FREE WORLDVIEW MAG FREE WORLDVIEW RALLIES
Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
PAGE: 1 2 3 4 5 NEXT>

Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
Posted On: 06/29/07 01:28:52 PM Age 55, CA
After reading this article on anti-depression drugs, it tells me that a lot of believers out there don't understand depression very much. Depression is not something that people choose, just like they don't choose cancer. But, the people of the church seem to have their heads in the sand on this issue. Yes, some people abuse the medications, but most people who these medications are described to don't want the disease anymore than they want cancer. With regard to sins, confession is the very best way to retain a close walk with Jesus, but don't throw out the baby with the bath water. Depression is just like any other disease and needs to be treated; whether in a small group or under a doctors care. There is a good book out there called "Why Do Christians Shoot Their Wounded" that may shed light on these kinds of illness. Remember that Jesus came to heal us and that means both spiritually and many times physically.
Click here to reply to this post



Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
Posted On: 06/29/07 01:12:57 PM Age 28, WA
I just want to say "right on sister!" I've been dealing with VERY emotional circumstances and the Lord has delivered me of depression as I trust in Him. Romans 15:13 says: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing(trusting), that you may about in hopw by the bower of the Holy Spirit." He is my only deliverer. And as I've processed the journey WITH Him he has drawn me closer than I could have EVER imagined! I'm so thankful for this wilderness time! I'm thankful for the lessons it's teaching me and then the lessons I will be able to teach my children and the people around me at church. God is our only true deliverer! But like the Doctor in the previous response post said some people need to be on the meds. I can't judge that for other people by being their Holy Spirit but I do believe that as we're walking through deep emotional pain we need to allow the Holy Spirit in to convict and reprove us! Otherwise we'll just remain baby christians...NO Thanks!!! The Lord's face is worth all the pain! I think the author is just trying to warn people not to rely on the drugs to deliver them and make them happy but to allow God to be their deliverer and heal them once and for all! He is definitely big enough!
Click here to reply to this post

Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
Posted On: 06/29/07 12:50:28 PM Age 51, NC
I am in total agreement with the doctor who just posted. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the believer of sin, not another individual. The implication that sin causes depression is completely unfounded. I have watched my own father, a solid believer in the Lord Jesus as his Savior, who had repented of his sins numerous times, fall into a acute psychotic depression. I have watched his calls and prayer to the Lord for mercy, asking this disease to be removed from his body. I have seen not only this in my dad, but in other believer friends--the agonizing cries to Jesus to remove this pain from their bodies. These are believers who fall at the feet of Jesus asking to be relieved from this disease. Has Jesus heard these prayers? YES. For some reason beyond earthly understanding there pain does not go away until receiving medical treatment.(antidepressants) We live in a fallen world. Another thought-one could say this of ANY disease! Diabetes? Is this from sin? No. Has anyone read the story of Jan Dravecky, pitcher Dave Dravecky's wife and her pitiful battle with depression? (A Joy I'd Never Known) The body of believers in her first church gave no help, just condemnation and spiritual judgment. In changing churches, another merciful body of believers saw her pathetic state of depression, prayed for her, and were able to bring this ill woman to where she received MEDICAL help. The result of medical treatment for her depression resulted in a woman who now could pray with a clear mind, worship the Lord with gladness, and grow in Him, etc.. Your article causes a danger to any person being treated for depression. Please do NOT go off your medicine. It is dangerous. By the way, in the eyes of Jesus we are already seen clean, sinless as our names are already written in glory. To state that SIN explicitly produces depression is stating the Savior afflicts the sinner with such horrible pain, that even sometimes is fatal. This article is very wrong. May those who suffer with depression, pray, and ask the Lord for guidance as to where they may go to seek medical help.
Click here to reply to this post



Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
Posted On: 06/29/07 12:03:20 PM Age 48, FL
If God says: "Your sins and lawless acts, I will remember no more," to believers. Why do we feel like we need to remember them? Are we more righteous than God? Also verse 1 and 2 of Hebrews 10 state that if there was a payment for sin that could permanently take away sin, that there would no more consciousness of sin. God made us to be the righteousness of God in Him. (II Cor. 5:21) You can't get more righteous. That's the key. It's grace. And those who have been forgiven much will love much (Luke 7) Kees
Click here to reply to this post

Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
Posted On: 06/29/07 10:45:42 AM Age 29, MD
I am a physician, and I also have family members who struggle with serious mental illness. I find this article EXTREMELY WRONG AND DANGEROUS. I am very disturbed by people who attribute "spiritual" causes to physiologic disturbances such as depression and mental illness. It is JUST LIKE TRYING TO CAST OUT DEMONS from epileptic patients, or telling people that they will be "healed" of their cancer so they don't need treatment. It sets Christinity back about 1,000 years. Yes, this writer is trying to say that "some people" need medication, but only if they have are "irrational". I'm sorry, but it is irrational to live in your basement and be unable to come out. This woman CLEARLY needed medication. I am sick to death of Christians who try to be the Holy Spirit for their brethren. Guess what???? You are NOT the Holy Spirit, you CAN NOT convict someone of sin, and you ARE NOT a medical professional, so stop giving bad medical advice. What next? Are you going to recommend "queen bee jelly" and homeopathy? Christians are so trusting and so spiritually minded that they fall easy prey to people who tell them what is wrong.
Click here to reply to this post

