No, taking medication for anxiety does not mean your faith is weak. Would it be weak faith if someone with a kidney problem took medication? Would you even question it? No, you likely would look at them side-eyed if they refused a medication for their condition, especially if it were healing.
I remember when I had just started my new job. I was going to be working with people who were seriously and persistently mentally ill. These people were the sickest of the sick. On any given day, they could easily be a danger to themselves or someone else and were at high risk of involuntary hospitalization or worse.
I was standing in the lobby introducing myself to my new clients. I will never forget. Let’s call him Roger. Roger introduced himself to me, and his first question was not my name. His first question was something like, “Do you know Jesus?” His faith was strong. He was seriously and persistently mentally ill and was prone to stopping his medication. Without medication, Roger believed himself to be invincible. It wasn’t a few months until he had completely stopped all of his medication. His symptoms came back, and he did something that cost him his life.
Roger had no lack of faith. He wasn’t just somewhat faithful; he was taking the risk and sharing his faith in a world often abandoned by followers of Jesus. His faith was real. His determination to share that faith was real. His medication was absolutely necessary. I don’t know why the Lord didn’t intervene and rescue him. I believe that if he had not stopped his medicine, he would still be alive.
You are not Roger. That doesn’t mean your problem is not real. The only ones who can decide if you have a true need for medication or not are you and your doctor.
Why do we accept illness in every organ but the brain?
I have always struggled to understand why so many people believe that every organ in our bodies can be sick, except our brain. Yes, we accept brain tumors and dementia as legitimate illnesses. We could throw in Parkinson’s and even problems such as MS. But when the brain disease is mood-related or thought-related, society does a double take.
We run from the idea that our brain may not regulate our mood well. We think we should hide our strong emotions. So, we worry pray, you know what I mean. It’s that racing thought that sounds like a prayer, but reads like fear. We do that instead of praying deeply. We don’t tell others how we feel and sometimes end up with such strong emotions that we cannot resolve them.
We land in trouble.
You can’t get out of bed. Maybe you can’t leave the house or drive down the road. Maybe you can’t face another human being, all because of strong emotions that society says you aren’t supposed to experience.
Are strong emotions a sin?
Your strong emotions are not a sin. They are painful. Society may say you aren’t supposed to experience strong emotions, and you should just get over it. I don’t understand that logic. We all experience strong emotions. The Bible is full of examples of strong emotions. Even Jesus had them, and He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15, ESV). Jesus experienced those strong emotions so He could understand and sympathize with us. All emotions need a resolution, and you can get relief from those strong, painful emotions.
Why is there no test for this?
Medical science is improving, but has not reached perfection. There are no blood tests to tell you that you have anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and a host of other mental health diagnoses. Doctors practice the art of medicine. They don’t replicate a scientific procedure that works every time. Everyone is different. We all need different things. That is the art of practicing medicine.
What does the Bible actually say about doctors and medicine?
The Bible speaks to using medicine for treatment, though not specifically for mental health. Luke, who wrote The Gospel According to Luke, was a physician (Colossians 4:14, ESV). He was very interested in how the body works and repairing it when it is broken. I have wondered if his heavy focus on the virgin birth of Jesus was fueled by that curiosity.
Jesus acknowledged the use of medicine, again not specific to mental health, but a very clear direction. Matthew 9:12, ESV — "But when he heard it, he said, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.'" Jesus was talking about His purpose and His role as a physician by acknowledging the use of medical providers.
I used to have a cassette tape. Some of you may know what that is. It finally became too degraded to use. The recording was a pastor. That pastor had become physically ill. He was so ill that he had been confined inside and isolated for months. He recounted the loneliness he felt as he lay in his hospital bed counting ceiling tiles over and over again, hoping to find a different number. He talked about the hopelessness he felt and the emotional pain of not being able to live his life. He remembered longing for God to just take him home.
Then the doctor gave him medication for his depression. He took it, reluctantly because he didn’t believe taking medication was appropriate for him because of his faith. He was just desperate enough to take the risk. His problem wasn’t sin. His problem was physical, and God in His great mercy gave that pastor relief.
What else can you look at besides medication?
You want to consider yourself and evaluate your life. There may be things you can change that will help. Diet, Exercise and Lifestyle do make a difference for almost everyone. You are the only one who can determine how helpful changes may be.
I have learned, for me, avoiding some very common foods helps my mood. I have learned that certain probiotics help my mood. Consider that possibility for yourself. This isn’t a nutrition post, and I am not the expert you need for those answers. However, there are plenty of experts willing to weigh in and offer free information.
Sometimes you might have a problem with your mood because you are doing something or living a lifestyle that is contradicting what God wants for you. I believe that it is important to ask that question of yourself. That doesn’t take away the reality that your brain may not be managing your moods well. I believe you do need to be asking those questions and searching diligently if something needs to change with your lifestyle. That certainly has been the case for me on more than one occasion.
