Is it wrong?No, taking anti-anxiety medicines is not wrong because you are doing it to find relief and the ability to function at an improved level. Ed Stetzer addressed the question Christians struggle with when they experience mental illness. Copyright 2023 Biblical Counseling Center. Its very common for some medications not to work or stop working after some time. SSRIs have been used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Christians typically understand occasional depression or anxiety, but some are put off by an official diagnosis of mental illness. Symptoms of depression can be sad mood, hopelessness, guilt, and low energy. As a result, they refuse to eat lunch in the cafeteria and avoid talking in class. What we worry about reveals what our hearts love. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are a few examples of when a teen may benefit from anxiety treatment: Approximately 60% of young people with an anxiety disorder dont get treatment. They fear shaming for ongoing emotional struggles. Instead, out of love for him, Paul instructed him to use a little medicine (wine) for his ailment/pain. By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from BCC. Even those who suspect they might have a mental illness may be afraid to admit it. In the first half of this article, I am going to present the short answers to the three questions. Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. No suicides were reported in the studies that led to the warnings. He is the Healer (Psalm 103:2-3; 147:3). HELPGUIDE.ORG INTERNATIONAL is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization (ID #45-4510670). However, many of these studies have been conducted only on adult subjects. doi:10.4088/JCP.16m11415. We know Paul was praying for Timothy and the church (2 Timothy 1:3-4), but why werent Pauls prayers working to heal Timothy? Warning: If you are currently taking any psychiatric medicine, the only safe way to stop taking them is with your doctors help. However, antidepressants take up to 4 to 6 weeks to begin relieving anxiety symptoms, so they can't be taken as needed. Their use is limited to chronic anxiety problems that require ongoing treatment. Make it a discovery learning experience. Deciding to take medication is all about balancing possible benefits against possible side effects. Various scholars point out that Timothy was adamant about not drinking alcohol, as the culture around him abused alcohol, and he wanted to set a godly example without alcohol. While it is not wrong to take medicine to feel better, it is nave to think that medicine alone is the answer that brings those who worry to find significant progress and life change. Christians should start with spiritual responses to all issues, making sure that unforgiven sins aren't hindering our prayers or health. In Luke 10:34, Jesus highlights how the Good Samaritan goes beyond cultural prejudices to lovingly care for a man who was beaten, robbed, and left for dead. Get your free "Would You Be A Good Biblical Counselor?" Learning to think differently about our struggles, with Gods purposes in view, has a major impact on our anxious thinking. You may need to apply for an approval to bring in medications for yourself or family members' use. Hezekiah's healing comes from the medicinal agents of that time, a cake of figs to be applied on his skin. Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Buspirone, also known by the brand name BuSpar, is a newer anti-anxiety drug that acts as a mild tranquilizer. - inadequate sleep. First-line drugs are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Natural Strategies for Treating Anxiety (for science source study see footnotes), Counseling This Scripture points out that they had a common practice of having treatment and doctors for their health and healing. You may also notice that the teen is withdrawn or uncomfortable in social situations. As of this writing, some of the anxiety medications with the fewest reported side effects and least risk of side effects include: Most Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) From a Biblical perspective, psychiatric medicine is a Christian liberty issue, not one that should be condemned but one where loving pastoral caution is certainly warranted. By Dominique Michelle Astorino Updated on September 29, 2022 By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from BCC. Diarrhea. Pastor of Counseling at the Summit Church, Brad Hambrick, believes the issue of medicines for mental issues is not a moral decision, but rather a wisdom decision. Either way, Pauls counsel was the practical use of medicine (wine) for his ailment/pain. They include: Anyone who takes benzodiazepines can experience unpleasant or dangerous side effects. Yet, Paul doesnt instruct Timothy to pray, believe, and trust God to shake off his illness as Paul did with the poisonous snake. However, if youre currently or considering taking medication, here are some simple tips to keep in mind: Medication is part of a whole-health process, not a pill to make it all disappear. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. Will withdrawing from the medication be difficult? Always educate yourself about any medications your child is taking. Get professional help from BetterHelps network of 30,000 licensed therapists. Christians often prefer a combination of approaches, allowing for medicines on a limited basis to treat symptoms, but also relying on the Lord, Scripture, and biblical counseling to work on spiritual issuessuch as struggles in the heart and emotions like fear or anxietythat might contribute to mental disorders. What Does the Bible Say about Visiting Graves? Medicine as a natural response, not a lack of faith. Abdominal pain. Antihistaminesfound in many over-the-counter sleep, cold, and allergy medicinesare sedating on their own. Yet some Christians argue theres a fine line between using medicines for healing processes and constantly relying on them for everyday livingto avoid dealing with a non-physical cause for mental anguish or stress. (Anxiety and Depression Association of America), - Article written for health care professionals on the benefits and risks of benzodiazepines. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, We see this especially throughout the book of Job and in the Psalms of Lament (, King Saul suffered with paranoia and depression (, David suffered depression as a consequence for his sin (. Skip to content Care at Mayo Clinic Care at Mayo Clinic About Mayo Clinic Request Appointment Contrary to the popular myth, Biblical Counselors are not opposed to all psychiatric medicine use, nor do we think that all problems can be cured by prayer, Bible study, and church attendance. It can be challenging to find the right anxiety medication that will work for your teen. God does not need man-made medicines to heal. Paradoxical reactions are most common in children, the elderly, and people with developmental disabilities. However, addressing the underlying emotions and fearful thought patterns is still necessary for better long-term results. The decision to take anxiety meds or not is a personal choice, and these conversations need to be had primarily with your doctor. The higher the dose, the more intense these side effects typically arealthough some people feel sleepy, foggy, and uncoordinated even on low doses. Some common side effects of bupropion include: Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine often used to relieve allergic reactions. How do you know when the anxiety rises to the level of requiring treatment? As with all medication, the answer to whether to take medication for mental illness or not is entirely personal. Our content does not constitute a medical or psychological consultation. Is it helpful? There may also be psychological side-effects stemming from necessary medications for other medical conditionsside-effects that contribute to poor or declining mental health. Sometimes we find ourselves asking why hasn't God fixed this?Some will respond to our questioning by saying it is all because of sin. Always keep medicines out of heat and direct sunlight both at home and when traveling. Because when it comes to our hearts and minds, we sometimes hear an underlying message that says, Jesus is enough for all your needs (hearts and minds). It comes across as if our emotional and mental challenges are just spiritual problems, thus, remedied by spiritual disciplines (i.e., faithfulness to God). Here are a few that a physician may prescribe. Benzodiazepines for anxiety work by slowing down the nervous system essentially muting the intense feelings of anxiety. Many medications can cause problems when taken with alcohol including anti-anxiety medications, sleep medications and prescription pain medications. But just because someone is struggling with anxiety or depression or another form of mental illness does not mean it is a result of something theyve done or not done.. God could have provided immediate healing; instead, God blesses the use of their modern-day medicine. That's a promise. Baldwin, D. S., Waldman, S., & Allgulander, C. (2011). For those who may need and do well with these medications, this Jesus is enough leaves them with confusing thoughts like, I love Jesus, but am I not trusting Him is my faith lacking? Ultimately, they arent left questioning whether Jesus is enough, but, Am I enough? Why? A systematic review into the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects: Are guidelines evidence-based? So, allow others to disagree with you; it doesnt make them right and you wrong. As you journey through this topic, you may encounter others who will adamantly disagree. The key is being educated about medications - not fearing them, just building awareness. Paul doesnt touch a handkerchief and sends it to Timothy to be healed. (American Family Physician), - Worksheet to help you cope. Those caught doing so can be prosecuted under Singapore law. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, benzodiazepines lose their therapeutic anti-anxiety effect after 4 to 6 months of regular use. Get your free "4 Reasons Why Lay Counseling Is Effective" Resource! (We use this story in our curriculums for helpful insight and reflection). Learn more. Like King Hezekiah (Isaiah 38), we're praying and relying on God to give us and the doctors wisdom to find the proper medication and process to help us thrive. The flesh can bear only a certain number of wounds and no more, but the soul can bleed in ten thousand ways, and die over and over again each hour.. Those that do often find that the effects are mild and usually go away within the first few weeks of treatment. Signs of teen anxiety include excessively worrying, continuous nervousness, and restlessness. Dawn Wilsonand her husband Bob live in Southern California. SSRIs, most commonly used for depression treatment are often used in longer-term anxiety and work by increasing serotonin available to the brain. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); BCC Dupage 27W140 Roosevelt RD, Suite 203 But different things work for different people. + Is generalized anxiety disorder the same as general anxiety? So, Pauls simple encouragement to use it for medicinal purposes also let Timothy know that using medicine was not a loss, lack, or failure of faith, and it wasnt losing his faithful witness. Someone with a Xanax addiction may take up to 20 to 30 pills per day., [3] https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/anxiety-medication.htm, [4] Dr. Lee Edmonds, ACBC 2019 Plenary Address, [5] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100222161848.htm, [6] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180104152947.htm, [7] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190520190110.htm, [8] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-strategies-to-ease-anxiety-201604139441, [9] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101006203003.htm, [10] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161221090117.htm. Lu CY, Penfold RB, Wallace J, Lupton C, Libby AM, Soumerai SB. Long-term benzodiazepine use also increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. Like SSRIs, SNRIs impact neurotransmitters in the brain. Many pastors today can relate, as 90% feel fatigued and worn out every week. Our BCC counselors experience with anti-anxiety medication would reflect the cautionary note from the physicians listed above. Studies show that regular workouts can ease symptoms just as effectively as medication. In part two of this article, I will expand on my answers and give a fuller explanation. There are several different classes of anti-anxiety medicine:[1]. Sign up to receive engaging and innovative insights, encouragement, and more! Reporting Bias in Clinical Trials Investigating the Efficacy of Second-Generation Antidepressants in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: A Report of 2 Meta-analyses. This drugs for anxiety list looks at 10 commonly prescribed options: Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine anxiolytic. We are passionate about training people and churches, through online courses and events, to help those in need. The answer is, Yes! For ongoing severe mental and emotional challenges, along with therapy and a whole-health approach, antidepressants (and similar psychotropic medications) can be a great resource within our faith experience (not a lack of faith). It is also interesting to note that nobody claims that medicine will actually change worried or anxious thought patterns. However, its effectiveness is limited. I have some intelligent friends with whom we differ on various topics and respectfully discourse and we have fun and great friendships, too. While various health agencies are quick to say mental illness is not a personal failure, mental illness is often stigmatized by the church. Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. But it all comes down to the understanding of medication as a gift from God through His servantsthe doctors, scientists, and researchers who developed this medicine. 2015;13(4):481-93. doi:10.2174/1570159X1304150831122734, Lopresti A, Drummond P, Inarejos-Garcia A, Prodanov M. Saffron, a standardised extract from saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for the treatment of youth anxiety and depressive symptoms: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Dawn also travels with her husband in ministry with Pacesetter Global Outreach. How will this drug interact with my other prescriptions? Critics of this warning fear that some children and teens may not get the help they need for fear that the medications are unsafe. These drugs can provide temporary relief, but they also come with side effects and safety concernssome significant. It's typically prescribed as a short-term solution, meaning you only use the medication when anxiety symptoms appear. They have two married sons and three granddaughters. If you are concerned that a friend or family member is contemplating suicide, see Suicide Prevention. Davies, J., & Read, J. To combat the added risk for adolescents, parents and teens are educated about the potential risks, and teens are monitored closely with frequent appointments. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. We also know His disciple, Luke, was a physician (Colossians 4:14), and he likely used the medicines of his day. It is not settled science at this point. Consult a healthcare provider before trying to treat a teen's anxiety with natural medications or products. We dont discuss specific medicine brands because psychiatric medicines are constantly changing or rebranding, and new medicines are being developed and marketed on a regular basis. However, biblical counseling professor Heath Lambert notes the failure of psychologists to definemental illness, especially when there is no evidence of pathology and a lack of medical precision in determining mental disorders. Probiotic/Gut Health is an important health consideration affecting anxiety. See a certified medical or mental health professional for diagnosis. Ask your health care provider how long you might expect to take medication. The point of these passages highlights a principle understanding, custom, and practice among Gods people utilizing doctors and medicinal agents to help relieve suffering, depression/anxiety, and overwhelming grief and to help cure physical ailments. How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Boundless Love. Prevalence and treatment of depression, anxiety, and conduct problems in US children. At best, they change the way the body responds to these thoughts. Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications. I think God sees a faith journey with medication, not a lack thereof. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. All teens experience nervousness sometimes. Are anti-anxiety drugs right for you? Ultimately, we're relying on doctors and Gods love, care, and wisdom to be evident in the whole process. Is it ok for a Christian to take antidepressants? That makes them very effective when taken during a panic attack or another overwhelming anxiety episode. Antidepressant medications are used to help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Is there a more natural medicine approach? Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Prozac. All rights reserved. It's also important to learn about the common side effects of the anxiety medication you are considering. Magnesium deficiency over long periods of time may have negative effects on brain function, bone density, muscle and nerve function, and the digestive system. Prior to the FDA warnings (1990-2002), suicide deaths decreased substantially. Ghandour RM, Sherman LJ, Vladutiu CJ, et al. Compared to benzodiazepines, buspirone is slow actingtaking about two weeks to start working. The teen survived a near-fatal car accident on a rainy evening. What . You take the ER tablet once a day and the other forms 2 to 4 times a day. The Jesus is enough for everything counsel makes taking medications a personal failure issue, not a faith-building experience. Medications can affect people in different ways, and it may take several tries to find the medication that is most effective with the fewest side effects. Mental Health Grace Alliance resources complement and promote professional services for additional and ongoing care. Buspirone (Buspar) is an anxiety medication that may be helpful for people who have long-term (chronic) anxiety. With this Jesus is enough perspective, I've heard countless stories of loving and well-meaning Christian leaders advising others to avoid or stop taking medications to simply trust God for mental and emotional relief and healing (even after they have been diagnosed). By Amy Morin, LCSW What else besides medication might relieve anxiety? Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid, a chemical present in . He likens it to the lack of medicine ("balm of Gilead) and doctors for healing and restoration. For instance, research about anxiety often describes how intense anxiety hurts the body/brain and affects our social/interpersonal relationships. These are the four major categories of medicines that are used to treat anxiety, and all of them have side effects. Since the risk of dependence is low and it has no serious drug interactions, buspirone is a better option for older individuals and people with a history of substance abuse. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. This might include prescribing drugs such as antihistamines, non-SSRI antidepressants, hydroxyzine, or atypical antipsychotics. Its clear from observing Jesus healing ministry (Matthew 8:14-15; Luke 5:12-13; Mark 2:5-12; 8:22-24; 9:14-27) that seeking healing is not wrong, although Jesus focus was always directed toward spiritual healing. No, taking anti-anxiety medicines is not wrong because you are doing it to find relief and the ability to function at an improved level. Bloating. Medicines, at their best, are gifts from God, tools to be rendered useful to counteract some of the harmful aspects of the Fall. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Every medicine has its benefits and its risks. Research shows that warnings against antidepressant use for teens may have actually backfired. Thus, you can find various places throughout the Bible where God and His people provide healing through the conventional medicine of the day. Before. Signs that medication is making things worse include anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, hostility, restlessness, and extreme agitationparticularly if the symptoms appear suddenly or rapidly deteriorate. What self-help strategies might help me get my anxiety under control? Hope That Is Anchored in the Scriptures - The Crosswalk Devotional - July 9. In Biblical times, there was a tradition and practice of using strong drink and wine for medicinal purposes. A Christian's Ultimate Hope in Heaven One blessing in eternity comforts temporal fears: God will restore sin-cursed bodies in heaven and on the New Earth. Antihistamines amplify their effects. Food and Drug Administration. What types of relief should I expect, and what responsibilities would I still bear? The simplest answer to this question is "it depends.". Yes, there are consequences for sin. And in some cases, it may be important to take a drug at a particular time of day. Gradually tapering off the drug will help minimize the withdrawal reaction. Talk to the doctor about your concerns and learn about your teens progress. Medications can be short-term or long-term. Sometimes people need time to understand and process new ideas and paradigms. If youd ever like to give a donation, you can do so here. [11] The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Do I have an anxiety disorder? , depression, hydroxyzine. J Pediatr. Whether short-term, long-term, or more permanent, your doctor will help you evaluate your specific needs. For many mental health conditions, clinicians frequently recommend the use of psychotropic medicationsthose that influence a person's mental state, such as . Feeling tense before a date, worrying about an exam, and experiencing nerves before a big presentation is normal. To address this concern, a black