  1. JESUS DID CAST OUT DEMONS
    Posted On: 07/03/07 08:25:21 AMAge 63, OH
    Jesus did cast out demons from people who were having seizures. Would you also say that what He did was dangerous. There will always be people who try to do spiritual acts in the flesh and have not been led by the Holy Spirit to do so. This in no way says that when a person is being led by the Holy Spirit to do something that it is dangerous or not the thing to do. Following the Holy Spirit is always the right thing to do. Lou
    Click here to reply to this post

  2. JESUS DID CAST OUT DEMONS
    Posted On: 07/03/07 08:24:55 AMAge 63, OH
    Jesus did cast out demons from people who were having seizures. Would you also say that what He did was dangerous. There will always be people who try to do spiritual acts in the flesh and have not been led by the Holy Spirit to do so. This in no way says that when a person is being led by the Holy Spirit to do something that it is dangerous or not the thing to do. Following the Holy Spirit is always the right thing to do. Lou
    Click here to reply to this post

  3. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/30/07 10:28:15 AMAge 51, FL
    Thank you doctor for a voice of reason. I don't think anyone can judge a person, Christian or not, for being on medication. The choice of medication is between that person and their doctor. God is the giver of all good things...science and medicine being some of those "good things". Until you have "walked in the shoes" of the person suffering from depression don't be so quick to pass judgement. To me it is just arrogance and ignorance that makes people say such things. I have been on medication in the past but have been off it for over five years. Believe me when I say that I function better as a wife, mother and employee when I am on the medication. If you don't believe me ask my family.
    Click here to reply to this post

  4. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/30/07 06:54:01 AMAge 50, SC
    I agree with the physician. This article is dangerous! Thank the Lord that we have medicine that can help people overcome their depression. Articles like this contribute to the deaths of innocent children, like in the case of Andrea Yates. She needed to be on anti-depressants...or Susan Smith. I have a friend who won't take anti-depressants either. She thinks it is a "spiritual" issue. Meanwhile, she suffers and so does her family. You should remove this article and have the physician who posted the first response write an article. I don't even know whether I want to read Christian Worldview now. The fact that you thought this article was worth publishing makes me wonder about the organization.
    Click here to reply to this post

    1. Re: Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
      Posted On: 06/30/07 08:08:57 PMAge 41, SD
      In my early years I suffered from depression (i.e., insonmia, sadness, anxiety) but by the Grace of God, He revealed to me it was from my unconfessed sins, but it was up to me to be honest with myself to see what they were. When I allowed the Holy Spirit to search my Heart, He revealed the "hidden" sins of my heart so I was able to confess them. We can not confess sins that are hidden to us. Thats where God's mercy and grace come in (not giving us what we deserve). He knows that we are so good at covering up sins with rationalizations, excuses, etc., that in time we forget we have sinned and left them unconfessed! I was tempted to seek medical help, but I turned to the true physician who helped unlayer the thick crust that hid my unconfessed sins. I am not a medical Dr., but I know my depression was from sin, and the only remedy for it was confession from sin causing the depression. That is where this lady was coming from. There are two sides to the the coin here. There needs to be a balance, and the drug pusher people can't see that. I believe in drugs for those who have chemically induced depression, and the Holy Spirit for those who have sin induced depression. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (if you are a Christian) before going to a Psychologist. If you are a depressed non-Christian, by all means, do yourself and society a favor and get medical help! Then I pray you seek the Lord! Then you can be on your road to spiritual recovery as well.
      Click here to reply to this post

  5. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/30/07 02:28:37 AMAge 43, AL
    SO sorry, i REALLY disagree with you. Modern medicine is good for life threating emergencies(car wrecks,etc) and MAYBE for SOME cancers BUT we have FAR to many people on way,way to many drugs even the ones for high blood pressure, heart etc. IF more people were aware of the homeopathic remedies for these ailments we would see a dramatic decrease in the price of Rx medication because they certaintly would not be used as much. But you see we don't believe in these remedies(because the FDA has pulled the wool over most peoples eyes) anymore because they're not FDA approved. And I am a firm believer in " I can do all things thru Christ which strength me". If I will take care of my body to VERY BEST of my ability then I truly believe GOD will take care of me. But what do I know Doc I'm just a nurse and a BIBLE believing christian and I must certaintly be as CRAZY as the lady who wrote the article on the antidepressants.
    Click here to reply to this post

    1. Re: Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
      Posted On: 07/02/07 08:53:46 AMAge 40, CANADA
      I've taken care of my body to the best of my ability, yet I'm a cardiac patient. I have diabetes and MS and epilepsy. I didn't do anything to "deserve" these - God allowed it (chose it?) for me. I do the very best possible for my body - it's not "my fault" I have these, some of it's genetic, some came "out of nowhere". It's not always about how we act, sometimes we're just given crosses to bear and we have to do what we can do. Often that means medication. I've had two heart attacks, forgive me if that means I intend to stick to taking my heart medication for the rest of my life!! I have four precious children, they deserve to have their mom around. I've been on AD's, I take them when I need to go get a balance going with the seratonin again. God gave me a brain so I could know when I need help and when to take the medication. He put me in a country where it's readily available for my use before He created the need in me. I thank Him for that rather than diss the provision.
      Click here to reply to this post

