By the authority of God's Word, I can say people do not need mind altering drugs.
Chapter and verse? I want to see where the bible says actually that. besides, antidepressants are not mind-altering, they are mood-altering.
he Bible says He will keep them in perfect peace. Perfect peace is not depression, it is not suicidal thoughts, it is not anxiety attacks.
True. But what about when a Christian in in depression? Or having suicidal thoughts? Or having anxiety attacks? Are they simply "not abiding"? Are they actually lost and on their way to hell? Or are they just not holding their mouth right?
The mantra of "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee" is great, but it doesn't change the reality of what is goiong on with that person.
Christ is the answer for that which is in the mind, not drugs.
Again, is a person lost if they suffer from these things?
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Shell.
This is a forum, not a doctor's office. I am a preacher and a blue-collar worker, not a doctor. While I know you love and respect your pastor, he is not a doctor either. If he were going through what you're going through, he wouldn't take his own advice (if he did, he wouldn't be your pastor for very long...).
If you dislike your doctor, do as others have said and get a second opinion. You will probably get the same prognosis, however.
Depression is rampant in America, and there is no shame for those who are in its grip. I have been there, and have the battle-scars from it. The days of darkness and despair leave their impressions on the soul, and, once you emerge from under that dark cloud, those scars give you a new appreciation for everything in life.
Antidepressants are a tool that can be used to help you get back on your feet. While most depression will pass with time, the length of it is never known beforehand. While taking high spiritual road is easy to say, the reality of where you are lets you know that even God doesn't seem to care. He does, of course, but depression blinds you to even that.
My advice would be to try the meds for a couple of months. After the two months, ask your family if they can tell a difference in you. If they can't, tell your doc that you are coming off them, but DO NOT just stop taking them! I did and... well... let's just say that I never want to go through the time in my life again.
You are in my prayers.