BGEA: Is it wrong for someone with a strong faith in God to take pills for depression?

Is it wrong for someone with a strong faith in God to take pills for depression? My wife has gotten very depressed, but she says God must be punishing her for some sin she's committed (although she can't point to anything), and she refuses to get help. — B.V.

The Bible does not teach that things go wrong in our lives only because we have sinned, or because God is judging us. Yes, sometimes that is the case (for sin has consequences)—but not always. Often we don't know the full reason.

That's why I would urge you to get professional help for your wife. If she doesn't get help, the problem may only get worse—and that is not God's will. Depression can have many different causes, we are told, including chemical imbalances in the brain that have little to do with our behavior. When this is the case, it often can be treated with proper medication.

Your wife should not feel ashamed or think she's being unspiritual to seek help in this way. If she broke her arm, I'm sure she would not hesitate to get a doctor to set it. Why should she hesitate to seek help if something goes wrong emotionally?

God loves your wife, and He is just as concerned about her emotional health as He is her physical well-being. The Bible says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV). Pray for her, and let her know you love her and want to help her through this difficult time. God is always with us, no matter what we are going through.

7 Comments

Antonio says 10.5.2012, 3:20 p.m.

My name is Antonio and i've been going through depression I thank God that he lead me to this web site couse i thought i was the only one suffering as a christian this web site is starting to help me. reading the other postings that have been thru

melissa says 3.23.2012, 10:31 a.m.

i was in a accident at 3 years old that almost killed me if i didn't have head surgery, the point is, my frontal lobe was damaged(the bigger part of the brain) and i will always have that recurring depression but i am on medication for it .

Dan says 3.13.2012, 12:54 a.m.

Don't be afraid to take the antidepressants. Go to church. Pray with all your heart. Read the Bible, especially Psalms, Proverbs and Job. While the depression may never leave, God will always be with you, even in the darkest hour, he loves you and me

Carol says 1.1.2012, 4:27 p.m.

My once-strong faith was breached several years ago. Now I believe by choosing to believe, regardless of science and human logic. I take antidepressants. I fear that lacking joy means I am not saved and Jesus is not with me now.

bill says 9.19.2011, 4:43 p.m.

i have clinical depression and anxiety disorder. I do not take my medication like I should. Someone asked me if I wanted to get better, that is the question that everyone faces. Do You want to get better. I need to do better and take better care of myself.

Margie says 1.29.2011, 10:42 a.m.

Its hard being depressed and no one understands. But I myself have been on medication for 3 years and I am now trying to come off of it. I would advise anyone to do research on any medication before taking it. My husband is helping me through this. I pray for anyone going through depression..But God is bigger than any problem. I have given it to Him.

me says 8.28.2010, 07:54 a.m.

I went through a clinical depression about 2 1/2 yrs ago. it was anxiety based and I felt like i was in hell on earth. The best time of the day was when I went to sleep, for it was the only time I felt peace. Then when I woke up, th living hell began again. God taught me so much during this time and I can honestly say that I am glad to have gone through it for my relationship with God went to another level. During this time, I took medication and it helped some. I am glad my Christian counselor advised me to take medication.