Church’s stance on antidepressants?

Church’s stance on antidepressants?
I wonder about the Church’s stance on Depression and Healing through Christ, when so MANY LDS women are loaded upon on every variation of SSRI drug available.
I honestly can’t see the Savior saying to someone who is depressed “Dear Sister so and so.. you just need more Paxil…yes, that’s what you need to feel better!”

From what I can tell, the church does not have an official “stance” on depression.  When  depressive symptoms (hopelessness, despair, sadness, etc.) are addressed, they are done so mainly from a spiritual perspective since the church’s responsibility is primarily that of a spiritual nature.  This is only one of the many perspectives that need to be addressed when it comes to depression (i.e. biological, emotional, hereditary, etc.). There is usually some general statement made from a leader in such venues as General Conference where they state that if a problem has reached the point of needing to receive professional help, then it is perfectly appropriate to do so.  There have been times when a particular leader’s biases regarding depression or mental health in general are made quite clear, and not always in a positive or medically sound light.  I have seen this on a ward, stake and more general level.  These situations only serve to continue inappropriate myths, guilt and lack of education on topics that many know very little about.  This is unfortunate.  However, none of these “stances” have been made official by the church. 
Treating clinical depression successfully takes a multi-faceted approach.  Research is pretty clear that those who have success with managing symptoms on a long term basis have used a combination of factors – specifically the combination of psychotropic medication (such as SSRIs) and talk therapy.  We also know there are great benefits in exercise, a well-balanced diet, and both social and spiritual tools (i.e. meditation, prayer, volunteer service, support groups, etc.).  My personal take is that all the knowledge we obtain (whether scientific, secular or religious) ultimately comes from the use of our brains – a complex mechanism created by a divine being which holds divinity within it.  I especially feel this way about the miracle of medical technology that has dramatically changed our quality of life.  Just as I would expect the Savior to support me in taking insulin when diagnosed with diabetes and to take Ibuprofen when I have an inflammatory response, I would also expect Him to support me in taking Paxil when diagnosed with clinical depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder or whatever else necessitates such medical action.


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