Mental Health and the Christian: the Rx Double Whammy

If you have any kind of mental health issue, you most likely have medications to keep track of. And if you are just like everyone else, you also have what I call "physical plant" meds. By the physical plant, I am referring to the physical body, that engine that keeps us moving. This second category would also include any supplements you may be taking.

Yes, I know there is that all important mind-body connection, so it is probably artificial to be separating psych meds from other meds. Nevertheless, at least for me, I feel like there is a difference between the two. For example, one kind of meds comes from my psychiatrist. The other comes from my GP.

Let me give you an example. I'm on a cholesterol lowing medication from my GP. I am also on a couple of medications from my psychiatrist for my bipolar disorder. And I choose several supplements for my overall health.

So what is the double whammy? The double whammy is keeping track of both kinds of medications at the same time. (And paying for them.) This takes diligence, working with your doctors, working with your pharmacy, working with your insurance plan. It can be frustrating, even taxing at times. Then there's that frustrating sense of guilt for having to take those psych meds in the first place. It just doesn't seem right...or fair.

What can Christians draw upon in this situation? They can do some biblical "myrmecology." That's the branch of entomology focusing on the study of ants. Yes, ants! In Proverbs we are to "Go to the ant, O sluggard!" in Proverbs 6:6, to "consider her ways, and be wise." They teach us to have that biblical trait of diligence. In some strange way I find this encouraging. "I can do this," I tell myself, so I stick to it.

Before we leave this topic, once again I remind you that it is okay for Christians to take medications for their mental health. (I have addressed this subject in prior blogs.)

So do some myrmecology, and stick with the plan. You can do it!

Blessings!

-The Christian Bipole