box warning was added to these medications. Receive Articles, Encouragement, and Special Offers, Moving Your Church in the Right Direction with Biblical Counseling. Paul didnt assume any spiritual reason (Gods breaking, purging, or sanctifying work, or the enemys attack), and he didnt question Timothys devotional life in relation to his sickness. Off-label prescribing is common. Is it sinful to try psychiatric medication? Occasionally, physicians may prescribe other medications off-label to treat anxiety. Medicines are not sinful, and there is no biblical restraint against using them. With the proper knowledge and communication feedback loop, you and your doctor can figure out the appropriate medications and dosage to make life manageable with minor interference from side effects. We dont discuss your experience with anti-anxiety medication, because we readily admit that our counselors have counseled many who would say they benefited from anxiety medicine and others who say they saw little benefit or even worsening. Research studies show that a combination of CBT and medication works better for children than either treatment alone. For more insights and encouragement, make sure to subscribe to our email updates, browse resources for your personal journey, your family or marriage, or your church, or explore all of our workbooks here. Strong drink was often used as an anesthetic for those dying or condemned to death to help numb their suffering and pain. Although SSRIs and SNRIs are most commonly used to treat anxiety in teens, other prescriptions may be used as well. Are you or someone you know in crisis? Will my anxiety return when I stop taking the medication. Adderall side effects. We are, instead, showing you, through Scriptural text, how doctors and medicinal agents were part of the faith culture and for mental health challenges.*. What do you think? - heavy thoughts about disasters, threats, dangers. Christians who say faith-only, doctors who say medication-only, and counselors who say therapy-only are equally wrong about and equally hurtful to those who struggle with mental illness, he said. The antidepressants most widely prescribed for anxiety are SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa. All rights reserved. Mental fog often accompanies severe anxiety. You may need to adjust your dose accordingly. The answer to this question is not quite clear. For some, your doctor may suggest a mixture of medications. Highlights of prescribing information: Cymbalta (duloxetine delayed-release capsules) for oral use. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Buspirone relieves anxiety by increasing serotonin in the brainas the SSRIs doand decreasing dopamine. Benzodiazepines are the second most commonly used type of medication and may be prescribed to teens with severe anxiety. But it can also lead to unwanted side effects. JAMA Psychiatry, 72(5), 500. Antidepressants can make depression worse rather than better for some people, leading to an increased risk of suicide, hostility, and even homicidal behavior. As I mentioned at the beginning, even if youre comfortable without medications - this is helpful for you to understand the topic in general and have compassion for others. Hydroxyzine uses and warnings. Much of the information available says thatonce you are diagnosed with bipolar disorderyou will have to take medication for the rest of your life. Believers can take advantage of physicians and researchers wisdom and skills. [12] https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/thinking-biblically-about-worry/, Tags:Anxiety, BCC Anxiety Series, Medication, Medicine, Your email address will not be published. The teen thinks everyone is always staring at them. For example, many of the behaviors that the DSM (a catalogue of mental illnesses created by the American Psychiatric Association) describes are moral categories that God describes, Lambert says. We often respond to those frustrated with their psychiatric medicines, prove you can be responsible on them if you desire to come off them. Listen to your doctor! But researchers also noted that these effects were not necessarily corroborated by the teens' parents. Benzodiazepines are the second most commonly used type of medication and may be prescribed to teens with severe anxiety. Additionally, vigorous exercise, vacations, or sleeping in also lead to mood elevation and a more relaxed outlook on life. Relieve stress, anxiety, and muscle tension with this simple relaxation exercise. liver and kidney damage. Benzodiazepines. Addictive Behaviors, 97, 111121. Although SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines are common treatments for anxiety, other medications are used, too. *Again, showing the principle of care, not promoting strong drink(alcohol), because we have much better alternatives today. Behavior descriptions are often subjective, and some people consider mental illness a social construct. Both were used for medicinal purposes for physical, mental and emotional relief, not drunkenness. Why? Still, Paul didnt accuse Timothy of not trusting God enough or not having enough faith. If your goal is to feel, function, and cope better in the short term, meds may be helpful. Is it necessary?Even though it may help you short-term, rarely is anti-anxiety medication advisable as a long-term approach to dealing with anxiety. You are not allowed to buy, import or carry personal medications for another person except for family members that the products were initially intended for.
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