Is it OK for Christians to Take Psychiatric Medications?
Bottom line, yes! After thoughtful, prayerful consideration and research.
I still talk with people saying they've been told they just need to pray harder! That idea is theologically bankrupt and just plain cruel, and it tells me that stigma is still alive and well.
That said, I think medication is overused in our culture because we want a quick fix, and counseling and lifestyle changes are a long term proposition. Research shows that counseling and medication together are your best bet for recovery, as there are often unresolved issues, lack of support, and lack of education. (Unfortunately, counseling is often not available, but that's another conversation.)
I confess, I find it hugely frustrating that modern psychiatry is mostly behind the times. Psychiatrists are the only medical specialty that rarely look at the organ they treat!
There are now ways to figure out what's actually happening to your brain and to develop individualized treatment plans. Individualized plans result in more effective treatment and fewer side effects. We no longer need to make people feel like "lab rats" by picking medications according to symptoms.
Enough rant. Check out the Amen Clinic for an example of how things could and should be done to individualize treatment.
