Part 2: Medication, Therapy, and When to Ask for Help

Series: From Counseling Office to the Secret Place

Let’s just say it:

There is still so much stigma in the Church around medication and therapy.

Some people say, “You just need to pray more.”

Others say, “Just take the pill and move on.”

But what if there’s a middle ground?

What if healing your brain and healing your soul don’t have to compete?

What if both are part of the process?

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My Story: Mental Health, Medication, and Jesus

I’ve been on and off medication since I was 12.

At one point, a doctor told me,

“You’ll be on this forever. Your brain chemistry is just wired that way.”

And maybe that was true.

But it was before I knew that Jesus can heal even brain chemistry.

The first time I got off medication was after a big life shift.

I started traveling. Exercising. “Finding myself.”

It helped—for a while.

But then I fell headfirst into round two of the eating disorder that started in college.

I refused to go back on meds. I was determined to fix myself without them.

Meanwhile, I could barely eat because the anxiety was so intense.

I exercised constantly, not for health, but just to function mentally.

Most days, I didn’t want to be alive.

And when I couldn’t cope, I turned to alcohol. To porn. To anything that would numb the ache.

Then I had my daughter.

And she saved my life, even though I didn’t realize it at the time.

After she was born, I spiraled into postpartum depression and even postpartum psychosis.

I knew the signs—I was a trained mental health professional.

And I knew I had to get help. Immediately.

I had thoughts of killing myself.

And other thoughts I won’t even share publicly.

💡 What is PPD/PPA/PPP?

• Postpartum Depression (PPD): Deep sadness, hopelessness, withdrawal after childbirth.

• Postpartum Anxiety (PPA): Irrational fear, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts about harm.

• Postpartum Psychosis (PPP): Hallucinations, paranoia, disconnection from reality—a medical emergency.

About a week after restarting medication, I started to feel less insane.

A few months later, I could enjoy life again.

I still take it today.

Because for this season—it’s life-saving.

It helps me receive and process the love of God, instead of staying stuck in survival.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

Don’t replace Jesus with medication.

And don’t reject medication thinking that faith alone should be enough.

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What Therapy and Medication Actually Do

Here’s what medication doesn’t do:

• It doesn’t fix your problems.

• It doesn’t remove strongholds.

• It doesn’t replace your relationship with God.

But here’s what it can do:

• Quiet the mental chaos so you can finally hear Him.

• Stabilize your mind enough to do the deep heart work.

• Keep you alive long enough for healing to take root.

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When to Ask for Help

If you’re experiencing:

• Panic attacks or constant dread

• Sleep issues, loss of appetite, rage

• Suicidal thoughts or intrusive images

• Using alcohol, sex, or control to cope

• Emotional shutdown and daily disconnection

Then you’re not weak.

You’re human.

And it may be time to ask for help.

Therapy isn’t a lack of faith.

It’s often the bridge that carries you back to it.

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Faith + Therapy: Not Either/Or—It’s Both/And

You can believe in deliverance and take Zoloft.

You can pray in tongues and sit on a therapist’s couch.

You can know Scripture and still battle depression.

Healing is layered.

Sometimes it’s instant.

Most of the time—it’s a journey.

And God walks with you through all of it.

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A Prayer for Clarity and Courage

Lord, show me where I’ve been resisting help out of pride or fear.

Remind me that You are the Healer—and You can use anything.

Help me to walk in both supernatural faith and wisdom.

Give me the courage to ask for what I need.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Practical Help: You’re Not Alone

If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, intrusive images, or emotional shutdown:

📞 Call or Text 988 – The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 in the U.S.

You’ll talk to a real person who will listen without judgment and help you stay safe.

💊 Medication – You can speak to a primary care doctor (PCP) about mental health meds. You don’t have to see a psychiatrist to start.

🗣️Support – Medication alone isn’t enough. Pair it with:

• A licensed therapist or counselor

• A spiritual mentor or life coach

• A pastor or trusted Christian leader

• A safe community of people who can walk with you

You don’t have to choose between faith and help.

Healing often takes a team.

One Last Thing…

If you’re in a hard place right now—maybe feeling numb, stuck, or like no one really sees how bad it is—I want you to know this:

You don’t have to carry it alone.

If there’s something you’ve never told anyone,

If you’re wrestling with shame, fear, or suicidal thoughts,

If you just need someone to know—

Message me.

You don’t have to explain everything.

You can just say, “I need prayer” or “I’m not okay.”

I will never share what you tell me.

And I will pray for you like I would want someone to pray for me.

This is why I share.

Not just to write words…

…but to be a safe place in the middle of the fight.

You are seen. You are not crazy. And you are not too far gone.

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Coming Up Next in the Series:

From Counseling Office to the Secret Place: What Secular Psychology Got Right—and What Only the Spirit Can Heal

🌿 Part 3: Trauma-Informed vs. Spirit-Led Healing

🧒 Part 4: Inner Child Work vs. Soul Wounds and Reparenting by God

🪞 Part 5: Labels vs. Identity in Christ

🥀 Part 6: Coping Skills vs. Spiritual Weapons

📚 Part 7: Psychoeducation vs. Revelation Knowledge