Let's get this one out of the way. There is probably no question that elicits such extremes of opinion as, "Should a Christian take medications to help with mental illness?" In a 2013 Lifeway Research study, roughly a third of Americans said they believe in the statement, "With just Bible study and prayer, ALONE, people with serious mental illness like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia could overcome mental illness." I would venture to say that nearly 100 percent of Americans would disagree with the statement, "With just Bible study and prayer, ALONE, people can overcome type 1 diabetes." I would hope that all of us would encourage diabetics to take their insulin. So there is a double standard when it comes to mental vs. physical illnesses, and how to treat them.
The story of the Philippian jailer in Acts chapter 16 is helpful here. The apostle Paul and his companion Silas were severely beaten and jailed for having cast a demon out of a slave girl, who made money for her owners by fortune-telling. In the middle of the night, while Paul and Silas were singing praises to God, there was an earthquake, their bonds were unfastened, and the prison doors were opened. But there is one thing missing from all the miracles (including the conversion of the jailer and his family) in the account. Did you catch it? There is no mention of the wounds on the backs of Paul and Silas having been supernaturally healed. Instead we read of the jailor "washing their wounds." As in the story of the good Samaritan, this most likely involved "pouring on oil and wine," which had medicinal properties. You could say that the great apostle Paul had received "medication."
So yes, mental illnesses can certainly be, and should certainly be treated by Bible study and prayer. And talk therapy with a reliable counselor should be an early choice in treating mental illness. But these ALONE may not do the trick. In my case this was certainly the case. I think I can safely say that I would not be here were it not for medical intervention. So if you can do without medications, great! But if not, you should not feel guilty or ashamed. Paul wasn't.
Blessings!
The Christian Bipole
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