  6. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/29/07 09:41:37 PMAge 49, FL
    Thank you a sensible, professional point of view. I'm not a physician, but my wife of 25 years was diagnosed Bi-polar @ age 18. I've seen her get manic three times during our marriage, and it's impossible to relate what it's like to those who don't have it themselves or live with someone who does. My wife is one of the most loving, dedicated believers I've ever known. Her struggle with this illness has absolutely nothing to do with sin. I urge those reading this article not to confuse an illness (or depression) with sin in that the two are always linked. They may well be in some cases. But what I'm concerned with here is the cruelty of Christians beating up themselves unnecessarily, when they have a legitimate illness or condition and think it's just the sin in their lives. And, the possibility of an ailing believer not taking their medication. This whole thing could lead to tragic consequences. One last comment = I will defend the article to this extent: Pastors are not doctors, and that woman's paster was terribly wrong to suggest any form of medical treatment. Come on folks, let's use some common sense.
    Click here to reply to this post

  7. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/29/07 07:48:30 PMAge 46, MO
    Friend: I don't think this letter is advocating removal of all medication or downplaying the need for medication for illness. However, in our world today where obesity, pornography, alcoholism, and drug addiction are "illnesses" of choice, the desire to medicate is the first thing prescribed. As any athlete will tell you, grow is in the pain. Yet our society seeks to elliminate consequence of sin and selfish goals are never abated in our quest for instant gratification. Thus we medicate the children of divorced parents who act out, prescribe antidepressents for the parents, and pretend that God will not hold us accountable for our actions. Good article Jim, thanks. (sorry for the typo's, I am writing this on the road.)
    Click here to reply to this post

  8. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/29/07 04:58:14 PMAge 59, MO
    I appreciate your concern. However, I don't think you read the article carefully enough. In at least two places the author states that meds are sometimes necessary, especially in the initial stages of irrational anxiety. Also, she says that it helped her get out of the basement. She is also coming off of them slowly, under a physician's care. Please read carefully before making a diagnosis. Your response gives the impression that meds should be given for almost any sign of depression, and that meds should be used long term by most people regardless of the root causes. Surely you don't mean to say that.
    Click here to reply to this post

  9. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/29/07 04:27:23 PMAge 52, ID
    This doctor is so right. What is seriously missing in this woman's account is her sin of business. Her life is overwhelming. God said through the Psalmist; Cease STRIVING and know that I am God. God made our bodies with limited capabilities. I often see this in others at my church. I have learned how to put it in perspective. These people are carrying a plate that is too full and spilling over. They need to do a couple of things. First, Dump most of the things off their plate. Then, seek God's direction about what He wants them to be busy doing. Then, GET A SMALLER PLATE based on God's will. We are never told we can have to do it all. This woman had a duty to her family. Her duty to her church was a distance second to her family. Only when she has met all of the needs of her family, both immediate and extended, should she take on the any of the needs of her church. Her pastor is a classic slave driving pastor. He probably is a dictator with many who just follow in the name of "growing the church." He knows that to keep the slaves working, he may need to drug them. First there is coffee and sweets in the lobby. If that is not enough, send them to the doctor for drugs. Tell them to not worry about the family issues, trust God to take care of them. The pastor directed her into an apathy affair. "Don't worry, just keep on working for the church." But, her God given desire to take care of her family would not let her leave her families needs to God. She was correct in this thought, whether it was a conscious thought or just in her sub-conscious mind. This apathy affair was a sin and it caused her to carry even more guilt. Did this lady need anti-depressants? Probably yes. She needed to get so she could rationally consider what was happening to her. But, then she needed a major remodel of her life with a careful wean from the drugs as soon as possible. Instead, she got that silly grin and went on self-destructing. I have seen pastors destroy people with guilt ridden over-worked lives. These pastors will be held accountable someday. Anti-depressants can be the lifeline to changing ones life for the better. The body needs to physiologically heal from the over-use and abuse. Some may need the drugs for long term. I will most likely be a lifer because the drugs are needed to reduce some of the symptoms of a unrecoverable brain injury. Some emotional problems are shown to leave physiological changes and damage. Think of towing a trailer up a long grade and overheating your transmission, causing parts to gets damaged from the heat. On the downhill, it cools off and everything may seem fine, but at the next hill the transmission has to perform again even though it was physically damaged on the previous hill. I am not denying God ability to heal. But we are not talking about Mary Baker Eddy Christian Scientist theology here. Our spirituality alone will not heal our physical bodies.
    Click here to reply to this post

