What's your take on christians using antidepressants?

[mbt777]

Part 2 ...that being said...if you don't take medication that is prescribed for depression (the cure, in some cases though some cases God decides to cure directly...he has his reasons for choosing those he decides to cure right away to those he chooses to let them work on their faith by trusting in God that he sent doctors to help assist us through our depression. God doesn't play favorites...he knows what he is doing and he knows and feels the suffering we go through...

[mbt777]

What people fail to understand is that because we live in a fallen world, where everything was distorted due to the sin of man (in the Garden of Eden), there are bound to be endless ailments and other unfortunate diseases, etc. But God created us with great minds and a willingness and desire to learn. Hence, doctors who learn about depression and the ways they can assist those of us who suffer from this sometimes "silent" suffering. Sometimes, suffering is brought on by our own free will.

[mbt777]

Well, I can tell you I am by far the healthiest person alive...I eat incredibly well...I am almost all vegetarian...I do eat some turkey...that is about it. I have a hamburger about once or twice a year and I make sure that it is hormone free and organic. I walk, I read my bible and pray, I eat right and yet, I still suffer from depression. I'd say middle of the road, not too severe. If all those things do not work...a bit of medication may help...God isn't going to be angry because of it.

[schaefercmatthew]

@Margot2470 @GanEdenAustralia  I encourage you to remember that Christ calls us to love. People are more likely to respond to kind (understanding) words, than judgmental accusing words.

[1created1]

One thing to consider is nutrition. By that, besides the right foods, amino acids have helped many people. If a person needs certain medications, that makes sense, on the other hand through prayer and research which is not the EZ way but in the end, can have added major aspects to the whole balance and harmony of the mind, body and spirit.

Another excellent resource is: The Padgett Messages.

Just Google it.

[nestorrfortuna]

if having jesus in your heart and you need to take antidepressants to feel happy... either you do not have jesus or jesus does not exist.

apollo bless.

[Margot2470]

@nestorrfortuna I'm sure that comes from your ENORMOUS amount of experience with depression and people with depression huh? And where does the part about not judging people come into that statement?

[GanEdenAustralia]

@nestorrfortuna WHat an ignorant moron. You clearly have NO idea the pain people go thru have you?? God INFLICTED depression upon Job or have you forgotten that you turd!

[gilbert4321]

@GanEdenAustralia God doesn't cause it but he lets it happen to test our faith and to get our attention. The second you argue God's authority on what He can or cannot do you place yourself above him which puts yourself in a dangerous situation to try to place yourself there.

[elliebit]

As a Christian who suffers from both migraines and depression, I think John Piper gave a very balanced answer.

Issues like these are very rarely solved on one level and often require various "treatments".

God Bless.

[rottedcorps]

I experience migraines somewhat frequently and often think that NOTHING could possibly be worse. Then I remember the ONE bout of severe depression from almost a decade ago. I would gladly suffer a thousand more migraines than go through that again. My prayers go out to everyone suffering from chronic depression. GOD bless.

[KandC6102000]

As someone who has dysthymia I feel the need to speak up in response here. Dysthymia is a very real and hard to diagnose depressive illness. It often goes undiagnosed and untreated because those around the sufferer don't see the depth of it all like they would with major depression. It still needs medical treatment and the help of a psychiatrist, both verbally and medically.

I mention all of this specifically because sometimes "eeyore personality" is exactly the way to describe dysthymia.

[mvasc]

I second that.

Doesn't matter how much I pray, worship, or meditate on the bible, the dysthimia won't go away. It's like my mind is frozen.

[KandC6102000]

I do want to further clarify that I admire pastor Piper for speaking on this mater. It is true that there are those who are unnecessarily medicated. I also know that my Christian faith has & continues to be the center of my treatment. My comment is to raise awareness about dysthymia through clarification; it is hard to diagnose & generalities can discredit the need for medicated treatment.

mvasc, I think you're right, it very much is like my mind is frozen (w/o treatment) too.

[daileydevotion]

@KandC6102000 I understand your condition and recognize its severity. However, nothing is impossible with God. If it is really disabling you from being with God and doing His will, then you should pray to be healed of it; there is no reason why God can cure cancer and not dysthymia. I am not saying that dysthymia is a result of lack of faith, I am just saying that if it were me, I would always go to God first,second,third, fourth, and fifth. I don't have any serious illness like that, however.

[mbt777]

@daileydevotion Hello, I'm sure there are those who suffer from depression who ask the Good Lord to be healed of depression but you have to understand that we live in a fallen world and we have choices to make...he gives us free will remember? If God in his infinite mercy placed into the minds of those who choose to practice medicine a drug that would help those of us with depression due to whatever genetic anomaly which may have befallen us, I say it is a blessing from God! Medication=Healing.