Sometimes depression is due to a chemical imbalance for which medication may be necessary, but it is important to discuss the overuse of antidepressants. Some doctors are quick to prescribe them, and while it may sometimes be appropriate, other times it may be because the doctor doesn’t know what else to do. Consider if you are depending on medication to help you avoid dealing with emotional pain. Medication can blunt your emotions, but God wants you to deal with your feelings so you will learn who He is in your pain. Today’s post tackles the tough issue about whether a Christian should take medication to help depression and how to draw God into the equation to help you get through the darkness in order to find joy.
The Root of the Issue
Father, You know my needs. You know whether I need medication or if I am using it to avoid dealing with my emotions. Help me understand the next step I should take to heal from my depression and to deal with the issues causing my pain.
Am I using antidepressants as a tool to rebalance my emotions, with a plan to cease their use, or am I using them to avoid dealing with the things that are causing my depression?
Talk with a pastor or counselor, and your doctor, about the tools you have to help you work through your depression.
Whether or not you use antidepressants, coming through a depressive time takes prayer and hard work. You might learn that you have not dealt with the issues that are causing your depression. You may find that you need medication and counseling for a time so you can get through the issue causing it. You might discover that you are relying on antidepressants instead of seeking God’s peace and love in your life. Remember that you have God’s direction and guidance for all your circumstances in His Word. The next post will help you learn how you can use the Psalms to help you cry out to God and then fix your eyes on Him for direction and healing.
