for it!

So, what is the upshot of this, basically get medical intervention AND prayer so that our Beloved Lord, the Great Physician, will touch you will His healing hand!

Get the BEST from BOTH worlds!

If someone tells you to come off your medication (for various reasons) that has been prescribed by your doctor/health professional, DO NOT listen to them, continue to keep taking it and your physician will periodically review it!

Yahweh Shalom...

 

[damombomb]

Just my view. I have seen people do well with the right medication

 

[Angela53510]

I do agree that a holistic approach to mental illness is the right way to go. But initially, meds can tip the balance in the right direction, while working on eating correct foods, exercise and of course prayer and the Bible. The word of God is not without examples of depression.

Elijah, right after defeating the prophets of Baal on Mt Carmel, goes and hides in a cave, wanting to die. God simply told him to get up and eat! Interesting! I remember lying in bed one winter, in pain, not wanting to live, and remembering this incident. I got up and ate, and came out of Seasonal Affective Disorder instantly! But it may not work for everyone, although I sincerely believe that God can touch our hearts, minds and souls in ways we cannot imagine.

I love this portion of Scripture, by the Sons of Korah. It was the end of a long period of depression for me, recognizing that God understood depression, and I was not alone in this state of mind.

"Why am I so depressed?
Why this turmoil within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him,
my Saviour and my God." HCSB

 

[John_agape]

There are differences in mental health conditions. Schizophrenia cannot be compared with ADHD. ADHD is definitely not conduct disorder although conduct disorder shares enough symptoms to confuse the issue.

I have ADHD, but I don't consider it a disorder. I see myself as a part of the normal variations within the humankind. My ADHD is a part of my personality and I control with coping strategies the negative, and enjoy/develop the positive side. I am just different to most people, in the same way autistic people are different to most neurotypical people. I did once take ADHD meds, but I didn't feel myself.

Someone who has sensitive skin does not lie on the beach baking in the sun all day. This person wears a broad brimmed hat in the sun. Same with me and my condition. I am not everybody else, so I don't have to live like everybody else.

I learned to cope in my childhood and as long as I don't try to be like everyone else and accept my difficulties and my talents I live a normal life. ADHD people have talents.

I mentioned autistic. Often people talk of autistic as a group. It is not. There is a spectrum running from just off "normal neurotypical" on one end to so severe that the person cannot go out in public, even with a minder.

Each one of us is biochemically unique. What works wonders for one person can be devastating to another. I have a friend who considers Prozac the best thing since sliced bread. I am allergic to Prozac and the modern SSRI and SNRI antidepressants. In fact the side effects (plural) are so unpleasant, I feel no benefit, but long for the bliss of my depression. Also my metabolism goes berserk on these meds.

When I was at my worst, my psychiatrist prescribed a medicine with very few side effects, one of which was antidepressant. It works in the opposite way than the SSRI and SNRI antidepressants.

We also need to test our doctors. There are doctors who only push pills for symptoms, and there are doctors who try to establish the cause for the symptom and then find the best treatment for that cause.

So from my side I think take meds if they are necessary, and only as long as they are necessary, and go then for other forms of therapy/treatment. It is an individual choice.

And in all things pray and stay in a close relationship with God our creator. Be grateful for what we have. Most of us who are on this forum have far more to be thankful for than most people on this planet. This life, with its troubles, is but a season. Our relationship with God is eternal.

 

[David_1]

Things can go wrong in your body, that cause mental disturbance.

On a basic level, a migraine is a good example.

Alcohol can make your drunk.

So my point is, the body can affect the mind. So yes, Christians should take psycho-active medication with consultation from their Doctor.

Most people on this forum have not experience serious illness in their own bodies. But believe me once you do, you realise these things are out of your control.

The shame is not in being ill. The shame is when you stigmatise and blame the sick and infirmed for their illness.

 

[ji]

I think medication is useful in some instances but I do wonder about doctor's reluctance to look at a patient's diet and lifestyle. Most doctors are not trained in nutrition! Food affects our physical AND mental health. Lack of sleep is very detrimental to the mind. Stress is very hard on the body. Why don't we see more useful information about PREVENTING the cause of these problems instead of just how to treat the SYMPTOMS?

It doesn't take much research to see how contaminated our food supply really is. A real eye-opener for me was "Wheat Belly" by Dr. Davis. Modern wheat is very different from what our grandparents ate and it affects all parts of our bodies (the brain too). I've been wheat-free for over a month now and I feel so much better! I sleep better at night and I don't have the carb cravings that would lead me to overeat. Plus, my mental attitude is even better. Strange but true. There's another book called "Grain Brain" which I haven't read yet.

Thanks for that tip,also watch the documentary - 'Food Inc' if you can get it..Its another eye opener..

 

[Pres19]

My mother takes over 8 different pills a day for her illness but after so long they have to change what she is on because her body/mind becomes so use to it that it no longer works. Over the years these different medicines have made her worse.
I know some people need them but I'm not sure if I'm okay with something that is most likely going to cause you more problems than before.

I've been told by many doctors that I need medicine for my mental illness and my physical one as well.
I use to take a lot of medicine but I stopped once I gave my life to God. I can honestly say my health has never been better since I stopped all medicines. I won't even take anything for a headache.

So I'm not for it.
But that's just me.
Everyone is different though.

 

[ji]

From time to time we get people coming into this forum and talking about mental illness. While on the rare occasion, there might be a spiritual component, a lot of times, the real source is a disease of the brain, which causes a chemical imbalance.

