I recently heard that the month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I find that odd since February is the month that a lot of psychologists attribute the highest number of depression cases. Though I’ve not personally experienced the blues according to the season of the year, I have had mood swings which are affected by the weather. Our emotions can be influenced by our surroundings, whether it be the weather or our current circumstance. The science of psychology (study of the human mind and behavior) has been around for about 150 years. The beginnings of this practice originated in men who developed their views from an evolutionary worldview. So basically they would assess human behavior apart from any spiritual influence. A study based on atheism should be a caution to Christians. Psychiatrists have also been around for about 150 years, and they too approach treatment for their patients from an evolutionary worldview. The professional practice of psychology from a Christian worldview did not make it’s appearance until the 1960s. However, it is up for debate on how much even Christian psychology uses Scripture to counsel behavior. There is a wide array of Christian Psychologists, and they all are fallible humans. Therefore, if God’s Word is not their primary source of knowledge as they instruct human behavior, they can easily fall into unbiblical philosophies. As Christians, our sole source of knowledge and how to live out life is given to us in the Word of God. Human knowledge begins with the fear of God. God is ALL powerful and His Word is sufficient. We bear the image of God, therefore we need God’s Word to live.
I recently saw an article by the Pew Research Foundation about mental health concerns for children and reading the article led me to sadness. I was surprised to learn, according to this article, that 4 in 10 parents are worried for the mental state of their children. Of all the bad things that could happen to their child, mental illness ranked the highest of their concerns. I’m a mother, and of all the worries I’ve had over our children, mental health has not been one of them. According to NPR, mental health has become a national crisis among children. They attribute this to the Covid19 pandemic. Both of these articles assess their findings and the possible contributing factors to the problem. Each life situation is different. The answers for each individual will not always be the same, but if we look at each life situation with a Biblical worldview, we can find a solution to the problem. Not every child has a Christian parent that will seek God’s hand in the situation. Sadly, not every Christian parent will seek God first.
Like other areas of health, we can become quick to seek outside counsel and medication to fix us. We have grown accustom to our medicine cabinets. If I have an ache or pain, I’ll pop an ibuprofen first and then pray for relief. Do I believe what God says in His Word? Hasn’t He promised to supply all our needs? Medical science is a tool God may use to help us, but should it be our first go to? Especially when it comes to mental health, shouldn’t God come first? In fact, since the idea of mental health disorders is a more recent phenomena, should we not especially seek God for help? After all the Scriptures have a whole lot to say about our minds.
I have worked in the medical field for almost 17 years. After having many conversations about human health with a variety of doctors over the years, the majority of them have said that psychotropic medications are over prescribed. They have also told me the majority of our physical ailments in life are a result of our diets and lifestyle choices. When it comes to medication, as consumers, we should remember that there is always money involved. Wherever money is, greed can easily follow. So what does this mean for mental health? Let us use our minds to think through this whole topic.
I’ll start by sharing a personal experience. One of our children was about 16 years old, she was having stomach pains. Time and homecare did not alleviate the pain so I took her to a gastric doctor. The doctor examined her and prescribed a vitamin supplement and psychotropic medication for anxiety. Having knowledge about psychotropic medications, I did not have this prescription filled. I was surprised how quickly this medical doctor assessed our daughter and decided on this method of treatment. She only saw her for maybe 10 minutes. Our daughter was 16, her hormones were changing. The human body goes through so many changes in the teen years as we are entering adulthood. Hormones can affect our emotions. This is a normal body process, God made us this way. Having this personal experience with a physician supported what I had heard from other physicians.
Think about it. How much money do doctors make when they prescribe medications? How much money do pharmaceutical companies make? Are the people manufacturing and prescribing medications mainly concerned for the patient’s wellbeing? Hopefully most have the right motives, but should we trust everyone?
I find it disturbing that psychotropic medications can be prescribed without a physical diagnosis or bloodwork. The main method in diagnosing is from a behavioral evaluation. What I find even more disturbing is that side effects from these medications can actually cause depression. Recently, a new study came out that was barely mentioned in the mainstream news. This new study revealed that there is no evidence supporting depression coming from a chemical imbalance in the brain. This should be HUGE news since doctors have been so readily prescribing psychotropic medication to their patients they deem candidates. Article 1, Article 2, Article 3, Article 4, Article 5 Why is this study being ignored by most of the media outlets? Think about it.
I hope that the observations I have brought to your attention give you some things to ponder. Our minds and bodies were created by God. We are fearfully and wonderfully made! Should we not seek the One who made us first in all things pertaining to life? The issue of mental health seems to be an ever increasing problem in our society, but even though this is not going to be a welcomed comment, sin is also an ever increasing problem in our society. Is it possible that there is a connection? Sadness, anxiety, and depression are real emotions. Emotions are gifts from God, and sometimes God uses our emotions to teach us. Instead of trying to escape our feelings, maybe we should ask God why we are feeling the way we are and ask for His help.
I mentioned earlier that God’s Word has a lot to say about our minds. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Let us learn of Jesus.
Click on the questions below and find some answers:
Who is controlling your thoughts?
How much time do spend in God’s Word?
What is your screen time in comparison to your prayer time?
In Times Like These 