Mav have to ask (re antidepressants)?

Question

Mav would like to hear from all faiths about this question. (and please let Mav know faith)

If someone is a Christian, is it OK for her to take antidepressants? Does it mean her faith isn't strong enough?

Please give honest thoughts

NHBariton brings up good point. Mav takes antidepressants. You can always tell when Mav forgot to take them, she gets mean and rotten. (so when you see that, tell Mav to go take her meds)

Antidepressants aren't a 'happy pill' Antidepressant, for me, clear my mind enough to feel.
Mav feels all emotions now.

Answer 1

I am a non-denominational Christan, and I see nothing wrong with anti-depressants. There are lots of reasons that a person takes them such as a chemical imbalance in your system and hormonal imbalances as well. I have taken them, and it doesn't give me a state of confusion, it actually helps me to understand and not "chop people's head off" because I might be in a bad mood!!
I feel that God wants us to take care of ourselves and if it means to take a prescription for our imbalances than that is what it takes. Taking this medication doesn't hinder Mav's faith!!

Answer 2

Some Christians believe in faith healing. Others go to the doctor.

The brain, like any other organ in the body, can have dysfunctions. Depression is an organic condition that can be effected by chemicals and thought processes. However, its implications can be serious. Most people who commit suicide have some form of depression. Lost productivity and child neglect can also result. Treatment for depression can include medications & psychotherapy.

Antidepressants, like any other medicine, have side effects. (Today's medicines, however, cause many fewer side effects than in older antidepressants.) The choices of whether to take them belongs to the patient and their physician. And the patient can consult with whomever they wish, including their pastor.

I have to point out to Mav: Asking this question may imply to people who are suffering that they are at fault for their own pain. This is not helpful and can increase despair. I don't believe Mav intended to increase suffering, but the phrasing could have been less blaming.

Answer 3

Mav,

I'm not a believer, but I think that God would want people to take care of themselves. I don't think it's a good idea to take the antidepressants by themselves, but if they take the edge off the pain while you're gathering your strength, I think they could be helpful. Apart from that, look for people you can turn to to help you through whatever your troubles are-- friends, a minister or a therapist, or all of the above. Sometimes problems are too big to handle all by yourself.

All the best!

Answer 4

Are Mav's hormonal levels out of balance? The oracle had depression until she got on a little estrogen supplement every day. She stopped her anti-depressant and feels better than she has since she was a teen-ager. Is it about time for Mav's 'change of life'? See a nice lady 'lady doctor', not a man 'lady doctor'. Oracle loves Mav, Mav is one of her favorites. *kiss*

Answer 5

I don't think it's wrong, Mav. It doesn't represent failure or lack of faith. I think it's better to use what's available if it helps. God made our bodies and He let us make medical breaktroughs, etc. Do what you have to do. Our bodies are mortal and may need help from time to time. That includes our emotional makeup also.

You could say that if I had faith, I wouldn't have needed chemo. But if I hadn't taken the chemo, I wouldn't be here any more.

I'm Christian.

Answer 6

To answer your first question, I'm a Christian.

I support a Christian's right to choose to take anti-depressants. However, I think they may be over-prescribed in our society. Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating a "Tom Cruise" approach, but I do think there's a balance.

All too often, I hear of folks who've gotten anti-depressants from their family physician, yet they're not receiving counciling to address the problem's cause. I think this is a grave disservice to the patient. Given the side-effects of these medications, it's in the patient's best interest to stop taking them as soon as possible.

I know that Christians "can do all things through Christ who strengthens" us (Phil. 4:13). This includes overcoming depression, through the use of medication, counciling, and prayer.

Peace.

Answer 7

Quaker Christian

Why not? If somebody is ill and science can help that's great!

It is clear that God does not heal (or certainly not as much as we would like) you can argue about the whys etc as much as you like but the evidence is all around us. That is the real faith issue why does he/she not heal.

"Let me think" below is wise and you would do well to heed the counsel

Answer 8

Taking antidepressants has nothing to do with faith... it's a medication designed for a particular ailment, in your case, chemical imbalance in your brain and/or clinical depression.

Of course, if you want to stop taking your pills and pray to your god to get better, then knock yourself out.

Compare someone who takes pills to get better vs. someone who prays to get better, and you'll see which one recovers more quickly.

Answer 9

No it means her emotional state is not strong enough

but emotion head and heart are all interconnected

somewhere along the line...one of those is gonna affect the other..

and women are emotionally high and low by nature so they gotta watch out for that

Answer 10

yes they are a christian even if they take anti depreseent they are jsut depressed christain. Anti depresents doesnt make them less of a person jsut someone who admits they need some help being happy now nad then