I want to encourage everyone who works with someone who is going through any kind of mental illness, from major depression, through to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, to work with the medical community, but also with the Christian community.

For too long, the mentally ill have be condemned, instead of encouraged, helped and supported in the Christian community. I was supposed to start a Depression Support Group in January in my church, which I was really excited about. My church was also supportive, but a change in Rheumatoid Arthritis meds has me unable to follow through!

Anyway, this is a good blog to read by a pastor, about his experience with severe depression and anxiety, and how his attitude changed, when he was confronted by his own mental illness.

Should Christians Take Medication for Mental Illness? | Perry Noble Blog | Perry Noble � Senior Pastor of NewSpring Church
***Link fixed by 1still_waters***

Should Christians Take Medication for Mental Illness? | Perry Noble Blog | Perry Noble

Its because of our unbelief that we take medicine,...there are only few areas where human conditions affects a person mentally.Rest are all demonic.Starting an anti-depression group in Church is good if it goes along with Interceding Prayer.Keep Prayer first and talking it out second.Jesus is the real solution,and waiting upon God brings real Healing...
i have gone through many spiritual attacks that could take me to insanity.But by Grace of God i overcame....going to psychologists doesn't solve anything.....
modern psychology never solves problems....
Prayers can,...Good life styles and Healthy Habitat would be a Good support.
Above all Love them in God,things will Heal faster...
sedation never helps,its an excuse and stronghold of devil!

 

[Angela53510]

John, I do not think that this article in the OP is talking about spectrum disorders and issues like ADHD and ADD. Autism needs sometimes to be complimented with drugs. I have a cousin with Autism, and he has to take drugs for the anxiety and OCD, which developed because he was not receiving special help growing up, and was constantly in trouble for lack of impulse control in school. Had interventions been done, he would still be autistic, but probably not suffer so greatly from the accompanying mental illnesses.

I have one son with ADHD, and he has unfortunately developed a serious anxiety disorder and bipolar II as a result of being genius who had no impulse control, and was always in trouble in school. (Partly because he was bored to tears!) I have another son with ADD, who is doing well, knows his limitations, and works on his strengths.

One thing I did not mention, is there are actually FIVE axis of mental illness. I think this article was referring mostly to Axis I.

Axis I -Most often the focus of clinical attention. This includes schizophrenia, generalized anxiety disorder, major depression, bipolar I, and substance abuse. Axis I conditions are roughly analogous to the various illnesses and diseases recognized in general medicine.

Axis II - Personality disorders. A very broad based group of disorders, that encompass a variety of ways of relating to the world, such as borderline personality disorder, histronic personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder. Axis II provides a means of coding for long standing maladaptive personality traits that may or may not be involved in the development and expression of an Axis I disorder. Mental Retardation is also diagnosed as an Axis II condition.

Axis III. General Medical Conditions. The person may be diagnosed with having multiple psychiatric disorders, such as Panic Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder, disorders of personality such as Dependent or Avoidant, or potentially relevant medical problems such as Cirrhosis, Overdose or Cocaine usage.

Axis IV - Psychosocial and environmental problems. This group deals with stressors that have contributed to the current disorder, particularly those that have been present during the last year. These include things lie family, economic, occupational, legal etc.

Axis V - Global assessment functioning. This is where clinicians assess how well an individual is coping at the present time. A 100 point Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale is provided for the examiner to assign a number summarizing the patient's overall ability to function.

As far as all mental illness being satanic, and a result of our lack of belief, Ji, you have obviously never suffered a long bout of depression, due to having a serious and disabling genetic disease. Or due to your world generally collapsing on you, from any number of factors. Or you were not born with a predisposition to genetic illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar I.

In fact, the whole point of this post was to openly discuss the fact that even pastors can become mentally ill, but with professional care, and the help of community and God, there is hope to become stable. Perhaps Ji, you could read the link to the original article.

I have been a vegetarian for over 40 years, I exercise daily, I read my Bible and pray daily, and fellowship in my church. But I slipped into a deep depression as a result of pain, deformities of a serious disease. God has helped me through this disease, and made me into a stronger person, because of it. In fact, if I had never gotten sick, I would never have gotten the training to minister to those in long term care.

The Bible is a book about real troubles, real issues, and that includes suffering and mental illness. Sometimes we are not healed or delivered in this life. Instead, God uses our suffering to develop our character, and make us stronger Christians.

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [SUP]4 [/SUP]and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [SUP]5 [/SUP]and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

And you may have been actually attacked by demons, Ji. I know I was not, but rather God was shaping me for his glory!

** Abnormal Psychology James N Butcher, Susan Mineka, Jill M. Hooley, Pearson Publishers, Boston, 2007.

 

[Servant_of_Christ]

I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bi bolar, but you know what I think that we are just different and our thinking is more complex. But that doesn't mean there is something wrong with us.

 

[faroukfarouk]

My mother takes over 8 different pills a day for her illness but after so long they have to change what she is on because her body/mind becomes so use to it that it no longer works. Over the years these different medicines have made her worse.
I know some people need them but I'm not sure if I'm okay with something that is most likely going to cause you more problems than before.

I've been told by many doctors that I need medicine for my mental illness and my physical one as well.
I use to take a lot of medicine but I stopped once I gave my life to God. I can honestly say my health has never been better since I stopped all medicines. I won't even take anything for a headache.

So I'm not for it.
But that's just me.
Everyone is different though.

Presley: You must know your own thoughts.I agree that being a Christian brings a Godly balance to people's thinking. But for some people stopping taking prescribed meds without telling the doctor can lead to more problems.

Blessings.