To medicate or not to medicate?
This question plagued my mind for months when I finally realized that I was suffering from postpartum depression. I knew the stigma surrounding taking an antidepressant, but I also couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I dreaded getting out of bed each day.
I needed help.
After a talk with my husband, extensive research, and multiple chats with different healthcare providers — I ultimately decided to start taking an antidepressant that helped me out tremendously. In a few weeks I felt more like my old self again! I caught myself singing to my baby, laughing at my husband’s joke, and looking forward to an upcoming girls night.
Depression had previously stripped many everyday joys from me, but through counseling, medicine, and a focus on renewing my mind to God’s word, I started to see glimpses of light again!
Now, I’m skeptical to even share this post because I know there are so many varying opinions and stigmas related to taking an antidepressant. What was the right choice for me, may not be the right choice for you.
We have all been created differently.
But if you are battling the question of, “should I do this?” let me provide you with a few reasons that ultimately helped me decide that medicine was the right path for me.
- I was not 100% mentally present for my daughter. My daughter was suffering because I was only able to give her part of me. Fighting the depressive and suicidal thoughts that were plaguing my mind was taking up so much of my mental time and energy, I couldn’t partake in the joyful moments of life.
- Antidepressants are generally considered safe medications. I talked to at least 5 different health professionals before starting the medication and they all assured me that antidepressants are typically safe medications. Schedule an appointment with your doctor and have an honest conversation with them about how you’ve been feeling and ask if antidepressants are the right route for you to take. Doctors are in their professions to help people!
- I wanted to not have to fight so hard to get through the day. I was exhausted, experiencing insomnia, and had just been thrown for a complete curveball learning how to parent a newborn. I needed an extra boost to help me calm down and sleep again.
Here’s a newsflash for you–>God is not against medicine, in fact, He’s the one who created herbs, plants, and other resources to help heal our bodies. We live in a modern time where people have learned how to use the resources, that He has blessed us with, to help heal our brains too.
Let me be completely clear, you will still have to fight thoughts even while on medication–the medication just gives you support by balancing the neurotransmitters in your brain responsible for mood and emotions. It’s not a magic pill that will cure all mental woes, but it can be a supplemental aid to help you through the deepest part of the struggle.
To experience full healing from depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues we must cling to our Heavenly Father and utilize the authority that He has outlined for us in His word.
Not sure what I’m talking about? That’s ok! Stick around Master Your Mama Mind for some upcoming blog posts discussing how we can use the authority God has given us to fight negative thought patterns from dominating our lives.
You’re stronger than you realize, Mama, and God is right by your side to help you walk through this valley.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
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