I live with a physiological disorder of depression and anxiety. Using medicine didnt make Timothy any less in the eyes of God or Paul; it was simple medicine to help the healing process to help regain strength to fulfill his calling in life and he did! Mental health medications are serious drugs and have side effects that should be taken seriously. One of the most outstanding leaders of the New Testament Church counsels the use of medicine. The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy not to drink water only but to start drinking some wine for his chronic digestive and stomach issues (1 Timothy 5:23). For example, some antidepressants can have more adverse side effects for people age 24 and younger. God could have provided immediate healing; instead, God blesses the use of their modern-day medicine. Furthermore, from a spiritual perspective, God has given you many resources to battle effectively against anxiety. Copyright 2011-2023 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. Medicine as an answer to prayer. Reach out for help. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Overall, if the spiritual disciplines dont work, this approach makes medication a last resort which comes across as a personal failure issue (weak or lack of faith). Alvin A. Rosenfeld, MD 54 Canfield Dr, Stamford, CT 06902. I remember the very first time I ever had to deal with someone who told me they were struggling with anxiety and depression. It can be an effective treatment for anxiety. No doctor would responsibly do that, even though the questions surrounding the opioid crisis and similar critiques of psychiatric medicine have some uncanny similarities to promises of psychiatric medicine and are thought to accidentally create chemical dependency as well. It may take the edge off, but matching it with a healthy lifestyle and even therapy will result in the most significant outcome with the most benefits for your overall well-being. We all experience feelings of depression. In addition, let the Bibles promises fill your mind and heart. Its interesting to note that each of these types of medicine works to increase or decrease a normal biological process regarding how the body responds to fearful, worry, or anxious thought processes. Hey guys, I'm sure many of you have seen my posts in the past that deal with anxiety. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Natural Strategies for Treating Anxiety (for science source study see footnotes), Counseling One of the more common questions we get asked when helping those with fear, worry, and anxiety is whether they should use anti-anxiety medication. He cried to God and asked Him why he must endure the suffering he went through. Click here to find more depression hotline numbers. Focus on the Family may be able to help you locate a licensed and qualified Christian psychologist, therapist, counselor or psychiatrist in your area. We dont know. Once you understand the type of anxiety you're dealing with, you can start to explore measures with a physician or mental health professional who can help you manage the symptoms. These medications help restore balance and reduce suicidal and depressing thoughts. Hezekiah's healing comes from the medicinal agents of that time, a cake of figs to be applied on his skin. Our God is so good and cares for us, so we can have faith that we are not fighting this battle alone. Cry out to your father and rely on Him for your strength. There is a reason that you are in the situation you are. He has the power to redirect our thoughts and bring us joy even in our darkest moments. Get your FREE Practical Change Worksheets! Billy Graham once said: At its best, anxiety distracts us from our relationship with God and the truth that He is Lord of heaven and earth (Matthew 11:25). How can you discern whether its a chemical imbalance or a spiritual attack? To love and encourage your family in Christ who is battling depression and on antidepressants. At the time I didnt realize it was anxiety, I was convinced there was a serious health issue. He likens it to the lack of medicine ("balm of Gilead) and doctors for healing and restoration. Common BuSpar side effects may include: headache; dizziness, drowsiness; sleep problems (insomnia); nausea, upset stomach; or. Medications can be helpful but are still imperfect, so educate yourself and create a feedback loop with your doctor. Warning: If you are currently taking any psychiatric medicine, the only safe way to stop taking them is with your doctors help. Although some people may use medication for long term symptom relief, others may take anti-anxiety medication temporarily. 1. Our Heavenly Father is always in control of every situation and He only allows what is within His will. 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. Rather than condemning us in our fear, Jesus extends an invitation to trust him despite our fears and responding to this invitation changes lives. Get your free "Would You Be A Good Biblical Counselor?" [3] To say that the science of anti-anxiety medication is unsettled is certainly a fair statement. I will begin by saying that I am not a medical doctor or even a licensed counselor so these are merely my views and should not be taken as medical advice. Ultimately, we're relying on doctors and Gods love, care, and wisdom to be evident in the whole process. You can cause physical harm to yourself by foolishly quitting medicines cold turkey. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161221090117.htm (accessed October 13, 2019). He is the constant in the everchanging world and will bring beauty from your difficult situation. (No longer drink only water, butuse a little winefor the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.). Sadly, anxiety disorders are on the rise which makes it critical for the Church to understand the epidemic on our hands. The Bible says, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Then the devil took him to the holy cityand had him stand on the highest point of the temple. There is a large misconception that Jesus alone is enough, so we shouldnt seek medical help. SSRIs, most commonly used for depression treatment are often used in longer-term anxiety and work by increasing serotonin available to the brain. How should a Christian deal with depression? There is a distinct difference between the sin of anxietyand the mental health disorder of anxietythat is characterized by physical changes in the brain. Do not lose heart in your situation. People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders. Additionally, the Scripture is clear about abusing or being addicted to alcohol (Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:21, Isaiah 5:22, Hosea 4:11, Ephesians 5:18, Titus 2:3). Dawn Wilson Many Christians rightly have approached psychoactive medications with caution, worried that such prescriptions might smother deeper spiritual issues. 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. Copyright 2023 Biblical Counseling Center. 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. Its either because its a spiritual attack or a chemical imbalance within your brain. You might have experienced trauma that caused you to encounter this mental battle. It hasnt been easy, but would I change it if I could? Medicine and doctors as symbols of Gods blessing and restoration. a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out. Get your free "4 Reasons Why Lay Counseling Is Effective" Resource! For those of us living with anxiety, it feels as though our feelings and thoughts are actively trying to kill us. However, we are skeptical about the ability of anxiety meds to overcome serious anxiety for the long-term, because the science that supports this skepticism is vast and credible. Though feelings of depression are unbearable and can steal your joy, you should not automatically get on antidepressants. Get your free "5 Mistakes Churches Make" Resource! So, Pauls simple encouragement to use it for medicinal purposes also let Timothy know that using medicine was not a loss, lack, or failure of faith, and it wasnt losing his faithful witness. Just have more faith. In part two of this article, I will expand on my answers and give a fuller explanation. A doctor can help decide on the best option. In the battlefield of our minds, we are to practice awareness of our thoughts and take them captive. Various scholars point out that Timothy was adamant about not drinking alcohol, as the culture around him abused alcohol, and he wanted to set a godly example without alcohol. Christian Questions / March 22, 2021 by Shyann Swearingen. However, we can deduce that Timothy, a faithful church leader, followed Pauls counsel and used the medicine (wine). Yes, your depression and anxiety may not feel like a good and perfect thing, but with the Lords help, it will be. At BCC, we often counsel those who have already been prescribed by a medical doctor and it is estimated that 8% percent of the US Population [1] takes some sort of anti-anxiety medicine. You need to learn how to manage these feelings so that youre capable of living your best life. God taught Job that though our suffering may not always make sense, that He is always in control over every situation. use our modern-day cup of consolation for depression, anxiety, and grief? And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.. Since it is within Gods will to take medicine, support them through scripture and share your own personal struggles. Sometimes it helps and sometimes it hurts. Your doctor can help you find an option that works best for you and that you feel comfortable with. When you have depression, it feels like you lost yourself. From choosing baby's name to helping a teenager choose a college, you'll make . The meaning of the Psalm means to: stop, cease striving and stop fighting. If you need prayer ideas for spiritual warfare, click here. The feeling of dread and panic sends our hearts into our throats and stomachs to the floor. I'm interested in bringing training to my church: I'm interested in leading training for a small group: Launch Partnership: Start a Counseling Ministry in your Church. Hes felt deep sadness, heartbreak, and every other emotion. Though depressing thoughts are difficult to manage even if its every once in a while, I believe that depression medication should only be taken when advised by your doctor. It often includes panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. How should we think through the issues of anxiety medication? Depression takes your thoughts and switches them, so you must learn how to actively combat your thoughts. Taking care of our bodies, therefore, is a spiritual endeavor. But the most important discovery you can make is that God loves you just as you are, and therefore you can commit every fear and every worry into His hands. One focuses specifically on reducing depression and the other on anxious thoughts. We know we are to go to God and rest our thoughts on Christ. I have provided the links in the footnotes if you want to read each source further. After reading both of these lists you should still talk to your doctor and spend time in prayer before deciding against taking antidepressants. This doesnt mean its necessarily wrong for you to be on medicine for your anxiety; it may be one of the ways God uses to help you. We know that were to pray our worries away. Maybe the medicine (wine) was part of Gods practical solution, the answer to prayer? Your depression is not occurring just to bring you down, but instead to teach you something. Because depression and anxiety are dark things, we usually give the enemy credit for them but thats not exactly true. It has been my cross to bear in order to shed light on the stigma of mental health, suicide, and the Church. Thus, scholars point out that Paul knew this about Timothy and possibly why Timothy wasnt using alcohol for medicine. Spiritual attacks come in many different forms. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); BCC Dupage 27W140 Roosevelt RD, Suite 203 There is no shame in needing medication for depression if you are a Christian. I dont feel like Im in fight or flight mode. Anxiety: When should Christians take medication? This verse wasnt written in the context of taking a spa day. God Is All About Forgiveness (Proverbs 17:9) - Your Daily Bible Verse - July 14. feeling nervous or excited. Christians should be careful to avoid valuing any earthly thing above God. It means to acknowledge who our God is and be in awe of him. I'm interested in biblical counseling training: By submitting the form, you're opting in to emails from BCC. At times this stigma seems even greater in Christian circles. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: The proper use of such drinks is to restore tone to feeble bodies and depressed minds (cf. Contrary to the popular myth, Biblical Counselors are not opposed to all psychiatric medicine use, nor do we think that all problems can be cured by prayer, Bible study, and church attendance. I didnt know life could be this way. Though antidepressants will help reduce your depression, they are not alone the answer. All rights reserved. Jesus highlighted a story where love involved medical care was necessary. 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. *, *We are NOT using these passages to promote drinking alcohol for mental, emotional, or physical pain, and we never recommend it to deal with suffering, depression, anxiety, physical pain, etc. It takes time to kick in and is usually followed by side effects that can eventually fade. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. We all experience feelings of depression. 10 Drinking Alcohol While Taking Anti Should You Take Anxiety Medication? Have I not commanded you? Our Heavenly Father knows that battles can rage in our minds, and He wants us to fight these debilitating thoughts. Antidepressants can be helpful to Christians at times because we struggle too. Instead of listening to his wife and friends though he took it up with God. Whether short-term, long-term, or more permanent, your doctor will help you evaluate your specific needs. We are passionate about training people and churches, through online courses and events, to help those in need. Though Christians can take antidepressants, that does not mean that every Christian experiencing symptoms of depression should take antidepressants. Probiotic/Gut Health is an important health consideration affecting anxiety. How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Boundless Love. The next question is: How do we deal with anxiety? Here are some helpful commentaries to see the scriptural account and principle of medicinal purposes of using of strong drink (i.e., the medicinal technology of their ancient times) for mental and emotional pain: Pulpit Commentary: There are cases where strong drink may be properly administered. When did you decide it was time to consider it? The thought of telling a complete stranger your deepest darkest thoughts can make you afraid of being judged. So, allow others to disagree with you; it doesnt make them right and you wrong. I sought out a doctor and then a counselor after a friend suggested this type of intervention. Its a result of sin that we must endure difficult trials and some ways that Christians can experience suffering is through depression and anxiety. the scriptural account and principle of medicinal purposes. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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). Is it ok for a Christian to take antidepressants. 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! With the proper knowledge and communication feedback loop, you and your doctor can figure out the appropriate medications and dosage to make life manageable with minor interference from side effects. There's no cure for anxiety disorder, but it can be treated. I have to believe that, just like God gave mankind the intelligence to develop medications for those conditions, he also gave us the intelligence to develop anti-anxiety medications. In the secular world at large there is a huge reaction these days against the overuse and dangers of anti-depressants. Sign up to receive engaging and innovative insights, encouragement, and more! Telling Christians that our anxiety is pointless and foolish and pointing to a list of verses as evidence doesn't serve to create community; rather, it perpetuates fear: fear that there is. Christians need to allow our depression and anxiety to unite us as one body and not separate us. Therefore, if medicine and doctors are shown as a divine blessing, should we be encouraged to look at our modern-day medicines to help with suffering, depression, anxiety, etc.? Consider how many physicians view anti-anxiety medication: They are also not a cure. What is the key to experiencing joy in the Christian life. 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. In Isaiah 38, King Hezekiah is "mortally ill" with a skin disease (boils) and cries out in prayer for God's healing. Still, Paul didnt accuse Timothy of not trusting God enough or not having enough faith. This Scripture points out that they had a common practice of having treatment and doctors for their health and healing. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. Anti-anxiety medication is used to prevent anxiety attacks and anxious thoughts.
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