Depression, Medication and the Christian
by Dee Lewis, MFT

The young executive was irritable, experiencing crying spells, excessive worrying, low energy and weight loss. He had difficulty concentrating at work.

The dedicated legal secretary has been depressed most of her adult life. She has a strong faith, regularly attends bible study, and prays consistently. She has always endured but she doesn’t experience joy in her life.

These people are both Christians, but are reluctant to take antidepressant medications. They have been conflicted about whether Christians need or should take medications.

Many Christians who would call upon a non-Christian surgeon to perform back surgery or oncologist to administer chemotherapy think that taking an antidepressant is un-godly. Could it be that antidepressants are one of God’s instruments for healing? Would not a compassionate and loving God provide medications to comfort His suffering children (Jer. 8:22)? There are times when God intervenes directly and heals a person from depression, but He also uses medications to help in the healing process.

Depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and complicated grief respond well to medications and make psychotherapy more effective. There are many non-addictive antidepressants that usually result in marked reduction or elimination of symptoms, restoration of occupational functioning and improved relationships with family and friends.

Once an antidepressant is started, symptoms typically begin to improve in several weeks with the biggest improvement within four to six weeks. After 9-12 months of effective treatment, 90 percent of clients can stop the medication. Longer treatment is indicated for chronic depression.

Depression results from a combination of biological, emotional, spiritual and situational causes. The most powerful tool against depression is a combination of antidepressant medication, prayer, and Christian counseling.