Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
| Posted On: 07/08/07 10:25:18 PM |
Age 59, CO |
This article grieves my soul. To even imply that depression is mostly caused by unconfessed sin is ludicrous. It scares me that anybody would believe this and then not get medical help for this condition (or even worse, stop taking their medication, thinking they don't have "enough" faith.) It saddens me to think that anyone suffering might think that ALL Christians have this "less than compassionate" attitude. I had a friend who went around half blind for two years because the people in her church said that if she had enough faith, she wouldn't need glasses. Finally, the Lord showed her the truth and she started wearing her glasses again. Depression is even more serious. Please don't let this uninformed article affect you, if you suffer from depression. Many people feel that if you are a Christian, you should either be happy all the time or go around weighted down by the burden of your sin, complaining and feeling "lost" (as if that is the penance for being sinful.) Both these situations are the flip side of the same coin. (Pride and self-righteousness.) Yes, we should confess sin and repent; if you sincerely repent, then why think your morbid obsession with your sin will make you more spiritual? God sent His son to pay for your sins--your obsessing with them doesn't add one ounce to your salvation. I've known quite a few people on anti-depressants, but have never heard of anyone denying their sin by taking them. This isn't very articulate, but I just don't want the original article to cause some deep, deep repercussions. No intelligent Christian would say, "You have depression; that's because you have sin in your life," or "You take medication, and I don't--so I'm more spiritual than you." Remember that.
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JESUS WAS MY ANSWER
| Posted On: 07/03/07 12:47:31 PM |
Age 63, OH |
When the love of my life took my child who God had promised me before we were married and I did not even know where they were, I was very depressed and thought it was more than I could handle. In fact, it was more than I could handle but I found out in the coming years that it was not more than God could handle. I was so depressed and sad and even the Bible seemed dry and had no life. Church was a terrible place to be and no one seemed to care or be able to help. I went to several doctors and one wanted to put me in a mental hospital. One doctor told me that he had never seen anyone as sad as I was. But This was to show me that my hope was not in church. It was to show me that my hope was not in family and friends. My hope was not in doctors and not even the Bible. After years of struggle and not turning to any of these things including drugs I learned a lesson that was the most important lesson that God has taught me. 2 Cor 1:8 I do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships I suffered in the province of Ohio. I was under great pressure, far beyond my ability to endure, so that I despaired even of life. 9Indeed, in my heart I felt the sentence of death. But this happened that I might not rely on myself but on God, WHO RAISES THE DEAD. 10He has delivered me from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf. -- I found that the Lord Jesus was all that I needed and He could deliver me from all and everything. I do not judge anyone else in their struggle and try to say how Jesus would deliver them. But just say turn to Jesus with all your heart and He will deliver you. This took years for me but the struggle was to small of a price to pay for the supreme pleasure of being able to talk face to face with my Creator and the Creator of us all. He is the One who shed His blood for you and me, and there is nothing that He would not do for your good and nothing that He is unable to do. Just trust in Him. Lou
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Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
| Posted On: 07/02/07 10:02:02 AM |
Age 48, MA |
Obviously, there are differing opinions on this matter.
Before you go slamming my response, I have to say that YES, I did read the article! I understand where the author is coming from.
I personally went through some serious losses in my life. Our family had to relocate, which meant leaving behind family, friends and a loving church. It is difficult to start anew. Then shortly afterward, I lost a parent and then another dear family member. It was difficult at times to get out of bed in the morning. I was just barely getting by. Yes, by this time, our family had settled into our new environment and we had found an amazing, supportive church. But I knew something was very wrong with me. I went through a "GriefShare" class, prayed, etc., but still, I was having difficulty going through my day. It was very difficult to admit that I was depressed. I felt like there was something very wrong with me...that I couldn't handle life. Also, as a Christian, I felt that I must have been doing something wrong. Not enough faith? I was a failure. I was ashamed and embarrassed and didn't want to tell anyone what I was feeling. I tried desperately to hide what was going on inside.
I talked with my physician about how I was feeling, but she was adamant about NOT prescribing anything, saying "as long as you are functioning, you don't need anything". But, was I functioning? I didn't want to socialize; I didn't want to interact much with my family or children. Many times I would go to bed at 7:00 and not tuck them in at night. (I could go on & on with how I failed them).