Why does needing medication feel like failing God?
Some pastors and teachers express disdain for medication. I have heard them use the difficulty of diagnosis as their justification. They can’t explain why the medicines work, but know that they do work for many people. Pastors or teachers may tell you something like, “You are living with unconfessed sin.” They may tell you that your faith is weak. The only one who knows if faith is the problem is you. Your emotions don’t have to be a result of sin or lack of faith. Sometimes they are, and it is worth considering.
It may be true that you are living with unconfessed sin. I believe most of us are. Ignoring God creates a separation from Him. He wants a relationship with us, but it wouldn’t be a good relationship if He forced Himself on us. He lets us decide if we want Him around. I believe life without God is pretty dark, especially if you have a relationship with Jesus and don’t cultivate it.
Often, I see people expressing guilt over things they did a long time ago. You may feel guilty, even though you have been forgiven. Since the guilt never subsides, you can become depressed and anxious or worse.
Sometimes your problem can be resolved through spiritual growth. That still doesn’t mean you have no faith. I believe that means that God is allowing you to be sifted, much like He allowed Peter to be sifted and Job to be tested. Jesus even prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail (Luke 22:31-32, ESV). It wasn’t weak. Peter’s faith was being strained. The reason it was strained was so Peter could help strengthen other people. You are no different than Peter. God wants to use your experience to make others stronger.
It’s really hard to tell the difference between a medical problem and a problem of doing the wrong thing. Sometimes, it feels impossible. I believe that it is quite often impossible. I think it is important to work as if both are problems. Talk with your doctor and consider lifestyle changes that will help.
I am a therapist who is a follower of Jesus. I use a treatment called Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). The therapy helps you change your focus and your way of thinking. I have seen depression improve and hope fill people’s lives again. ART involves moving your eyes side to side while imagining your problem and solutions. ART, I believe, is another gift of mercy from God that helps us heal.
What should you do now?
You may need medicine. If your doctor prescribes it, then follow those directions. You may need to search your soul for anything missing from your relationship with God. I believe everyone should do that daily anyway. You may be experiencing a time of testing and growth.
So, again, I will say it. No, needing medication does not mean your faith is weak. If you need medication, talk with your doctor and follow those instructions. Alongside that medication, find a follower of Jesus who happens to be a therapist. Do a little soul searching, looking for other problems as well.
I am Vickie, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I know that bad stuff happens in life, and I love helping people heal. I love watching people grow and become the person God meant for them to be. I see people face to face in Maryville, TN. If you live in Maryville, Knoxville, or a surrounding area, click the button and schedule a talk so we can decide if I can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop taking my medication if my faith gets stronger?
No, you should only stop your medication after having talked with your doctor. You need your doctor’s directions for any medication changes. Stopping medicine without your doctor’s help is dangerous and can be life-threatening.
Does God heal without medicine?
Yes, God does sometimes heal without medication. Healing is a special gift from God. Sometimes God heals in a miraculous, immediate way. I believe medication is a gift of mercy from God and is a way He gives us relief. I also believe that often, He heals us as we grow closer to Him in faith.
How do I talk to my church about taking medication?
You don’t have to talk to your church about taking medication. Your privacy is real, and you should expect it to be respected. If you want to talk with your church about medicine, be careful. Talk with someone who will protect you. Talk with someone who will not violate your privacy and share your problem, especially as a “prayer request.” Sharing with a church leader who has a reputation for protecting people’s privacy may be an option, but be careful.
What does the Bible say about mental illness?
There are allusions to mental illness throughout Scripture. Elijah was depressed and wished to die. God sent an angel to tend to him. He told him to sleep and eat to feel better (1 Kings 19:4-7, ESV). The Bible even tells us to take a day off every week (Exodus 20:8-11, ESV). I believe that rest is vital for everyone, but especially for people struggling with mental health problems.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Disclaimer
All content is written or reviewed by Vickie Starkey, MDiv, LMFT, and is intended for educational purposes only. It should not be used for evaluation, treatment, or replacement of your provider's recommendations.
Vickie Starkey has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Tennessee since 2005, License Number 579. She graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1995 with a Master of Divinity in Psychology and Counseling. She graduated from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology. Vickie has been a Certified Master ART Practitioner since 2023. Verify my license here: https://internet.health.tn.gov/Licensure/
AI Disclosure
These posts, summaries, and FAQ answers are written by Vickie Starkey, MDiv, LMFT. AI is used to edit grammar, generate and suggest titles and section headings, generate questions for the FAQ, and help apply APA-formatted citations. Vickie also uses AI to flag potential clinical misstatements, allowing her to evaluate and correct as needed.
References
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2001). Crossway.
