Spirituality and Medication

Many women find themselves in a situation where they have chronic depression, menopause challenges, or some other physical or psychological condition that requires medication.  I have heard women speak shame, guilt, or express some sense of deficiency because they need to take medication.  There seems to be an inner judge who may say that to take meds is not spiritual or that it indicates we are inadequate in some way.  This judge sometimes gets projected out onto others.  Taking the necessary meds can become a secret, shameful thing for some women, especially if they believe or know that others in their circle have negative feelings about it.  Sometimes the judgment comes from friends and family who mean well but hold certain anti-medication beliefs which may have arisen from mis-information or from their own negative experiences with medications.

It is important to understand that each person is unique and has unique physical and emotional requirements to live a fully awake, healthy, happy life.  No one can truly know what another person should or should not do in this area.  It is not un-spiritual or deficient to need help of any kind.  It’s a kindness to ourselves to acknowledge our needs--physical, mental, emotional and spiritual—and do what is necessary to take care of them.  This is self-compassion.
 
While it is possible that certain medications have side effects that can dull the mind and feelings, this is not necessarily the case for each person, nor is it true that everyone who takes such meds numbs out.  We can numb out with chocolate, shopping, or tv, if we want to numb out.  Because a woman takes anti-depressants does not mean she cannot process or do her inner work, nor does it mean she is not as spiritual or whatever as someone who doesn’t take meds.  In some cases, the medication allows for enough stability or clarity so that the inner work can happen very effectively.  

Some of us need chemical assistance, whether it’s for depression, thyroid, menopause issues, or other conditions.  It is essential to be informed and to have the best help in determining and prescribing what is needed.  The web is a great resource for gathering info.  Getting more than one opinion can also be useful.   

It is also possible as well as essential to be tuned into our own BodyBeing so that we can assess and intuitively, directly experience what is working for us and what is not.  We must pay attention and listen to our own BodyBeing and reclaim our inner authority where our health is concerned.  There is a Wise One within each of us that can guide us with respect to our health and well-being.  Sometimes our inner knowing is antithetical to what the external “experts” tell us.  It is a possible to make the most of both inner and outer resources and input on these matters.  The more we check in with ourselves on these matters, the more discernible the voice of the Wise One becomes, and our trust in Her wisdom and suggestions grows.

In a quiet, meditative space, you can invite the Wise One, the Inner Medicine Woman, or Shaman to come forward, then ask your questions, ask for help.  Asking for help is a really important spiritual practice.  It is truly a prayer.  It is not un-spiritual, selfish, or a sign of inadequacy.  We must keep asking for help and be willing to receive the help.  You may receive information there and then when you ask, or you may simply put forth your questions and the answers will come later.  The answers may come in a variety of ways and unexpected forms, so release any and all ideas about how they are to appear.  Discover!  

The bottom line is that whatever IS is what our path is.  Our spiritual task is always to open to what is, as it is.  When we do that, all of the guidance we need comes to us, the helpers appear, we are operating at our fullest spiritual potential.  Lots of things happen or come to us in our lives that we would not intend or consciously choose; we get what we get.  It is a grace-full life when we learn the skill of meeting what is as it is, including our own need for help, support, or medication.  Nothing is separate from Divinity, no matter what appearances are or what we think is sacred or spiritual.  Nothing is separate, everything serves awakening.  Meeting what is as it is, is the key. 
                                                                                    - SF

The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression, by Andrew Solomon

Unholy Ghost: Writers on Depression, by Nell Casey

Against Depression, by Peter Kramer