dougr777
Sep 3, 2016
Is it a sin for a Christian to be taking an anti-depression, anti-anxiety drug?
This is something I am personally wrestling with.
Thanks, Doug
Is it a sin for a Christian to be taking an anti-depression, anti-anxiety drug?
This is something I am personally wrestling with.
Thanks, Doug
I went to the only store within walking distance, Whole Foods, (you've heard of them) and asked where their aspirin was located and the man told me, "We don't sell pharmaceutical drugs here." I said, "Aspirin is pharmaceutical drugs?" and he shook his head yes. (edit: I told this story for you to know that you are going to get those kinds of answers here, aspirin is bad for you to whatever the end of the spectrum.)
(Bro, I don't believe it's a sin.) God provided Drs to help in time of need and the earth has opened up to help you, take it until you don't need to anymore. Pray in the mean the time. I and others will pray with you till you come out on the other side of this.
God bless you,
Lisa
Hi Doug
as a drug and Alcohol counselor for many years, this question has come up a lot. the primary use for taking any drug is to sooth underlining issues. As Christians, God will lead us with the holy spirit to a point to deal with these issues when we are individually ready to Walk with him. it is Gods will that we depend on him for everything in our lives.
It is also unwise to suddenly drop off these medications as they have major effects in blocking depression and anxiety which will basically flood your life with emotions you may be unprepared for, and this can take up to 3 weeks before the effects occur and can lead to psychosis which is not nice to go through. These types of drugs should only be used short term so that people can cope whilst getting help.
I have seen so many Christians give these up because someone told them too or they believed they where ready when they were not. I have also seen Christians who have allowed the holy spirit to guide them into freedom in all aspects of their life to where they no longer needed the drugs.
these types of drugs really mess with our minds but depending on our knowledge and resources at the time they can be short term solution to stopping Suicide or being able to function in the community. if you have been on these medications for awhile it is best to slowly withdraw over time under the supervision of a dr and research the specific drug its self about its side effects coming off but keep in touch with someone who knows you on a regular basis. God is good and he knows where we are in our faith and meets us there. :)
Hi Doug
I just wanted to add that God took me through this and i don't believe it was because of sin but because i had to learn to trust him and allow God to fill all of my needs. it becomes a stumbling block eventually in your maturity in Christ. besides the spiritual riches that God gives you when you come through these trials is worth more then Gold
Thanks Karl/Lisa
I like what Lysa and crusader said.
Doug,
I would encourage you to ask the Lord and He will speak to you and give you an answer. Wisdom from above is easy to be intreated, peaceable, gentle and full of mercy. And as crusader alluded to, you need to wisdom.
We all ask each other if this or that is sin but we are not qualified in many cases to define sin in someone else's life because only God knows if we are putting (trusting in) anything before Him. Yes, He is our provision. That does not mean that God does not make allowance for extenuating circumstances or that anyone who is taking a pharmaceutical for a particular problem is in sin. Again, come to the Lord with all your heart, ears to hear and ask Him. He will answer you. The rub always comes once we hear Him, if we are willing to obey Him.
Hi Doug
I don't believe it is God's will for Christians or anyone to be using psychotropical medications particularly, or any medications for that matter, as there is a better way to deal with illnesses which are part of the system, meaning getting out of the system.
The system is, that we eat crappie foods from the supermarkets which turn on or express our genetic defects, become sick, go to the doctor (who used to be a healer but now is just a drug supplier and pusher for the pharmaceutical companies to make profits for them) have our illness managed and keeping us sick as healthy people are not cash cows.
God's way is that we eat the foods He made for us in their unadulterated form, which turn off the genetic defects (read epigenetics) and allow our bodies to turn on the healing process, even in old age so that we can be outside of the system and only need a doctor if we are lying injured on the roadside or suchlike.
But if we are using mind altering drugs, which vastly deplete the body of nutrients, being a man made artificial substance, it is important to begin to eat the right foods and step up the nutrients we need before even thinking of quitting. A lot of withdrawal symptoms are due to this loss of nutrients and bad biochemistry due to it.
There is a lot of help out there on forums to explain how to recover ones health, and of course guidance from God. If you have been taking these drugs for a long time it will take a good while before you are ready to slowly reduce them as has been said.
I wish you good health. I am healing an extensively damaged body due to environmental toxins.
Hi Brenda
There are some interesting responses in your writings, I have seen nearly the exact same responses before when doing my own research which kind of makes me a bit curious. I welcome any info from these forums that advances our relationship with Jesus Christ and Builds our faith in him and not of things of this world.
