BGEA: Is it a sin to be depressed? The doctor says I have a chemical imbalance that can be treated with medication, but my friend says I just need to pray and have more faith.

Is it a sin to be depressed? The doctor says I have a chemical imbalance in my brain that he can treat with medication, but a friend of mine says I shouldn't do this because I just need to pray and have more faith. Who is right? I can't stand this much longer. — Mrs. A.B.

Let me ask you a question: If you broke your arm in an accident, do you think your friend would claim it was a sin for you to have a broken arm, and all you needed to do was pray? I doubt it.

Neither is it a sin for you to seek treatment for a chemical imbalance in your brain. The Bible says that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14)—and it's true: Our bodies and minds are very complex. Although doctors can't solve all our problems, we should be grateful that God has enabled them to understand more about our bodies and minds, and has given them new ways to overcome many of our problems. Don't feel that you are somehow sinning by seeking treatment for your depression; it would be wrong for you not to seek treatment.

Don't misunderstand me, however. God has given us the gift of prayer, and prayer should be an important part of your life as you struggle with this problem. Through prayer we draw near to God, and the closer we get to Him, the more we will realize that He loves us and wants to help us.

Make sure of your commitment to Christ, and then ask Him to guide you as you seek treatment. In addition, let God's promises saturate your mind and heart. The psalmist wrote, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? ... Put your hope in God" (Psalm 42:5).

36 Comments

michael says 10.31.2011, 5:46 p.m.

I too have a chemical imbalance in my brain. It is called Bipolar 1. I suffer with this greatly if it werent for God and my meds (which I thank him for daily) i would have long since been dead. I have a scrapbook that was passed down from my grandma that has Dr. Graham's articles back to at least the 1960's. They are a Gold mine.

Karen says 10.25.2011, 5:57 p.m.

I have followed Billy Graham's teaching since I was 12 years old. I am now 61 years old. It was through his teaching that I received Christ as my Saviour at 13 years of age. He has a commanding, Godly, presence. His voice and words are comforting and honest because he loves the Father. I have taken meds for depression and anxiety for many years. I study God's Word and talk with Him daily. He has made us human and as human beings we need the help of doctors and the Great Physician. He has blessed us with the understanding to know when we need help and the courage to ask for it. Dr. Graham is a true blessing in my life and I took forward to meeting him one day when we get to Heaven.

Karla says 10.25.2011, 1:13 p.m.

Mrs. AB - you are in my prayers. Mental illness is just that - an illness - that needs to be treated with both prayer and medical attention - just as Dr. Graham said. I suffered a nervous breakdown in the early 90's after having been a Christian for over 25 years. I had the same type of question - can a Christian suffer a nervous breakdown - or is this sin? It was real - it happened - many people prayed for me and I was also treated by professionals. Glory to God - today I am whole and healthy and enjoying each day. You are in my prayers for healing and for just the right doctors to be in your life. God bless you my sister.

Cynthia says 10.25.2011, 11:19 a.m.

Your answer is inspired by the truth and mercy of Christ. My husband refused to let me get help or counseling, or even admit I had a problem. As a result our whole family suffered and I nearly took my life many times. But God did help and as I memorized His Word, I had the power to renew my mind when feelings were low. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Gail says 10.24.2011, 06:30 a.m.

How refreshing to hear such a common-sense answer to this difficult question. I have no patience or tolerance for Christians who shove their "you just need to pray more" medicine down the throats of those struggling with depression and bi-polarism. They do so much harm with their misguided 'helpfulness'! Thank you.

Rajan says 10.24.2011, 02:23 a.m.

Phil 4:4-7

Kathy says 10.23.2011, 7:38 p.m.

I have been on med's for 15 years. It helped me get through so much, but now through prayer I am not taking any. It has been a little harder, but remember that your brain can be trained over a certain amount of time. You must of course renew your mind with the word of God, not fill it with ungodly thoughts. This does not work with everyone, but it is worth a try for some of you. Your doctor can help you see if this is right for you. Sometimes Christians can be very critical about med's for depression. Do what is best for you.

sharon says 10.23.2011, 6:45 p.m.

I believe Brother Grahams answer. I would like to say that I believe in Miracles which I have experienced. No person walking this earth is perfect, but I have always believed that Billy Graham is the purest person walking this earth and the nearest to being perfect. I have always looked up to him and trusted his words. Nothing could be better on this earth than to meet him. MAY GOD ALWAYS PROTECT AND WATCH OVER HIM. I have always believed he is led by GOD.

Janice says 10.23.2011, 1:57 p.m.

I agree Billy Graham he is one of the greatest Christians ever as he points toward the path to the GREAT PHYSICIAN Himself.

