I have never been on consistent medication. I’ve never needed to be, until now. After having a baby, I battled severe postpartum depression and ended up deciding to take an anti-depressant (SSRI) medication. Immediately, I felt judged by myself and those around me. As a person of faith I struggled with thoughts like, “I should be able to pray through this,” or “If you were really a strong Christian you wouldn’t be battling this.” Thankfully, God in His graciousness met me at my weak points and slowly revealed the truth amidst the lies.

If you’re on an anti-depressant maybe you’ve had to combat these same lies. Here are some of the lies that I had to fight through and the beautiful truth that Jesus provided to me to cancel out each lie. Remember dear Mama, God is always for YOU!

1. Taking medicine means I’m weak. It actually proves that you understand the value of obtaining help. It proves that you care about your family and your baby. A healthy baby starts with having a mentally healthy momma.
2. Taking medicine means my faith is weak. Nope. Medicine is only effective because of The Healer (Jesus). Not everyone is healed from their issues with medicine. I firmly believe that medicine needs to be taken WITH faith. Medicine is an earthly thing that can only impact the body. Depression and anxiety impact the mind as well as the body. Medicine has to be partnered with spiritual mind renewal for it to be most effective against depression and anxiety. If medicine is the direction that God has prompted your heart to go, start praying and thanking God for the medicine and that it will help your body be restored to its full capacity.
3. I’m going to be on this forever. Typically this statement isn’t true. Typically, most people continue the medicine throughout their postpartum season (2 years or less) and then titrate off it slowly. If you are currently on an anti-depressant and you wish to get off, make sure you communicate with your doctor before stopping it suddenly. Many people can experience rough side-effects when ending their medication too abruptly.
4. People are going to judge me for taking medication for depression. If they do, then they aren’t really your friends. A true friend will support you through this journey, and point you to good resources and what the word of God says regarding depression. At the end of the day, it’s only God’s opinion that matters anyway. If you follow His direction and leading regarding taking medication, then you can have peace in your heart that you’re making the right decision.

There are probably some lies that I missed but please know dear Mama that if you have prayed about taking medicine to help your depression and you feel that God is in favor of it–it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. You need to make your own choices and live your life for His glory not for the opinion of anyone else.

You are not weak, unlovable, insecure or beyond repair. The God of the universe sent His Son to die for you so that you could be freed from the bondage of depression. Partner your medicine with faith in God’s healing and delivering power and watch that depression fade away.

Reflection Time:

Have you experienced the freedom of life in Christ? If not I encourage you to choose to receive that freedom by asking Jesus into your heart today. He is the most beautiful gift that we could ever receive and all we need to do is ask Him to come rescue us from our sins.

Here is an example prayer that you can pray to dedicate your life to Jesus:

Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe your words are true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.

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