Can you post one of the forums names so that i may examine it under the Light of Jesus Christ Please? I am not being sarcastic I am genuinely curious to check them out. Thank you
Hi Brenda,
I would also like to learn, if you can post here or send me an email. I am also working on the health and nutritional side of my being since we have 3 parts (body, soul, spirit).
Blessings,
Doug
I also like what Brenda, said. Many of us just lack knowledge in this area as there are many good, natural things given by God to help us and this is in addition to prayer and the gifts of the Spirit and our standing with Him over the powers of darkness.
May I suggest that you begin your health regimen by applying 1Peter 5:7. This is healthy, costs no money although may be difficult at times. Once this command became a part of me I was able to rid my body of many ailments - all but aging.
Sandra
1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) - "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Brother Doug,
This is an interesting question and I'm sure there are others struggling with similar if not the same type of things.
That people get depressed or anxious is not surprising to our Father and He has an anti-depression/anxiety treatment that while it is quite effective at treating as well as preventing depression and anxiety but being honest it's not a "natural cure" as it were...its supernatural;)
He made us for it-
We can have it-
He commands it-
It should define us as His children-
One word...
Joy:)
When we focus on ourselves or our circumstances (they define us) we have a tendency to get caught up in it and can become overwhelmed where we might seek medications to help manage it... But when we focus our attention on Christ Jesus (He defines us) we can't help but rejoice:)))
Hebrews 12 tells us why Jesus endured the cross and it was for the Joy set before Him!!
Remember the enemy's job is too distract us from Jesus whatever way and to whatever degree he can but also remember, today is the day of salvation so I will rejoice and be glad in it:)
Hope this helps brother Doug!
This is what I will say...
If it's just you by yourself, you are free to try as many avenues to healing as you feel led of the Lord BUT if other people are involved here (wife, children, parents you live with,) then I would say you need to consider them and make a real plan that is inclusive of their well being and not just your own. A loss of health is stressful for everyone involved. So if there are other people who are going to be affected by your choice(s), you want to have something concrete that helps them to help you facilitate your process whatever that may be.
You also may want to consider having a separate support system. It doesn't have to be elaborate. It can be one or two people that can help you shoulder the burden and be another pair of eyes as you move through trying to find what works for you and getting established in that. I would also say if you find you have to take medication, (since I believe you are talking about the brain and neurotransmitters) don't consider that a failure or a sin. It may be a short term solution to help stabilize you until you can find another solution that's long term.
I do believe that whatever choice(s) you make that you should stay with where you have the peace of the Lord, have praying people you trust around you, and don't let anybody condemn you for whatever healthy and reasonable choice(s) you do make. Sometimes it's not an either/or. Sometimes it's "and".
Doug,
Not all depression is spiritual. Could be the foods you are eating or not eating as the case may be. Could be hormone related (low thyroid). Here are five herbs you may want to consider.
Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea (Crassulaceae) is a perennial plant that grows in cold, alpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its roots contain a sap that has long been used to improve physical and mental endurance, relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress, and even lift mood and alleviate depression symptoms. This is why it is considered to be an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps normalize the body's response to stress, and maintain optimal homeostasis by balancing the immune system and endocrine hormones (http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/342/review45139.html).
Numerous scientific studies, including research conducted and compiled by Dr. Zakir Ramazanov, a former Soviet soldier-turned-doctor, has revealed that rhodiola rosea can be safely used to reduce recovery time after workouts, improve attention span and memory, improve physical fitness and performance, enhance psychomotor function, and alleviate depression and anxiety (http://rhodiolarosea.org/rhodiola-benefits/).
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), a plant native to temperate and subtropical regions of the world, has long been used in many cultures to treat depression. Numerous research studies, including a 2008 study published as part of the Cochrane Systematic Review, have found that St. John's Wort is at least as effective as standard antidepressant drugs at treating mild to moderate depressive disorders, but with few potentially harmful side effects (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007192435.htm).
When taken as a whole extract, St. John's Wort has also been shown to help naturally alleviate sleep disorders, promote relaxation, and boost energy levels in such a way that avoids the "spikes" and "plunges" typically associated with consumption of caffeine and other stimulants. St. John's Wort is considered to be a safe, inexpensive herbal remedy that can help promote improved overall mental health.
Camu Camu
Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a tropical rainforest plant whose berries have the highest known levels of natural vitamin C in the world. The plant's fruit, which is naturally tangy and sweet, contains a host of nutrients, including vitamin C, that fight the negative effects of the herpes virus, promote immune health, alleviate inflammation, and fight bacteria and viruses. Camu Camu also has adaptogenic properties that normalize bodily processes during stress, and help relieve symptoms of depression.