  10. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/29/07 03:05:26 PMAge 65, FL
    Thank you doctor for your feedback on this dangerous article. I found a Christian doctor(like yourself) and I thank God. He explained that my depression was biological not spiritual. He knows me personally as we go to the same church. My doctor does not prescribe antidepressants to just anyone. He is very careful. Another part of my depression is from the pain I suffer from a chronic illness. I was prescribed oxycodone and I take it exactly as prescribed. I've never "upped' the medication and the oxycodone stops my bodily pain and as a "happy accident" we found it helps control my IBS. Thanks to my wonderful, Christian doctors I am able to do my volunteer work, helping others and participate in gatherings of family and friends, even travel again. So lets let the medical profession handle our physical problems (with the help of God) and our church brethren help us with spiritual matters.
    Click here to reply to this post

  11. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/29/07 02:07:36 PMAge 58, VA
    BOY, OH, BOY! SO your 29 years on the planet and perhaps, (what is it ?) 10 years of medical school, gives you the right to say the FDA Approved, American Medical Association way- etc- is the only route to take! Live a little longer and perhaps you will change your tune. So what is wrong with queen bee Jelly or homeopathy? Lots of people are helped by them. There are many over the counter homeopathic remedies available, just like many use Glucosamine/ Condroitin for arthritis. Are you opposed to Chiropractic Medicine also? No one is telling anyone not to have a blood transfusion. No one is telling anyone to handle snakes. And a Christian can have more wisdom at times than any professional doctor! There is an old familiar saying , “a Doctor is not God!” And no one here is playing Holy Spirit and telling anyone not to go to a Doctor or to get off their meds or that they have sin in their own life. But there are certainly those who have been to Doctors, taken their prescribed medical treatments and decided to get off of them and done so quite successfully. I would never tell someone to quit taking their medicine, but there are plenty of people who feel the Lord is telling them to get off of it and have been successful in doing so. So, ( I am just trying to lighten things up a bit when I say this) put that in a peace pipe and smoke it! (ps The word of God, tht means God, The Holy Spirit, Jesus instructed us in Mark 16: 18-20, known as the Great Commission, To go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation....And these signs will accompany those who have believed: in my name they will cast out demons....." Did you tear that page out of your bible? I think the Word is a higher authority than my Doctor! There is a time and a place for everything!
    Click here to reply to this post

  12. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/29/07 01:10:43 PMAge 62, TN
    I am sure the lady did not cover ever base in her article. Multitudes are sinking more deeply into dispair,more and more into suicide and almost without exception our nation's MASS KILLERS are on Prozac, Xanax, Halcion, Haldol, etc. The lady found and experienced genuine hope and freedom; and may many be encourged and find the same. Of course, the god-doctors and the drug companies are counting on all of us 'bowing down' because they alone know what is right and good for all of us! The god-doctors and drug companies would have us believe that they are all united in their wisdom. Such is not the case. There are highly trained, secular minds- not Bible thumpers- who are also warning of the great dangers of the 'drugging of America'... One such place of a better wisdom is the the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology. Go to http://www.icspp.org/ Get and read the works of Dr. Peter R. Breggin, M.D. Blessings! James
    Click here to reply to this post

    1. Re: Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
      Posted On: 07/02/07 12:21:41 AMAge 52, ID
      As I am also a follower of Dr. Breggin's work, the previous poster has missed some important findings of Dr. Breggin: 1. Getting off anti-depressants can be a very difficult and dangerous situation. It should never be done without a psychiatrist's direction. 2. Most anti-depressant prescriptions are written by physicians who are not trained in psychiatry. Many General Practitioner, OB-Gyn, Family Practice, Adult Medicine, and Internist M.D.s will quickly prescribe anti-depressants. Only psychiatrists should be prescribing psychotropic drugs, and they need to be closely monitoring their patients. Taking St. John's Wort can be as dangerous as prescription anti-depressants. There are components in St. John's Wort that can interact badly with other medications and dietary supplements. Just because it is "natural" does not make it better. Hemlock is "natural." Those condemning anti-depressants should also be condemning caffeine and energy drinks. The stimulating effect of caffeine can cause a rebound depression. No or low calorie sweeteners like Nutrasweet/Equal/aspartame and Splenda/sucralose/chlorinated sucrose are considered to be neuro-toxins. Taking Hormone Replacement Therapy using patented synthetic hormones in a shotgun/one-size-fits-all method rather than Bio-Identical Hormones prescribed specifically for the patient is just as dangerous. How many women eat soy as a low-fat replacement protein thinking that it will keep them health when it actually fills their bodies with phyto-estrogens sending their hormones for a roller coaster ride with the accompanying depression? How many women subscribe to the "Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy" or Joyce Meyer's take control of your life and be happy false theology? There are so many Christian "be happy" false theologies that are messing up Christian's lives that anti-depressants are only a minor problem. No body mentioned the beneficial practice of ortho-molecular psychiatry where the psychiatrist does extensive testing for allergies, nutritional imbalances, and other diet and behavioral triggers then directs the patient through a cleansing fast with correct nutrition and behavior to correct (ortho) the molecular (chemical) imbalances. The science is readily available to see how God has designed our physiologies to work in specific ways. If we do not abide by His design and will for our life, we can become physiologically and emotionally sick. Do I believe we can become sick from sin? Yes, I do, but sin is in all of us and yet only some suffer from depression. If sin was the sole cause of depression, I would expect far more Christians to suffer from depression. Nobody has responded to my concern that the sin of "being too busy" is a big cause of depression. Yet, the mainstream church leadership mantra is that all busy-ness for God is righteous. The glass is not half full nor half empty. The glass is TOO BIG. Get a smaller glass so you can stop striving so hard to fill it.
      Click here to reply to this post

