The Bible really does not specifically address mental disorders. People were depressed and discouraged (Samuel [1 Samuel 16]; Job; Elijah [2 Samuel 19]; Paul [Acts 18]), but these were seasonal, not clinical. Some brethren look skeptically on those who are diagnosed with bipolar, clinical depression, schizophrenia or other mental disorders. While we are quite comfortable with the idea that the body sometimes doesn’t perform properly (1 Timothy 5.23), we are far less comfortable with the idea of the mind not working properly.

 

From depression to bipolar, Christians can suffer from a variety of mental issues—some temporary and some chronic. Sometimes encouragement from God’s word, fellow Christians and time is all that is necessary for one to weather such periods. But what if a doctor suggests medication? Is it something a Christian should do? Shouldn’t a

Christian be able to get by in life without something like that?

 

Well, maybe... and maybe not.

 

Sometimes in life we must simply press through the hardships trusting in the Lord to see us on. He is our Defender and Protector (Isaiah 25.4; Psalm 91.1-2). He has promised to be with us and never desert us (Hebrews 13.5). When the storm raged around Peter (Matthew 14.22-33) and his confidence faltered at the sight of the raging waves, he was gently rebuked by His Master, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” In times of hardship, we need to trustfully cling to our God to see us through.

 

Having said that, it was also to Peter that Christ said, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14.38). While we should always strive to be strong, the reality is often times we aren’t. I know a faithful, strong Christian who, when her husband went out of the country for an extended period of time, had a hard time dealing with it and eventually went on an antidepressant for a short period of time. She has not been on the medication since. She needed help. Guess what? We all need some kind of help from time to time. Why do we rise up in judgment against a brother or sister who uses medication to help them through a stressful period? “They should be stronger and trust in the Lord.” True, but we shouldn’t sin, should we? But we do. What right do we have to hold someone to a higher standard than I can hold myself? Mind you, I’m not advocating taking medication for just any situation; I would encourage anyone to do everything they can to build their trust in God. I’m simply saying sometimes we, like Peter, are weak. “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5.14).

 

Let’s call her Susan (not her real name). She has suffered with mental illness issues since childhood. She is bipolar and deals with occasional instances of mania and depression. She has been in and out of mental health facilities for years. She has had shock treatments on at least three occasions.

Susan is also a Christian. About eleven years ago she was taught properly about Christ and became a disciple. Since that time, she has continued to maintain multiple Bible studies a week. She loves God’s word. She loves her studies, and the brethren who take time out of their schedules to teach her. But becoming a Christian didn’t stop Susan’s bipolar condition, mania or clinical depression.

 

Brethren suffering from mental conditions need several things. First, they need compassion. All the “pep talks” in the world or “honest kicks in the pants” won’t fix their condition. Most simply need to be lifted up by brethren who patiently embrace them regardless of their condition.

 

They need to be lovingly reminded that they are not defined by their mental conditions; they are defined by being a child of God. They need to be encouraged to not let their condition hinder or restrict their service to God; to do as much as they can do and push themselves as much as they can. But when they can honestly do no more they can praise God and not feel guilty.

 

They need friends— brethren who stick “closer than a brother (or sister, mm)” (Proverbs 18.24). Friends who spend time with them and treat them like everyone else. Friends who will remind them that God isn’t punishing them. Most of all, they need to be assured of God’s love for them (John 3.16).

 

They need to be reminded that they—even with all their struggles—can inspire others who struggle mentally or physically. They may not be delivered from their suffering (2 Corinthians 12.7-10), but their patient, godly suffering can encourage others who know their difficulties, see them press on, all the while remaining faithful to Christ.

 

Finally, they need their medication. Just as Paul told Timothy to “drink a little wine for the stomach’s sake,” maybe they need Prozac (or some other medication) for the mind’s sake. Just as a Christian with high cholesterol takes Lipitor, or a brother with hypothyroidism Synthroid, or a sister with diabetes insulin injections, saints with mental issues shouldn’t hesitate to take medication that will help them function normally and enjoy the life God has granted them— and their brethren don’t need to make them feel guilty for doing so. Just as we personally thank God for the medication that helps us function and live, let’s encourage our brethren with mental issues to responsibly embrace medications that can help and to thank God for such medications.