After 2 more years our family relocated again. I spoke with my new physician about my health concerns. She did prescribe a very low dose anti-depressant. Guess what? It helped incredibly. No, I wasn't "happy" all the time. But, it did help me to put things into perspective. I wasn't constantly focused on myself and what I had lost, and how unfair life was, etc. It helped me in my Christian walk as well. I could read my Bible again and go back to teaching Sunday School and be excited about what the Lord was doing in my life. Even better, it helped me be a better parent to my children. I wasn't just "getting through the day". I wish my other physician had taken my concerns more seriously. My children wouldn't have been robbed of their mother for so many years. Now, I have more energy, I am more tuned into my family and I am more pleasant to be around. Oh...I forgot to mention, I am no longer taking the anti-depressants. They helped me through a dark period in my life. That is all.
Does everyone who is "sad" need them? Of course not. But should people brush off real depression? NO. This is a VERY personal choice and a difficult decision. Some doctors are very quick with the prescription pad. However, some doctors don't take patients seriously either...as in my case. I wish I had gone to another physician sooner.
Depression isn't about not believing or trusting God. It's not about having enough faith. We take medicines for minor headaches and colds. If we have more serious illnesses, we take whatever treatment is necessary. Why don't we want to treat depression? I believe it is something we can get over. But we can't brush it off, or overlook the warning signs. I also believe that satan uses this weakness to put unhealthy thoughts into our minds. Look at how many people become suicidal.
There is a time and place for medicine. I don't feel we should be "drugged" all the time. If we can go off of medication that is fantastic. We should also look for alternative medicines or herbal remedies if they are available.
God gave us a brain...we must use it!
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Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
| Posted On: 07/02/07 09:16:43 AM |
Age 28, TX |
I'll share my experience with an antidepressant but first I'd like to say that I do agree that medication is good for some people in some situations and that you should always consider it if recommended by a DR, but be honest with the DR, seek a second opinion if need be, and make sure you remain under a DR constant care while taking the medications.
After my first child was born, I began to experience what the DR decided was post partum depression. I started taking Zoloft but was suicidal so they increased the dosage. For the most part, I had the same apathetic attitude that was described in the article. I still felt conviction over sin, but lacked the extreme mood swings I had been experiencing. This was a really good thing (in my mind) because I was in anguish over my family situation. I needed to feel numb to be happy. I think my husband could have hit me and I would have remained standing there. Then I tried to commit suicide but had no real emotional connection to the act (I didn't know why I did it.) So, rather then considering that the medication wasn't the right one, the Zoloft was increased again. I went to a Christian psychologist who decided that I was schizophrenic. I went to a psychiatrist and explained that I really didn't feel I was schizophrenic OR depressed was put on such a high dosage of Zoloft that I became severely manic depressive. I could be extremely happy one moment and so angry I was homicidal or so depressed I was suicidal. It was absolute misery and I didn't figure out for over a week what was going on. I then decreased my Zoloft and I was much better. But, I still didn't have my answers to why I felt this way. I got new DRs and the psychological testing revealed I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Asperger Syndrome (Which I agree with, both syndromes do describe me very well.) Once I learned this I was able to recognize that I was having panic attacks related to PTSD and head them off before becoming suicidal. For the most part, this has worked. Suicidal and homicidal ideation, for me, is a form of 'fright or flight' a defense mechanism- nothing to do with being depressed!! I have not been on any meds for 3 years and am doing fine (and have had two children since then, which totally blows the PPD theory out of the water in my case.)
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Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
| Posted On: 07/01/07 05:15:09 PM |
Age 74, MN |
I've read the article and the feedback, and I think it's important to understand that no one should just stop taking any medication. I also believe that many doctors are too quick to prescribe an antipressant or anti-psychotic. I have had doctors who have never seen me before in their life offer me an antidepressant. I think the choice to prescribe should be very carefully researched. I have worked as a medical transcriptionist for many years, and what I am seeing is that on a first visit, the doctor will want to put them on an antidepressant drug. I am not saying no one should ever take such a drug--there are cases where people are in such bad shape where they can't work their way through any problem. I recently re-read Pilgrim's Progress. Most doctors in this country would automatically prescribe drugs for Christian. My point is that they are used too lightly and without consideration of the entire picture for the patient. They appear to be the "drug of choice" these days, and for many people they are NOT the answer.