      1. Re: Re: Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
        Posted On: 07/03/07 06:05:31 AMAge 40, NC
        OK, here I am responding. You raise a number of interesting issues in this article, some of which I've never heard of such as ortho-molecular psychiatry. I'd like to have more details about that and other points you made. Let me strongly state that I agree with what you said about busyness. It is so true and I have found it to be a struggle in my own life. I'm a homeschooling mom of five and firmly believe my place is in the home. I believe my first calling is to my husband and children. I think if at all possible women should be keepers at home. And yet, the world manages to exert its pull and occasionally make me feel that I'm not doing enough. Even when I can ignore the world's message, there is the pressure from within. The pressure to do more at church, to have a ministry of some sort, to "use my gifts". Every time I've given in to that pressure, whether it came from without or yes, sometimes from within, I've regretted it. I find that I pour myself into too many things and my home winds up being neglected in some way. Then I start feeling guilty about that and react by trying harder to do more. Realizing I can't I start comparing myself to other women who seem to be able to do more and that's pretty depressing. Of course, it's also a sin. And so is the busyness. And the most healing thing for me has been to put my foot down to myself and others, recognize there are only so many hours in the day, ask the Lord to help me prioritize, and then go back to my family. I am truly the most fulfilled and "happy" when I know they are well taken care of, when my husband is well taken care of, my home in order, and I know I am walking in obedience to my calling. I know that thinking will make some cringe but I truly believe God has created women to be helpmeets and if we are failing in our duties as mothers and wives because we are so busy trying to please the world, our pastors, the other women at church, or our own egos, we will suffer for it. Those of you who agree with me can really help by saying so: loud and often. We need all the support we can get. But this doesn't apply to just women. Men are under just as much pressure to perform. And men too are called to their families. How are they supposed to be able to lead their families, spend quality time with their children, discipling and apprenticing them, support their wives and take care of their homes when they're at church three or four times a week serving on various committees? I really think we could have a bigger impact on our world, and bring more to Him, if we were healthy, balanced, and living in accordance to His will in our own families. This may go beyond your original intent with the busyness post but I emphatically agree!
        Click here to reply to this post

        1. Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
          Posted On: 07/06/07 12:59:26 AMAge 52, ID
          Homeschool mom, 40 in NC You seem to understand the true issue here. I retired my wife two weeks before we married. She has worked much harder ever since raising our three kids, managing a household, trying to fill in the gaps when we had them in private Christian school, deciding to homeschool them, leading a homeschool support group with me, organizing four years of graduation ceremonies, etc. I can't imagine what she would have been like if she tried to do anything more. I am a brain injury survivor and prone to depression. As such, I have studied how God designed our brain. The simple fact is that He has designed us to trust Him and not our own works. If we try to take responsibility for the welfare of the world, we will not only fail the world, but we will fail ourselves and our families. Depression is triggered by the brain's trying to attend to too many issues. Even the secular doctors will tell you that you can experience too many positive events and fall into depression. It is because the brain tries to juggle all of the events at the same time. This leads to emotional exhaustion. This exhaustion may have a guilt (sin) component but it is not necessarily the overwhelming cause if one is predisposed to think "doing the Lord's work" is mandated and can not be a sin. Prior to the exhaustion, the individual will be running on overload using the brain's adrenaline system to provide the extra energy to juggle all of the events. When this happens, the body and brain gets polluted with the waste that the nerve cells need to expel but have not had the time or energy to expel. This is no different than the lactic acid that builds up in muscle tissue after overuse by a marathon runner. Premier athletes will get painful muscle massages to help squeeze or purge the tactic acid and other toxins out. The brain can only recover from rest, both physical, emotional and spiritual. Sometimes, the strain can cause permanent damage as in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Allergies and poor diet can make a person more susceptible because the body is already in a state of compromise. My brain can tolerate very little stress. Too much stimulation quickly does me in. As a result, I have learned to recognize these over-stimulations and learned to try to moderate or remove myself from them. My life verse is Psalms 46:10 "Be still (cease striving) and know that I am God." God brought this to my mind at a time when I was about to explode due to over-stimulation. God has done miracles in my life as He has delivered me from stressful situations. He has also lead me to a few quality doctors who could help me with my physiological problems, i.e. Thirteen concussion (three severe)over forty years. I see Him leading me to the knowledge and ability to minister to those who struggle with busyness or over-stimulation. My heart breaks when I see little ones caught up in their parents' overly busy schedules. They used to call kids without a parent at home after school latch-key kids. Now even those with a parent at home can be ignored by a cell-phone addicted soccer mom. Maybe we need to give those kids cell phones so they can call mom from the back seat and get a moment of mom's attention. As for you, stay focused on your family. There will be plenty of time for Christian service when you are an empty nester, and then you will be much wiser and able to be a Titus 2 mom to other moms.
          Click here to reply to this post

