Apparently, the Benedictine motto of "ora et labora" (pray and work) can be a very effective "natural antidepressant" that is both free of side effects and good for the soul. This is of great importance because as one Catholic publication has recently reported, as many as 10% of Americans were taking antidepressants in 2005. (1)
Given the state of the world, wouldn't it seem reasonable to hypothesize that many of today's problems could be due to sin rather than to actual mental disorders? Do people seriously expect to live in a world rife with divorce, abortion, fornication, adultery, contraception, immorality, greed, pride... and not be "depressed" by the very real consequences that they will naturally suffer (e.g. broken homes, serious medical consequences due to contraception & abortion, illegitimate offspring being deprived of both parents, lack of trust, venereal diseases, devaluing of life, etc.)? As Scripture says "...you can be sure that you will not escape the consequences of your sin" and "Do not plot to repeat a sin; not even for one will you go unpunished" (Sirach 7:8).
Typically, it seems many modern people would rather try "popping a pill" than working through their problems. But how can that ever be effective? Will an antidepressant reconcile you with God, mend a broken home, bring back an aborted baby, repair a broken marriage vow, restore one's virginity? At best, can't one simply expect the drug to temporarily mask certain symptoms?
However, in the physical realm, we know that pain can be helpful - it tells us something is wrong. Sometimes it can even be harmful to mask pain. Mental "pain" should also tell us something is amiss. Chances are, mental "pain" isn't the problem - perhaps what's causing the pain is the real problem. And that's what needs to be fixed, not masked. For real and lasting "healing", doesn't it make more sense to target the underlying problems - the root causes - rather than reach for mind-altering drugs? If people don't do this, won't they continue to be plagued their problems, at least subtly?
For those seeking "holy antidepressants" rather than mind-altering drugs, it seems that the following - in addition to ora et labora - would be a good first step:
* STOP sinning
* Repent of your sins
* Get to confession asap
* Learn the Catholic faith better
* Stop fighting true Catholic teachings because you "don't like" them (e.g. her teachings against c*ntraception, her teachings regarding the all male priesthood/roles for women, etc.)
In addition to being "no-cost, accessible always & to everyone, and entirely devoid of harmful physical side effects", these "holy, natural antidepressants" may provide a long-tasting remedy that helps persons enjoy a blessed eternity. And for those persons whose malady is caused by sin who reject the above, it seems good to reflect on the fact that the torments of hell will be eternal and that antidepressants will be unavailable.
(1) The article reports that half of those taking antidepressants took them to remedy causes other than depression
Reminder: We are not qualified to give or intending to give any medical advice. For medical advice, consult a good physician.
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