Episode 22: Is it OK to take medication for my mental health?

EPISODE SUMMARY

A big, heavy question and one that can be difficult to ask within the Church. - is medication OK for mental health? ⁠ Today on the show, we are discussing this very question and what it looks like for women who love Jesus . . . but struggle with mental health.

THE CONVERSATION

Today we are answering the question “is it OK to medication for my mental health?” 

Kara Kae and Elizabeth believe it’s OK, and even helpful, to take medication for mental health issues. However, they understand that not everyone agrees with this viewpoint. So, the women started by sharing their own experiences of treating their mental health issues with medication.

The co-hosts also discussed the issue of shame and why women feel shamed for taking medication to treat mental health.

  • We worry about what other people will think.

  • We fear letting people down.

  • We have expectations that we set for ourselves and we don’t want to fail in meeting those expectations.

Sometimes people say/do things that contribute to the stigma:

  • “Pray it away.”

  • “Get more sleep.”

  • “Get more exercise.”

  • “Why can’t you get it together?”

  • We joke about mental illness and use terms flippantly. Ex: “I’m can’t get anything done. I’m so ADD today.”

  • We make assumptions about people with mental illness (they’re lazy, weak, etc.)

Sometimes people fear the side effects of medication. But Kara Kae encouraged listeners that if they feel like they need to take medication, they can always try it and give themselves permission to go off of it if it doesn’t work.

As for the Church, Kara Kae says the Church can separate people with mental illness. They have the view that if their faith were stronger, they wouldn’t struggle with this. Also, churches use images of happy, “perfect” people on their websites, brochures, etc. They are branding themselves as people who have it all together.

Churches are getting better at addressing people through groups like DivorceCare and Celebrate Recovery.

If you are struggling with mental illness, some things you can do to improve your overall being and mood include:

  • Living a healthy lifestyle (eating healthfully, exercise, get plenty of sleep)

  • Get outside; get some sunshine and Vitamin D

  • Supplements/vitamins

  • Find someone to confide in (spouse, friend, counselor, mentor)

  • Try medication . . . without shame.

  • Get over the need to please others or gain their approval.

RESOURCES TO REFRAME OUR THINKING

Elizabeth Is reading the book, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa Teurkerst.
Kara-Kae is excited to announce that her FIFTH book is out this week!!! It’s called Together, A Journal for Mom and Me. Grow your relationship with your child by going through this journal together.

Kara-Kae James1 Comment