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Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
| Posted On: 07/01/07 12:20:28 PM |
Age 43, VA |
I would point out that God created us all as unique individuals, and I hope that the lady who is now doing so well (Praise God!) realizes that not everyone's experience will be like hers.
I went through a very rough period several years ago. I had gotten to the point where I was only occasionally functional. I prayed, I read my Bible, I prayed more, I immersed myself in worship music, I prayed more, I stayed involved in church, and I continued to pray. (I'm still a firm believer in "pray without ceasing!") At times (more and more frequently) I would go into what I called "hermit mode" and just stay in my apartment for days (and a couple of times, weeks) at a time. Luckily, a couple of close friends would come by and pull me back out into the world.
I finally took their advice and sought counseling and medical treatment. The counseling (from a Christian counselor) and depression medication (from my medical doctor) did make a positive difference, but it was by no means easy or quick. It took a couple of years before I got to a point where I felt able to handle things again without benefit of medication. During this period, I came to believe (firmly) that some of the problems I had in my younger days were a result of undiagnosed (and unmedicated) depression. The medication basically evened out my emotions and gave me a chance to work on my problems with a clearer head. Unfortunately, it evened out the positive, happy emotions along with the negative, gloomy emotions. Everything just became ... even. Considering what had come before, "even" was an improvement.
When I went off the medication, I did very well for about 5 years. I had highs and lows and everything in between, and that was good. I had learned to cope with lows and was fine without meds. Then, I had a very difficult period in which my father became seriously ill and died within a few short months, I had an injury followed by surgery and lengthy rehab, I had serious pressure to lose weight even while trying to finish my physical therapy (even though I thought I'd been doing great just not to gain any more!), and I was having a very rough time in my job. All of this and more little stuff just sent me back into my depression.
I was pretty much in denial, but I finally listened to my friends and went back to my counselor and back to the doctor. (My doctor said she could tell just by looking at me that I was depressed! It did take a bit more than that look before she was ready to prescribe medication again though!) Anyway, I went on a different medication. This time it was an antidepressant and anti-anxiety medicine. What was interesting to me this time was that this one took the edge off the lows and still allowed me to have the positive emotions.
I just recently went off of my medication (after 2 years) and am doing just fine. I'm still praying, and I'm still praising God, and I'm still worshipping through my music, and I realize that as long as I keep things in perspective and deal with problems as they come (and not let them build up) I will probably continue to do OK. This is not to say that I may not still have anxiety and depression that should be medicated, but for now I am able to cope quite well without meds. I may do fine for awhile or for the rest of my life without meds. I just hope that I will be smart enough to realize it if I need to be medicated again and not be in denial like before.
Everyone is different and unique. That is the way God created us. Just because I am able to function now without benefit of medication does not mean that I think everyone should. To the contrary, I believe that if you truly need it (for a time or for a lifetime) then take it. But be aware that medicated or not, you still have to deal with things one way or another.
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Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
| Posted On: 06/29/07 05:43:15 PM |
Age 21, AR |
Here are a few articles I stumbled across some time ago about this subject:
Be Sober
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThoughtstoPonder/message/75
Be Sober: Part II
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThoughtstoPonder/message/76
Be Sober: Part III
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThoughtstoPonder/message/77
Three great articles for further reading to anyone who is interested.
in love,
>>zack
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Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
| Posted On: 06/29/07 02:47:05 PM |
Age 61, NY |
Thank you so much for this article. I too was 'urged' to take an antidepressant because I was 'crying' all the time after my divorce and loss of my home, friends, and job. I had to relocate, etc., etc. It was 2 yrs later that I found myself in the 'numb' spot wherein I didn't want to do anything at all and I was MORE depressed, so I decided to get off the medication. I am happy to say that this article does reflect my feelings and thoughts on 'unconfessed' sin and 'lack of repentence' as one reason for feelings of 'depression and hopelessness and being in a trap'; however, I must also say that in the beginning the medication did help me to sleep and become less 'emotional'; however, in the end, WE all MUST take responsibility for our own responses to life and our relationship with Jesus. This was a good article and a confirmation for me of my decision to get off these drugs at the time that I did and for the reason that I did. These 'drugs' can help, but they also can 'hurt' if we allow ourselves to become dependent on them instead of God; in most cases, they are only a temporary fix. Thank you again. donna, NY
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- Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
| Posted On: 07/02/07 08:50:28 AM | | Age 28, TX |
yes, 2 years was a very long time to be on it. I tell people that it can be a good short term solution, just to get you to the place where you can start dealing with the other issues, but not a long term solution by any means.