In his Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing, Dr. Gary Null, Ph.D., critically-acclaimed nutritionist and researcher, lists Camu Camu as the second most potent known plant for containing natural antidepressant compounds -- and best of all, eating camu camu has absolutely no know negative side effects.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), an Indian plant that has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, contains powerful adaptogenic compounds that are known to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. The plant is also known to help fight degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Several studies, including one published in the journal Phytomedicine back in 2000, have found that ashwagandha works as well as, or better than, antidepressant drugs at relieving anxiety and treating depression symptoms. And ashwagandha naturally prevents stress-induced free radical damage without causing harmful side effects (http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/jun2006_report_ashwa_01.htm).
Maca
Maca (Lepidium meyenii), also known as "Peruvian ginseng," is a root vegetable that is packed with amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Like the other herbs mentioned, it has long been used in traditional medicine to increase energy and stamina, enhance libido, and boost the immune, adrenal, and endocrine systems.
In a 2008 study published in the journal Menopause, researchers found that maca helps reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in women with menopause (http://drtorihudson.com). And in a 2006 study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers found that maca clearly exhibits general antidepressant activity in all people when consumed.
If you or someone you know suffers from depression or depression symptoms, you may want to consider checking out these and various other natural herbal remedies that contain powerful antidepressant compounds and nutrients. As always, be sure to consult with your physician before implementing any new treatment regimens.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035463_depression_herbs_remedies.html#ixzz4JM6CywSS
Hi Doug
This conversation weighed on my thoughts today and i wanted to make clear my position as i will always endeavour all things i say and do point to the cross. Depression and anxiety can be caused by physical health and spiritual health and you can know the difference when looking for reasons why you feel this way or that way. chemical deficiencies or physical ailments can cause both but it in my experience this is a very small percentage.
to give you an example a lady i knew was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and was taking meds for many years it wasn't until she nearly had a stroke that they found out her heart wasn't normal and was beating incorrectly which would mimic anxiety, but once she had an operation the anxiety stopped. Depression can come about because of the lack of vitamins as well as glandular issues.
But God causes us to examine our hearts, if it is fear caused by something in the past that is no longer present or if their has been a lot of loss in your life. then i guarantee it is spiritual and no amount of earthly things will fix it. They may take the sting away but they will not cure your spiritual condition. I have dealt with Satan a few times in these areas and it is spiritual warfare to keep you from getting Closer to God and to destroy the blessings God has promised you as his child.
If you discover it is Spiritual keep doing what keeps you safe but seek the lord while you are able to cope he is our light in the darkness and he heels us completely. there has been scriptures posted which are great spiritual anchor points. I will leave it there with tmy replies on the issue but you are welcome to email me any time. God bless and be in his peace.
Thanks Julius, yes herbs are useful and often work though with some, they don't. However, taking a herbal remedy is akin to taking pharmaceuticals though less damaging. They may not be addressing the root cause of the depression and you don't want to become dependent on anything.
Doug I did not make too much headway with my ill health despite studying biochemsitry as well as I could online, and trying everything, some of which helped a little for a while like the gluten free diet.
It was not until I had reached my limit that I begged God to show me what to do next and He came though and I am now loads better and improving all of the time, even am reversing the process of aging Sandra which is usually sickness and imagined to be aging.
"Can you post one of the forums names so that i may examine it under the Light of Jesus Christ Please? I am not being sarcastic I am genuinely curious to check them out. Thank you"
Karl there are so many for various health conditions that people are treating with diet and natural means, and people are vastly improving or being cured, even of cancer that I am not sure what you are asking, but there are also Christian sites that espouse this method like this one:
http://www.myhdiet.com/restore-your-health/?cta_name=hp-link-3paths-restoreyourhealth
There are blogs of people who are self hacking which means curing themselves like this one:
https://selfhacked.com/?s=serotonin
Giving up grains has helped my lifelong depression enormously.
We have the greatest Physician ever and I am so pleased that He did not just miraculously heal me, which He does sometimes but not that often to my experience. I am so pleased that He has let me learn how the body works and what He provides Himself for our treatment.
I have seen a huge boost by connecting to nature and sun bathng without barriers, grounding, cutting blue light at night and blacking out my bedroom which is probably the singe biggest cause of ill health today and walking batrefoot in the grass. It is not rocket science, it is just reverting back to what is natural in our highly un-natural societies.
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