Would God promote and recommend psychiatric methods to help 'cure' those with 'mental illnesses?' Would God recommend and promote the use of psychoactive drugs, anti-psychotics, to help 'normalize' the mind?
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God, antipychotics and psychiatry
- Thread starter david rodriguez
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For who can resist his will?
I would say yes. This is assuming mental illness is caused by some secret sin which I think might be the case in some people but most its genetic. God wouldn't have a problem with insulin being administered to a diabetic. I don't think he has a problem with someone having their hallucinations reduced by an antipsychotic. Antipsychotics reduce dopamine and therefore reduce brain activity but I hardly would call this normalizing the mind since the patient still has symptoms to some degree and antipsychotics arent 100% effective. Most people on them are still suffering to some degree.
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I don't know. If they helped, I guess. I don't think they cure--or even reliably help--anything and I am someone diagnosed with a SMI (serious mental illness) and I work with others who are diagnosed with SMI. I think there are spiritual realities to our illness. This isn't to say we sin/sinned in a particularly terrible way or we deserve our suffering. Rather, we deal with the consequences of sin (illness and death) in a particular way. No human knows why or should judge. Sometimes it seems that medicine alleviates suffering and that is good. It seems better if when our suffering is alleviated some we also draw nearer to God. If medication is used in that process (which I would call true healing) I don't know why using it would be against God. Ultimately I think we have to decide these things on our own based on our health needs and not judge the choices of others.
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Oh and for me, the alleviation of suffering does not equal becoming "normal." Some of us are different and I don't think trying to force people to be the same through drugs and therapy is right. But some people really suffer and I think we are required to help them as Christians.
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- Oct 17, 2015
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I recall reading an interview some ten years ago with the chief exorcist at the Vatican. He is a very busy man. He travels all over Europe and elsewhere investigating claimed demonic possessions. He said that he spends a great deal of time arranging good psychological and/or psychiatric care.
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Interesting. I am reading a book by Scott Peck, a psychiatrist and non denominational Christian, on possession exorcism in his practice. He is sort of involved with the Catholic Church throughout. I don't know what to think yet.
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I don't believe so. These drugs are dangerous, and as Dr. Breggin wrote, "they 'work' by causing global brain damage." Please research Christian and other opposing viewpoints on these very powerful drugs before using them, and especially before giving them to children/teenagers! Suicidal ideation is actually an officially recognized side effect of many! They can also cause disfiguration in the form of tics, especially around the eyes. There are many, many other side effects and problems.
Some books to check out:
And They Call It Help by Louise Armstrong
Toxic Psychiatry by Dr. Peter Breggin
Prozac Backlash by Dr. John Glenmullen
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Sevensong, I think your perspective is pretty brave considering how skewed the mh world is to psych drugs... But can I ask what you suggest instead?
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DoubtfulSalvation
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I have a lot of diagnosis for mental health and I can personally state that antipsychotics have helped me immensely. Especially for my Bipolar disorder.
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No I don't think God has a problem with meds or psychiatry. He is responsible for those who made these drugs.
All drugs have side effects. But the dose or type can be changed by your psychiatrist if you have negative side effects.
Iam on anti depressants and they have made a difference. For the better. I thank God I found a medication that worked for me.
All drugs have side effects. But the dose or type can be changed by your psychiatrist if you have negative side effects.
Iam on anti depressants and they have made a difference. For the better. I thank God I found a medication that worked for me.
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Yes, mental illness is not any different than physical illness. After all, it's usually chemical imbalances in the brain, which is a part of the body.
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One of my daughters went through terrible "clinical depression" coupled with psychotic episodes in her teens. Thanks to psychiatric care and medications she is completely well. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
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