Mental Health for the Christian: Are Medications Okay?

Every now and then I circle back around to this very important question: Are medications okay for Christians to take when struggling with mental illness? After all, can't all mental illnesses be cured by faith through avenues such as Christian counseling and prayer?

In many cases, mental illnesses can indeed be effectively treated by such means. But in other cases, once all such avenues have been exhausted, severe symptoms can persist. I know. I've been there. Were it not for some very effective medications, I would probably not be here typing this right now.

I've written before about the double standard here among Christians. On the one hand, most Christians would have no problem with a diabetic taking his or her insulin, or with asthmatics relying on their inhalers, or for those with severe allergic reactions to carry (and use!) their EpiPens when necessary. In each of these cases, it can be a matter of life and death.

So how are mental illnesses any different? We all know these can similarly be a matter of life and death. Fortunately, there is now a veritable "arsenal" of medications that can control both the highs and the lows of mental illness. I like to think of my own case as being like a sine wave (a roller coaster might be another analogy). In my case, mood stabilizers don't "cure" my ups and downs. But they certainly decrease the "amplitude" of my cycling. In other words, highs are not so high nor are lows so low.

For Christians dubious (or guilty, perhaps) for having to rely on such medications. I would offer up the story of the Philippian jailer in Acts chapter 16. The apostle Paul and his companion Silas were severely beaten and jailed for having cast a demon out of a slave girl, who made money for her owners by fortune-telling. In the middle of the night, while Paul and Silas were singing praises to God, there was an earthquake, their bonds were unfastened, and the prison doors were opened. But there is one thing missing from all the miracles (including the conversion of the jailer and his family) in the account. Did you catch it? There is no mention of the wounds on the backs of Paul and Silas having been supernaturally healed. Instead we read of the jailer "washing their wounds." As in the story of the good Samaritan, this most likely involved "pouring on oil and wine," which had medicinal properties. You could say that the great apostle Paul received "medication." And he was undoubtedly glad for it!

So don't be afraid (or ashamed) to see a medical professional who can prescribe medications with good track records of helping those of us who struggle with mental illness. Taking such medications is no more a "sin" than taking those OTC drugs or prescribed meds we rely on for any number of ailments. In my case, it gave me my life back.

Blessings,

The Christian Bipole