Can Christians Take Antidepressants?
1) Direct Answer
Yes. A Christian may take prescribed antidepressant medicine under proper care, with prayer and faith in God as the true Healer, so long as it does not lead to bondage, loss of sobriety, or become a substitute for repentance and trust in the Lord.
2) Scriptural Explanation
- The Bible shows that practical helps for the body are permitted. “Use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23). That wasn’t unbelief; it was a measured, need-based help.
- Paul traveled with “Luke, the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14). God did not condemn the presence of a doctor among His people.
- The Good Samaritan used oil and wine on wounds (Luke 10:34), showing the lawful use of remedies.
- Yet healing is God’s work: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church… the prayer of faith shall save the sick” (James 5:14-15).
- We must not be ruled by anything: “I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). And we must keep a clear, Spirit-led mind: “Be not drunk with wine… but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
- God also addresses the inner life: He gives “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3), His peace guards the heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7), and we cast all our care upon Him (1 Peter 5:7).
3) Simple Clarifying Logic
- You see, some afflictions are mainly physical, some are wounds of the soul, and some are heavy spiritual oppression. A pill cannot forgive sin or cast out a devil, and a sermon cannot replace food, rest, or a necessary aid to the body. So we seek the Lord first, obey His Word, receive prayer, and, when needed, use lawful helps without condemnation.
- Medicine is a tool; God is the Healer. If a measured, doctor-directed treatment helps stabilize the body while you feed on the Word and walk in obedience, it’s not unbelief. But if any drug begins to rule you, dull your sobriety, or excuse disobedience, that’s wrong.
- Guard the order:
- Go to God first—prayer, repentance, confession, and the anointing of the elders.
- Stay in the Word, praise, fellowship, and clean living.
- If there’s ongoing need, use prescribed treatment wisely, avoid self-medicating, review it regularly with trustworthy care, and give thanks to God.
- Don’t condemn those who are struggling. Strengthen them. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and binds up wounds. He restores both mind and heart.
4) Reinforcing Statement
Now notice, the Bible never tells you to refuse help; it tells you to refuse bondage and unbelief. Keep Christ first, keep your mind clear, walk in the light, and let every remedy sit under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. God heals—sometimes instantly, sometimes by process—but always to the glory of His Name.
Ask a Follow-up Question
What did the Laodicean Church Age (our age) Angel (- messenger) Say about this?
Ranked passages from the local William Branham sermon and Church Age Book database. Relevance is relative, not a statement of doctrinal certainty.
Letting off the pressure
62-0609E §28
Now we don't have to hurry, and scuffle, and act like the rest of the world. Quieten down. What's the matter with the Christians? The spirit of the world today is neurotic. But that's not the Spirit of Christ. Did you ever see Him get excited about something? Just as calm as He could be. He knowed exactly where He was standing. Oh, what a blessed assurance it is---just like a baby---to lay your trust upon Him, and let Him take all your cares; for He cares for you. Don't try to do anything about it. He'll do it alre...
Images of Christ
59-0525 §15
...so many times we hear this expression, "Oh, what is a Christian?" Some people limit it to joining a church. Someone said, "Well, a Christian is a church member, someone who takes up their affiliations with the church." I believe that all Christians should do that. But I don't believe that's Christianity, see. That's what a Christian does after he becomes a Christian. But it doesn't mean that because he does it, that he is a Christian. Then some say, "No, it's going to church and serving a declaration of creeds, and...
Letting off the pressure
62-0518 §43
...tice, now, God's safety zone, God's place of safety. And when we are in here, in this refuge, we have a right to the healing power of God. If God will forgive his enemy and take him into the refuge, how much more will He take care of him after He's got him in there, see. There is healing power. So when the Christians get sick, there is no need of being all steamed up about it. Just remember, "By his stripes we are healed." That's the promise. He promised it, so He just can't take it back. It's a place of refuge for...
God's preparation
54-0401 §23
...ld've killed his enemies; God led him right up to the enemy, and the man that was searching for his life. And even his general said, "God has delivered him into your hands; take his life." And he cut the piece off of his coat, went back up; he said, "God forbid that I touch His anointed." That's right. So don't say nothing evil about Christians. Don't try to harm Christians, 'cause you'll reap what you sow every time. "Touch not My anointed. Do my prophets no harm. For it was far better for you that you'd have a mi...
Let your light so shine before men
61-0903 §5
.... And I knew this was the first Sunday, so I made preparations to be here so I could be in communion for tonight, for I truly think that it's the duty of every Christian to take communion. The Bible said, "If you take this not, you have no part with me." And I believe that it is a showdown time for the Christians. If we do not take it, we have no part with Him; and if we take it unworthily then we're guilty of the body and death of Christ. So it gets to a place where it keeps the Christian prayed up when he comes t...