  13. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/29/07 12:23:31 PMAge 34, AR
    I am not a physician. I graduated college as a RN. I believe that some depression is caused by spiritual problems. I can't say that all mental problems are spiritual just like you can't say they aren't. A lot of Christians are too trusting of physicians. How can you go wrong trusting the Word of God? I know so many physicians that think they can cure all problems with a pill. We have a lot of pill pushing physicians that are making the drug companies very wealthy and thousands of Christians are becoming dope heads. How can you think about sin in your life and get it right if you are numb to it? People need to deal with their spiritual problems first and then seek treatment from earthly physicians. I am "sick to death" of physicians who think they know EVERYTHING. Did your hard work in school make you God? The more I learn about the Bible the less I trust physicians. This woman was sharing what she has been through in her life and how the Lord helped her. That is what she is supposed to do. Who are you glorifying with your life?
    Click here to reply to this post

  14. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/29/07 11:34:08 AMAge 42, AL
    With all due respect, dear sir, you may be a medical doctor, but in this instance you sure do not come across as a Christian doctor. You sound unkind, unloving and angry, at best, and proud and sarcastic at worst. You do not represent Christ in the way you spoke in this article. I do not wish to judge your heart, but self-righteous-sounding statements are not going to help anybody. In fact, you may be doing a lot of harm having said what you said. You draw very black and white conclusions, while trying to sound like an expert on sin/depression/health issue. You do not know whether a person's depression or anxiety is sin-related or related to a chemical imbalance in his brain. Only God knows that. For a true Christian sin must NEVER be discounted! David's depression was definitely related to sin. I believe that a humble approach to sin is ALWAYS the first step. I must prayerfully ask myself some questions: Is my problem sin-related? Am I unrepentant? Am I proud? Am I self-righteous? Am I bitter? Am I unforgiving? Am I self-focused, self-absorbed? Am I self-pitying? etc. And..., am I willing to ask those who live with me about possible sin in my life? Then, if my conscience is absolutely clear, only after numerous heart-felt pleadings with God and honest heart searching, and the problems are still there, then there may be cause to look for biological/physiological causes. May God grant us wisdom, mixed with reverent fear and submission before Him. To Him be glory!
    Click here to reply to this post

    1. Re: Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
      Posted On: 07/03/07 06:46:29 AMAge 40, NC
      Thank you. That needed to be said and you did it so lovingly. Further, I was challenged by your list of questions and in writing this post hope to draw attention to yours. These are excellent questions to ask ourselves and a good starting point for searching our hearts as any one of them answered in the affirmative could seriously impact our emotional/mental health. I've been following this article and its responses since it first came out. My heart has gone out to everyone. The passion in the responses indicates that this topic is close to a great many hearts. I'm so thankful to the author and to Worldview Weekend for making this forum possible. And I pray that the Holy Spirit will work through this to touch everyone who's written. And it is with a great measure of love that I would urge everyone to ask themselves your list of questions because without pointing fingers at anyone in particular I have noticed some of these attitudes in the posts. And I'm sure I'm guilty of some of these myself. We will all be blessed and strengthened by searching out and then repenting of these attitudes. If only we could, as a body, lay down our pride, self-righteousness, bitterness, unforgiveness, self-focus, self-pity, self absorption, and put on gentleness, meekness, humility, kindness, love, joy, peace, patience and self-control! A tall order, I know, but just think what effect it would have if that was our goal and if we daily came alongside eachother and urged eachother toward that goal, interceding for one another and being willing to lovingly speak the truth as you have done. This is not further comment on the physical need for medication or lack of it. It is rather a prompting to spiritual health in ourselves and in the body of Christ. If we could grow there, it might eliminate at least part of the need for this discussion.
      Click here to reply to this post



Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
Posted On: 06/29/07 10:38:36 AM Age 43, FL
Thank you for your insight. I HAVe been a born-again Christian for 19 years. About 3 years ago we went through several "life changing" events: Job loss, selling a home, building a home, relocating, adopting children, etc. I was a basket case. I knew I was being irrational, mean, angry but I could not stop it. I could not pray. My husband, the calm, rational one, bought me a book on "depression." I said, "I am not depressed! I need friends." We are home schoolers as well and were not yet "plugged in" in our new town. It was a lonely time. Finally, my husband sent me to the Dr. who put me on Lexapro. It "took the edge off" and I could think rationally and I could now pray. After a year I took myself off of it. Things had settled down. We were in the new house. Had a new job. The adopted kids were settled in and we were active in our home school support group. Although I struggled with the drugs vs. God I concluded that one does not replace the other, but together, for me, it was a great help.
Click here to reply to this post

Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
Posted On: 06/29/07 10:03:09 AM Age 41, VA
I am trying very hard to read this article from the perspective in which it was written; personal experience from an individual who has no medical or counseling background. Likewise, I have no medical training, but I do have extensive training in conservative biblical counseling. I cannot express how dangerous I believe this person's opinion to be. I pastor a bible-believing, thoroughly conservative Baptist church, and I have struggled for years to help people understand the nature of depression. I agree that there are times when anti-depressants are prescribed and they only cover up a "sin" problem. At those times, I try and bring the person to the point of confession and repentance. However, I have found that the reverse is much more likely to be true. That is, that people who have a genetic predisposition, or a serious chemical imbalance are talked out of seeking medical treatment. Well meaning Christians, and pastors, often say, "if you would just cast your cares upon the Lord, He will care for you;" expecting them to forestall medical treatment. And while the verse is completely true, we do not say to the diabetic or the cancer patient, "if you just cast your cares upon the Lord, He will care for you" and expect them to abandon medical treatment. It is impossible for me to explain how many times I have been in anguish over believers who are in bondage because someone has convinced them that their MEDICAL problem is really a lack of faith. Unfortunately, some of these people are the ones whose lives are in danger if they abandon treatment. As I said, I have no medical training, that is exactly why I rely on a MEDICAL professional to advise me. If you think that your doctor is giving you bad advice, then CHANGE DOCTORS; don't abandon them altogether. I do have a Doctorate of Ministry and Biblical Counseling, and I consciously limit my counsel to field in which I am trained. I would hope that others consider the implications of advising people in an area in which they have absolutely no expertise.
Click here to reply to this post



Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
Posted On: 06/29/07 08:17:05 AM Age 26, NC
I too agree that this article is long overdue. The church has aloud secular phychiactric beliefs and practices to become the truth rather than the Word of God. At the age of 17 I was diagnosed bipolar. I went to counceling which told me in a nut shell that it was OK to feel and act the way I did, and that I would never have a "normal life". Almost 10 years later I do have (and have had for a long time) a "normal life" and have not been on medication for 8 years. I think the counceling people get when they have depression or like diseases is horrible. It always feeds into their selfish sin nature instead of dealing with the sin and dieing everyday to their self and taking up their cross to follow Christ just as God's Word tells us. I am not saying that meds are never needed, but the rate in which people being prescribed them is just ridiculous; it's a cultural fad in which the church is also buying into. I pray that more people like the women who wrote this article will stand up and share their testimonies and that lives will be changes because of it.
Click here to reply to this post

Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
Posted On: 06/29/07 07:25:45 AM Age 28, AL
This article has brought me under great conviction. I have been diagnosed with "bipolar disorder" after many years of disturbing, unGodly symptoms like feelings of suicidal thinking alternating with intensity of euphoria. I believed the latter to be simply visitations of the joy of the Lord, but the (carnal) Christian doctors said it was bipolar disorder. Then when I would wake up in a desperate pursuit of my own death and my family would be taking away all weapons, pills, etc., the doctors said it was bipolar depression. I knew it was sin! I knew it was my total failure to submit totally to the will of God and His visitation, conviction, and chastening! To my everlasting shame, I began allowing medication to relieve these symptoms instead of the LORD! Praise God for this article! With the conviction that this dear sister has brought upon me this day, my medication has passed my lips for the last time. I submit myself to God, I resist the devil, the Son has set me free, and I am free indeed!!
Click here to reply to this post

  1. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/29/07 09:38:33 PMAge 59, AR
    I sincerely hope these women who were diaganosed with Bi-polar disorder stay rational after they are off their meds for a while. Begore I was diaganosed and treated I believed every thing I did was a sin when I was in a depressive state and nothing was when I was in the manic state. Thank God for doctors who finally diagnosed correctly, took the time to find the right medicine that worked for me. I now am active in the church. I do know when I have sinned and am dreadfully sorry and repentant. I no longer believe I can conquer the world or think getting a haircut is a sin. I am at last balanced and I praise a wonderful God who helped people to make the medicines that have made me normal.
    Click here to reply to this post

    1. Re: Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
      Posted On: 07/02/07 01:22:01 PMAge 26, NC
      I was never told by Christians or a church that what I did in depressive times was sin and in manic times was good. It fact I never recevied counceling from a church when I was diagnosed because I was a new believer and my family were not Christians. I after some years realized (through the leading of the Holy Spirit) that unforgiveness was at the root of my "mental illness". Many years of unforgiveness amongst other sins caused the focus of my life to be on what I felt, or thought, or even the way I had been wronged. Living life selfishly focusing on me was depressing. As I became more mature in my faith I realized that my life was not about me any longer. When I became a Chritian I had given my life to Christ and the "mental illness" that I was struggling with was really just a battle between the Spirit and the flesh. Do I feel struggle with "depression"? As sure as I still struggle with my flesh. But I just re-focus on Christ, keep running the race, and die to myself everyday and take up my cross to follow Jesus. This is hard to fathom in such an "all about me" society, but I think scripture is clear.
      Click here to reply to this post