Sarah in TX
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Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
| Posted On: 06/29/07 02:42:48 PM |
Age 50, GA |
I get the impression that some of the people responding to this article are not fully reading it. I think it’s a matter of balance.
The author did not say that people should never take antidepressants. Rather she shared a personal story about how drugs affected her thinking and ability to feel. She feels it hindered her relationship with God as a result.
Rather than causing us to be defensive, it should give us something to consider. I knew most drugs have physical side effects, but had not considered any emotional or spiritual ones until reading this article.
Personally I have suffered from severe depression at various times throughout my life. There were various causes: physical (anemia or some other illness), fatigue, hormonal, circumstantial and spiritual. At times I have been tempted to seek a medicinal remedy, but other than increasing iron to my diet I overcame my depression in other ways.
Some of the ways I overcame depression are: prayer, praise, reading of God’s Word, sleep, proper diet, exercise, confession, talking with a friend, and taking a walk (especially on a sunny day). Like the author, I am merely sharing my own experience and not saying everyone else should do likewise.
I am surprised that this is as controversial a subject as it is. There are two extremes: take no medication at all no matter what or take drugs at the drop of a hat. I don’t think anyone is advocating either extreme.
I think the author would agree that each person has to decide for himself (hopefully seeking God’s guidance) what is best. But at least for me, this article made me stop and think. If I ever do consider taking an anti-depressant, I will remember her story and will pray much before agreeing to take any drug. I’m not saying I will never take an anti-depressant. Only God knows if I will or won’t. But I will be more cautious than perhaps I would have been, considering possible costs, and not for one second do I think that is a bad thing! In fact, I think it’s a very good one.
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Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
| Posted On: 06/29/07 01:32:38 PM |
Age 30, WA |
By looking at how many responses there have been to this article it is obvious that a tremendous amount of people have dealt with this or know people that have. I am surprised that not many people are aware of food causes of depression and anxiety - sugar, artificial flavors & colors and other additives to food. And yes, age 29, MD, there are homeopathic remedies for depression and anxiety that have worked for many people including me. St. John's Wart and Fish Oil along with eating the proper foods has cured my depression. The American diet is extremely deficient in vitamins and minerals. Unless you grow and raise your own food, you have to supplement. There are good supplements out there that the body easily absorbs and have proven to be helpful (even though the infamous FDA has claimed otherwise). Everyone is different - we have different causes and therefore different remedies. Another key point is solving the issue causing the depression or anxiety. Why are we trying to make ourselves into superheroes by ingesting chemicals in order to keep our sanity? Our daily lives are getting too hectic and people need to relook at their priorities. We need to relook at what is really important in our lives. Too many people are running after the dollar and literally killing themselves and their families with stress and chemical pills! It's ridiculous! Slow down, eat right, buy some supplements to add to your daily meals, and cut out the things in your schedule that really aren't necessary. Don't buy the brand new car that will put you in debt up to your eyeballs. LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS AND DON'T OVER DO IT! Don't get me wrong, I know there are serious cases where someone needs to be medicated. But physicians are down-right prescription happy!!! The drug companies are brainwashing them and trying to turn us into chemically dependent human beings! Just watch TV and look at how many ads there are for this pill and that pill. It seems like there's a new pill every week! Have you ever heard of restless leg syndrom? I haven't, but there is a pill for that too!!! Ok I'll get off my soap box.
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- Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
| Posted On: 07/02/07 08:46:20 AM | | Age 40, CANADA |
"have you ever heard of restless leg syndrome? I haven't but there is medication fot that too!".
I have it. It's NOT fun and you can't get any sleep when your legs are jumping all over the bed. Sometimes medication for things others have you've not heard of are good things!
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- IT IS REAL!
| Posted On: 03/08/08 12:50:14 PM | | Age 54, UT |
My dear Christian sister has been plagued with this disorder for years. It wasn't until she was in her late 50s that her doctor tried this medication (it was used for other disorders at the time). The relief she received was immediate, and made sense for her as she recalled suffering from the disorder as a young child. Medications have their place.
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