Kossi says 10.23.2011, 12:50 a.m.

Thanks Dr. Graham for the answer. I believe that is the wisdom we need to use through the Word of God; seeking for medical help/treatment by faith in God for healing.

Gerard says 10.23.2011, 01:19 a.m.

I believe this was an excellent answer, my wife has bipolar disorder and for many years did not take medication that could help her. As a result this put a great deal of pressure on our home with three children. She has been taking medication for several years now which has helped, but we still have to put our total faith in the Lord even when we don't understand some of life's trials. He promises to be with us at all times and He has.

frogfinder says 10.23.2011, 01:08 a.m.

Hope in God. Thanks Dr Graham

Avis says 10.23.2011, 00:47 a.m.

As a born again Christain, I believe that Prayer isour greatest weapon! At the same time, I believed in Jesus to heal me of post-partum depression but I didn't have anything left to fight with as I was so tired and had stopped taking care of my needs and focused on my son and my husband and everything came to a crashing halt! I had to spend 8 days in the hospital and I was put on medication to balance my brain as well as to eat,sleep and exersize and read the Bible and pray. As a teen, I'd been abused by my brother-in-law and my Mom suffered from bi-polar disorder. I just worked with my Dr. and came off medication gradually and I am doing well, I'm an overcomer! My husband is an awesome Godly man who hasloved me for 30 yrs. and we realize that it is a factof life, and that Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 139 and Rev. 7:17 are true and we have hope in Jesus! Forgiveness is a key to being healed too! Love, Avis

Janet says 10.22.2011, 7:26 p.m.

I too sufferr from depression. Sometimes it fills like it consumes me. But I know that God made me in my mothers womb. That he has a plan for me. He has given me so much in my life. So each day I thank him for another day. I give my concerns to God in prayer and ask for loving hand to guide me.

sherri says 10.22.2011, 6:02 p.m.

I have BiPolar disorder. several christian friends have celebrated my progress in this disease with the help of psychologist, counseling and medication. it is so encouraging to see your positive answer to chemical imbalances in our brains. God allows these things for several reasons: to help us grow stronger/ closer to HIM as well as being an encouragement to others. thank you for your encouragement to this woman and many others suffering silently under stigma of what is just an illness we have medications to treat.

Margo says 10.22.2011, 5:59 p.m.

I, too have suffered from depression for many years now. I have been on medicine and live a very productive life. I must comment that without the Lord I don't think I would be as content as I am. The medicine helps but my Lord Jesus is the real helper. Stay close to Him in prayer and don't be embarrassed to seek treatment from a doctor for your chemical imblance.

Carol says 10.22.2011, 5:59 p.m.

I've watched my mother struggle with mental illness for many years untreated. She moved in with my family about 20 years ago after my father died. Under doctor's care, medications, daily attending a local adult day care program she has improved greatly. Now at 76 she is a great woman. I used to pray and still do for her chemical imbalance, but I am so thankful she has come such a long way.

BILL says 10.22.2011, 5:54 p.m.

THAT WAS A VERY GOOD ANSWER YOU GAVE HER. I KNOW THAT PRAYER DOES HELP GET YOU THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES AND THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL SURELY GUIDE YOU TO DO THE RIGHT THING. I THINK GOD MADE SOME FOLKS TO BE DOCTORS SO WE COULD HAVE SOME RELIEF WHILE WE ARE HERE ON THIS EARTH. WHEN IT IS OUR TIME, GOD WILL CALL US HOME. BUT, PRAYER CAN EASE PAIN AND GIVE A SENSE OF CONTENTMENT DURING CERTAIN TIMES OF DISTRESS.

Jay says 10.22.2011, 11:22 a.m.

Life is a struggle up one minute down the next it is my prayer that all believers hold on to faith in Jesus where ever they are in life, up feeling good or down feeling low or somwhere in the middle. Jesus said Blessed are they who have not seen but believe, we are blessed where we are in life struggles, I am asking for God the Father in the name of Jesus to send his Holy Spirit to all believers that we be full of the Spirit of God to overflowing. That we will show the world the love of God through Jesus Christ Amen.

Charles A says 10.22.2011, 10:50 a.m.

God is Great, God is Good and He desires us to love Him above all else! then to love everyone as He loves us. To comply with His commandments builds tremendeous strength in or faith, and, He responds to our needs freely, to include healing and restoration when we totally trust in Him

Danny says 10.22.2011, 07:46 a.m.

According to the word of God we should always seek our healing first of all through faith in the great physician which is Christ. I agree there is a need for doctors, but todays society has sadly placed their Faith more in man instead of God. As a Minister i have witnessed the healing power of God manifest right before my eyes. I truely thank you for your years of service to our Lord, may God continue to bless you all the days of your life in Jesus name I pray, amen.......

