Galatians 5:5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.
I was reading a newspaper report from Scotland this morning that reveals the number of prescriptions for anti-depressants has reached an all time high this year: 3.5 million in a population of 5 million. It seems to be a high amount for a country the size of Scotland. The politicians and medical professionals are so concerned about these statistics that they are searching for the causes of what appears to be an epidemic amongst Scots.
Some people are suggesting it has to do with the lack of sunlight in winter; others are saying that modern-day stress has reached unbearable heights; and even others are expressing that too high expectations and too little opportunities cause most Scots to be depressed. Some have even stated that it’s because of a deep-rooted dour Calvinism which has impaired Scottish spirits since the time of John Knox.
Now I am no psychotherapist or psychiatrist, but if people are really that depressed, then I believe they are suffering from a sickness in their souls. Surely, as well as good counseling and balanced medication, isn’t this an opportunity for the Church to proclaim the Good News and restore Christ’s Hope to the people? Is it just me, or is there a correlation between the increase of Western secularism and the emptiness Scots people are experiencing in their lives? It may be too simple to say that the Church has all the answers, but wouldn’t a spiritual reawakening, a recommitment to Christ, and a refocusing on serving others for God’s Kingdom help overcome the need for most of these medications?
You know, the New Testament Christians faced lots of opposition, conflict, and persecution, but preachers like Paul wrote about hope which made the Church eager to serve Christ and await the blessing of the Holy Spirit. It seems to be that they had an endurance, perseverance, and fortitude that we have sadly forgotten.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, depression is a hard burden to bear and many people in our society seem to be wrestling with it. Come among us, Precious Lord, take us by the hand and refresh our weary souls. In Your Holy Name, we eagerly await and pray. Amen.
6 comments:
I need to call you on this one. It is dangerous suggest a spiritual solution to a physical problem. Both may be necessary, but one does not supersede the other. What you are suggesting is the same as a psychiatrist suggesting to a patient, "Stop praying, all you need are medications."
Would you suggest that if people had a closer relationship with Jesus that they wouldn't need to take their blood pressure medicine?
Medications for depression are a good thing! Those of us in the spiritual community do not need to see them as competition.
John, read the message again. I'm not saying that.
Read the part that states:
Surely, as well as good counseling and balanced medication, isn’t this an opportunity for the Church to proclaim the Good News and restore Christ’s Hope to the people?
Stushie,
I did read it again. You said:
"Now I am no psychotherapist or psychiatrist, but if people are really that depressed, then I believe they are suffering from a sickness in their souls."
Would you say that if someone was suffering a heart condition, or cancer?
And you wrote:
"It may be too simple to say that the Church has all the answers, but wouldn’t a spiritual reawakening, a recommitment to Christ, and a refocusing on serving others for God’s Kingdom help overcome the need for most of these medications?"
Would a spiritual reawakening, a recommitment to Christ and so forth help overcome the need for radiation treatment, insulin, hip replacements, and pacemakers?
I know you don't realize what you are saying, but you are reinforcing the harmful mythology that mental illness is associated with a lack of spiritual depth or commitment to the spiritual life or even sin.
The answer to your question whether a spiritual reawakening would overcome the need for most of these medications is a resounding NO.
As clergy, we need to be the most responsible in regards to this. Our congregations are filled with people with varying degrees of mental illness. The stigma associated with that is that they are less than spiritual, moral, etc. Mental illness like any other illness needs professional care, including medication. Our job as clergy is to speak against the stigma not reinforce it by implying in any way that if they were more spiritual they wouldn't need their medications.
You are way off the mark here, John.
1) My mother was on anti-depressants for over thirty years. When she decided to flush her tablets down the toilet and come off them, it ended up with disastrous results, when she almost strangled my baby sister. If I hadn't intervened and pulled her off my sister, the infant would have died. I know only too well the dangers of non-medication for depression.
2) The doctors in Scotland (and probably elsewhere) are over prescribing anti-depressants. People have to wait ten months for counselling under the National health System. It's far easier to prescribe anti-depressants to deal with nuisance, melancholic patients instead of really depressed people.
3) A doctor in Knoxville recently prescribed anti-depressants for a 93 year old when she went to him after having a fall. He asked her if she thought a lot about death, and being 93 years old, she said "yes," so he prescribed the pills. Her 65 year old daughter was outraged.
and 4) Are you now saying that Christ doesn't have the ability to heal all things? Are you limiting His power? I certainly believe He is the King of all creation, therefore depression can be healed, if He so chooses. The Church is usually His vehicle to do such a wonderful thing.
Sorry Stushie,
I insist. Your anecdotes are not evidence.
Why pick on depression? Why not suggest that Christ can heal cancer without medication?
You can insist all you like, John. it's a free world. You don't have to accept anything I write, express or believ - and vice versa.
BTW, I've seen Christ heal cancer without medication, but then you would call it an anecdote, whereas I witnessed, as did our congregation, a miracle.
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