  2. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/29/07 07:22:19 PMAge 54, MN
    Please please do not stop taking your medication immediately. Hear me out! I was on antidepressants for 20 years, plus anti-anxiety meds. To stop taking the medication immediately results in much deeper level of depression, anxiety, bi-polar symptoms more than ever! If you truly want to be off of them, consult with your physician and do it EXTREMELY slowly. I cannot emphasize that enough! After hearing a testimony of a physician, Dr. Ann Blake Tracy from the Int'l Coalition for Drug Awareness, who herself testifies on behalf of victims of violent offenses caused from psychotropic meds (anti-depressants/anxiety, etc), I realized that the meds were doing me more harm than good. However, at the same time, the Lord brought me to a point of repentance of bitterness and anger, etc., after hearing a sermon by John MacArthur on the radio. I had been told my "dysfunctional" feelings were a "victim's natural response" to something done against me. I repented of my attitude and grudge and for days (while still on my medication) felt such freedom that I couldn't stop crying from utter joy as a result of that repentance. God CAN and does still break through any medication's effects if He so chooses. Now... if you want to try getting off of it, do it SLOWLY, and I mean VERY, VERY SLOWLY, and under the care of a physician. The Lord will understand your desires. To jump off of them with the idea that you'll "trust God or the Holy Spirit" is really foolish (you're not a fool, but you would be making a dangerous, foolish choice). Dr. Tracy strongly advises not to do it on your own nor quickly. Personally speaking, I found that the medication only exacerbated my anger and other negative feelings. I have been very successful with being weaned off and am not opposed to perhaps taking very low doses if those symptoms "strongly" return where they would incapacitate me. I have found that regular, daily, repentance of my attitudes, behaviors, etc., has been as good of medication as anything -- actually more so. BUT, if there is a severe chemical imbalance you need to either find alternative methods of treatment or remain on your meds until you clearly know if the Lord has healed you, and if He heals you, you still need to wean off of them extremely slowly. There is nothing wrong in trusting the Lord and His Spirit to walk you through the weaning process. In fact, He will honor it. I know so, He did so with me. If you don't listen to me, listen to her. To read more about what I'm referring to, visit this website: http://www.drugawareness.org/home.html. It is the Int'l Coalition for Drug Awareness. God Bless and Take care,
    Click here to reply to this post

  3. Re: Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
    Posted On: 06/29/07 04:43:20 PMAge 59, MO
    Dear friend, I urge you to talk with your physician first before withdrawing "cold turkey" from any medication. Also, get solid biblical counsel before making this decision and work at this slowly. God will help you know what is best. You may consider finding a biblical counselor in your area (visit the NANC website for one good source of help). The woman in the article is not even completely weaned off of anti depressants, though she is nearly there. And remember that in some cases such meds are necessary. Here is a paragraph from the article to remember: "I am not saying that it is never appropriate for a woman to use prescribed medication to fight depression, especially if it has a physiological cause and has so skewed the person’s thinking that she has become irrational.[1] Recognizing and confessing sin does require rational thought, and it is difficult to hold a woman accountable who is incapable of thinking through what God requires. In some cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs might help a person get to a place where she can think rationally. At this point, a qualified nouthetic counselor or pastor can begin to lead the individual to see how her own sin has brought her to the state she is in[2]. By the grace of God, she will repent, turn from her sin, and recover from her depression, alleviating the need for the drugs." God bless you as you find your help in Him. There is real hope in the Lord. I am writing to caution against a stall in this process.
    Click here to reply to this post



Re: Anti-depressants and Spiritual Conviction
Posted On: 06/29/07 06:14:13 AM Age 63, LA
I was glad to see somebody final address this matter. I have long believed that not all depression is caused by chemical imbalance or other causes. Of course some is and that is why I glad Jim Eliff did not advise anyone not to seek medical help. Naturally people who are trying to get at the truth don't let others prescribe which way that truth can be found. It must be found at all costs and that requires some honesty. Yes, to find real truth it takes real trutfulness. Gods Holy Spirit can bring a person under conviction in ways that could be misconstrued as clinical depression. I wrote an article in May of 2006 entitled, "Is Depression Always a Medical Problem – Another View" and is archived on my website that tackles the same question. If the Holy Spirit can't be strong in the area of conviction we are all sunk. Rev Michael Bresciani http://americanprophet.org
Click here to reply to this post

Read More Feedback

Post Feedback
We would like to post your feedback, but please keep your feedback short and clean. All feedback will be reviewed before it is posted. We encourage healthy debating but will not accept feedback with personal attacks. Commenting on a person's public statements, actions and writings is not considered a personal attack. Please limit your feedback to less than 750 words. Comments written in ALL CAPS will not be posted.

All fields are required. Your age and state will be posted on the site, but your personal information will NOT. If you would like your name to be posted with your feedback, you must include it in your feedback text.

First Name:
Last Name:
Email Address:
City:
State: OR Country:
Age:
Feedback Title:
Your Feedback
(no HTML):
Save my information for next time.



Notice: By entering your email address, you agree to join the
Worldview Weekend email alert system.



Worldview Weekend
Family Reunion
Branson, Missouri
April 23, 24, 25, 2010
Worldview Weekend
Training Institute
Memphis/Collierville, TN
April 9th & 10th, 2010