Nancy says 10.22.2011, 07:05 a.m.

Thank you for answering this question about depression this way. So many times it seems that I have heard that I was bad for being depressed and the advice was to "snap out of it" which wasn't possible at the time. Saturating my mind too and heart on God's promises is very good. So thank you and God bless you, Pastor Graham. xoxox N

Elice says 10.22.2011, 01:44 a.m.

i am a 73 year old woman and my blood pressure has been running extremely low. now my doctor says I might have blood clots in my legs or lungs. I need prayer that all the tests will come out good and there is nothing seriously wrong with me. thank you BGEA.

Charles Wesley Gajilly says 10.22.2011, 00:24 a.m.

Yes Dear Dr. Billy, you really encouraged me in this thought, I too having a small calcification on my left coronary arty. I am praying and holding to GOD'S promise from Ps 27:14 HE gave me into start of this year. Also still I seek the Doctor's instructions and take medication. Thank you Dr. Billy. GOD BLESS you. Pray for me

JUDY says 10.21.2011, 11:45 p.m.

The Lord also says, "Lean not on you own understanding...." It has taken me a LONG time to realize that our God knew exactly what He had planned for each of us even before we were born and sometimes that includes having to take medications that your body or mind needs to function to its capacity. And just because your body needs this or that chemical to do whatever it is it needs to do, that by no means classifies you as an addict. If the Holy Spirit truely lives in you, He will give you a clear understanding and that's really all it boils down to anyway right? You living a life that pleases HIM......

Chris says 10.21.2011, 11:23 p.m.

My wife and I have served for nearly 40 years in mission work. After a difficult few years under very stressful conditions (living in a killing zone during a war amongst other sad events) we took time to be nurtured and counselled in a Christian Restoration Centre for three months. It was a wonderful blessing, as it provided a safe environment for us to talk through some disillusionment and pain. God granted healing through that process under guidance of professional counsellors and now we're back serving full time. All glory to Jesus, Begotten of God, the Great I am Is He; Creator, Sustainer and Wonder of all, the Lamb of Calvary - J.W. Peterson

Nirva says 10.21.2011, 10:43 p.m.

Thank you very for this article. I have been depressed for quite a while, somehow I felt it is a lack of faith and not beiing a real christian that I feel depressed. Now Knowing that it is not a sin, I will definitely seek treatment. Thank you and God bless you.

Paula says 10.21.2011, 10:35 p.m.

This answer was right on! Thanks, Billy Graham ministries!

Gene says 10.21.2011, 8:26 p.m.

My MD, also a believer, prescribed an antidepressant when I asked, but said it would be temporary. He said medication would not take away my problem, but would help me think clearly to prayerfully seek a solution. He was so right! Medicine and faith do not have to be mutually exclusive. I wish more Christian leaders understood this.

Angelina R says 10.21.2011, 7:37 p.m.

I truly believe Mr. Graham's answer. Thank you.

Sally says 10.21.2011, 7:28 p.m.

Thank you Reverend Graham. I too have a chemical imbalance due to stress overload and I struggled for a long time with guilt because I felt I should have stronger faith that God would heal me. I have learned God can use my disability to encourage others and be a blessing. May the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you now and always!

Kristina says 10.21.2011, 5:44 p.m.

I was very thankful to see this article. I too have suffered from depression for many years, and a sunday school teacher told me that I just needed to pray. I told him, God gave Dr.s wisdom. Was he wrong, I think to a degree. My meds help me a great deal. Thank you for this article.

PRISCA says 10.21.2011, 5:36 p.m.

I agree that depression requires medication. Prayers and bible teaching can help in diverting the consequence of depression and fellowship works as therapy, so medicine and prayer combined equals to total healing.

Earl says 10.21.2011, 5:35 p.m.

That was a good answer to the depressed one. I have suffered depression all my life and nothing helped as far as medication. It did bring me closer to God ask I prayed for relief. I feel He sustains me but I will probably never be free from it, not in this life . I never saw it as sinful but part of a sinful fallen world. The fall of mankind brought all types of disease and suffering. My thorn just happens to be depression. One thing for sure, it makes me look to heaven for relief where we will experience such as we can't even imagine, where there will be no more suffering. There is much hope for the Christian! Blessings to all.

Clark says 10.21.2011, 5:21 p.m.

Mrs. AB, Please be sure to get the help you need and yes Doctors can help you with this. May God bless you with his peace...

Tommy says 10.21.2011, 4:53 p.m.

Billy Graham Is one of the if not the greatest Christian whoever lived!