Can You Be a Missionary and Take Antidepressants?

John endured a challenging season—nearly two years of wrestling with the heavy weight of depression. When a close friend encouraged him to consult a physician, he began a journey of healing through medication and therapy. As John grew stronger, he felt God’s call to serve the least reached as a missionary—but a nagging question surfaced: did his history of depression and his need for antidepressants disqualify him from the mission field?

He’s not alone. Increasingly, prospective missionaries ask,

“If I take antidepressants, does that automatically rule me out for missions?”

Whenever health concerns arise, we should pursue the answer to these questions with both spiritual discernment and professional medical guidance. The core question remains: Does managing depression with medication truly disqualify someone from missions?

Consider three key principles that relate to that question.

1. Emotional suffering can show God’s strength in weakness.

Emotional struggle is not new among those God sends. Even the most faithful in Scripture experienced seasons of deep pain. The Apostle Paul—arguably the greatest missionary in history—was no exception.

In 2 Corinthians 1:8, Paul writes, “We were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.” This wasn’t just physical exhaustion; it was emotional and spiritual anguish. Later, he adds, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Paul’s vulnerability shows us that emotional suffering doesn’t disqualify someone from ministry—it’s often the very place where God’s strength shines brightest. While Paul didn’t have access to modern treatments for mental health, his experience affirms that those who struggle emotionally are not disqualified from missions—they are often the ones who most clearly demonstrate God’s strength in weakness.

2. Medical limitations don’t define your calling—God does.

Depression—or any medical condition—does not define a person’s worth or their calling. God does.

Yes, mental health is a valid concern when evaluating readiness for cross-cultural service, and mission organizations must objectively weigh many factors. But taking antidepressants doesn’t automatically bar someone from global missions. We don’t tend to scrutinize other medical conditions the same way.

For example, during my years overseas, I took medication to manage my blood pressure. It had to be factored in—especially when medication wasn’t always easy to find—but it didn’t disqualify me from serving. In the same way, managing depression with the help of medication is not inherently disqualifying.

Sadly, stigma around mental health sometimes causes believers to feel unfit for service. But Scripture shows that God calls and equips people despite their struggles. The presence of medication doesn’t define someone’s calling—God does.

3. When God calls, He calls the whole person.

When God calls someone, He doesn’t just call their gifting or theology—He calls their whole person, emotions included. Ironically, some of the best missionaries I’ve served alongside were what many might call “emotional people.” Their deep emotional awareness wasn’t a weakness—it was a strength God used for compassion, empathy and connection.

God doesn’t discard our emotional complexity. He redeems it—and uses it.

Consider Peter. He was bold, impulsive, passionate—and yes, emotional. Yet Jesus said to him, “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

After Peter’s denial of Christ, the risen Jesus didn’t rebuke his emotional nature. Instead, He restored Peter with a threefold commission: “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15–17). Peter’s emotional depth became the very place where his love and devotion were most clearly expressed.

God doesn’t discard our emotional complexity. He redeems it—and uses it.

Conclusion: mental health and the mission call

When God calls someone to His mission, He calls the whole person—not just the parts that feel strong or put-together.

There are, of course, practical realities to consider. Some mission contexts come with unique challenges: limited access to medication, cultural stigma and high-stress environments. These factors should be carefully considered when selecting a specific field of service.  For someone managing depression, these considerations are important—just as they would be for someone navigating any other chronic condition. And, just as with other limitations, the decision may not be yours to make. Your doctor, sending church or mission agency may say no.

But let’s be clear: managing mental health wisely is not a weakness. It’s a mark of maturity and faithful stewardship. Being self-aware, seeking help when needed and preparing well are all part of serving with integrity—and none of these disqualify you from being used by God.

So, if you sense a call to missions, don’t let fear or stigma hold you back. Surround yourself with wise leaders in your sending church who can walk with you in discerning your readiness. Consult with mental health professionals who can give you an honest assessment of your capacity. And seek input from potential sending organizations about the realities of serving in your desired context.

The same God who sustained Paul, restored Peter and has called countless others is more than able to work through you—antidepressants and all.

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