It’s that time again to have some questions answered from a man’s point of view. The topic for the Men’s Meme at Families Again this week is a hot topic for some, so let’s see how Tom feels about this issue. His comments will be in BLUE:
What do you think about medications for ADHD, depression and other types like them? Are they over-prescribed? Do you think that we should be totally reliant on God and not use such things?
This is actually a very common dilemma faced in treating ADHD, depression and other types of physical illnesses of any age. As with all such medical and psychological treatment choices, it is best put to the research method in determining the best approach. This method is fundamental in the diagnostic and treatment process.
First, have you petitioned God for help relieving this malady? Have you felt impressed to:
(a) rely on faith in the matter,
(b) seek medical/psychiatric intervention or help, or
(c) take some other course of remedial action?
In each, what have been the outcomes?
Lacking clinical experience, this might be the approach you or someone else would take to search out an answer. And that is by definition the nature of the scientific method: experiment, observe, draw conclusions.While God is characterized as The Great Physician and Healer, and can provide divine intervention, He does not operate a pharmacy. Antidepressants, stimulants, and psychotropics are the first line of treatment for the conditions set forth in the question. If your prayers and spiritual remedies have been effective, fine. Continue with that course of treatment. If not, begin a pharmaceutical regimen. This may require some trial and error to arrive at the correct medication(s) and/or dose. There are many from which to choose. Be patient and prayerful in this endeavor as well.
Obviously, I know that depression is a major issue and many people including some in my extended family suffer from this condition. With the recommended medication(s), I know that these people can function normally and their depression is not excessive. By excessive I mean that they no longer feel like committing suicide.
Chemical depression is very different than situational depression. Chemical depression afflicts the individual all the time during all of life’s circumstances, and usually remains a problem their entire life. In this instance, medication helps “fix” the chemical imbalance within the brain. Situational depression is just like it sounds – due to a particular unhappy or stress-filled situation. This type of depression usually goes away when the unhappy or stress-filled situation is over, but some people may still need proper medication in order to cope with the stress (i.e. death, divorce, cheating spouse, loss of employment, etc.).
With that said, I think that using the knowledge and treatment measures from new medical discoveries is a blessing of living in this era. I also believe that God wants us to use our intelligence and wisdom when we make choices. If we are not afflicted with medical problems and go to the doctor just to receive drugs, then that is wrong. If, however, we need help with any medical condition, going to the doctor and receiving treatment (medication included) is a privilege many people in other countries are not able to enjoy.
Thanks always for your participation in the Men's Monday Meme Redhead Riter. And thanks to you as well Mr. Riter. Hope all is going well for you all.
Tim @ Families Again
All I can say is that no one should ever have to feel guilty for taking medication for depression either. It happens so much and it's just plain wrong. Understand that I am not saying this is what is happening with your post, I'm just saying that SOME people think Christians shouldn't have to be on medications at all and the only reason they are is because they "don't have enough faith". What's up with that?
Oh Sew Good I agree and think it is sad when people suffer when help is so close.
I do think there is a problem with over prescribing. I am always surprised how many people think a pill is quick fix to everything. Of course, I am not talking about the people who suffer from crushing depression.
Call me granola, but I think if more people exercised, ate more Omega 3's and cut out the junk, the world would be doing a lot more whistling while they work!
Oh this is a great meme – I will try to remember to get my hubs to answer. I love this idea!
Hi, Sherry. I agree that there's nothing fundamentally wrong with taking a medication, if it helps you. But it's also true that some psychiatric medications are over-prescribed. I say this as someone who suffers from depression.
Antidepressants do not usually work, at least not any better than a magician's wand would. In a recent post on my blog, I made fun of new-age cures by pretending my book was one. "I bought the book intending to read it, but I didn’t. Still, withIn about 2 or 3 months after buying the book, my knee was without pain… I don’t know how or why it works, but it works!"
Maybe I should have used a different ailment: "I started taking the pills and going to therapy, and within about 2 or 3 months, my depression lifted!" That's the realistic situation. (Just ask your doctor.)
But overcoming depression also requires more than just praying for a cure. In most cases, the best thing you can do for a depressed person is to engage her, make sure her basic needs are met, and involve her in your shared community. Too often in our modern society, we expect God to perform some miracle, but we neglect that we are his instrument to effect that miracle.
-TimK