Christians and Depression – Is Depression a Sin?

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Christians and depression. They almost seem like an oxymoron when mentioned together. I mean, as a Christian, how can I be depressed? Isn’t it a sin to be depressed? God doesn’t make mistakes, right? We learn that as a child in Sunday school.

The topic of depression can be uncomfortable for others to talk about.  Even those experiencing deep depression can find the topic difficult to talk about and make us wonder if we have enough faith or can rely on the power of God.

What about well-meaning Christian friends who advise that you just need to “give it to God” or walk closer to God or even that your depression must be due to a sin in your life?

Let me tell you, dear friend, that yes, you can be a Christian and be depressed, and no, it is not a sin. There are several key figures in the Bible who, at least at times, struggled with depression. There are quite a few illustrations of Christians and depression in the Bible. Let’s take a look at two of them.

Christians, like individuals from any other community, are not immune to the trials and challenges of mental health issues, including depression. The intertwining of faith and mental health can be complex, as some may mistakenly believe that strong faith should shield a believer from such struggles.

However, it’s essential to recognize that depression is a clinical condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their spiritual beliefs. The Christian faith, with its emphasis on hope, compassion, and healing, offers a unique perspective on dealing with mental health challenges. 

Scriptures and prayer can be sources of comfort and strength, reminding individuals of their worth and the presence of a loving God even in the midst of suffering. Remembering God’s promises is one of the spiritual disciplines that can be used, perhaps in a Bible study, to help the depressed Christian.

Finding Solace in Scripture: Understanding Christians and Depression Through Bible Characters

In the journey through life, the struggle with mental health issues, such as major depression, remains a common challenge for many. Interestingly, the Bible, a source of spiritual guidance for billions, does not shy away from the realities of human emotion, including despair and depression. By examining the lives of certain biblical characters, we can find solace, understanding, and hope in our own battles with depression.

David

One of the most poignant examples is King David, a man after God’s heart who frequently expressed deep despair and loneliness, which affected his spiritual condition. David openly shares his inner turmoil through the Psalms, providing a raw, unfiltered look into his soul.

Psalm 42, for example, depicts a man yearning for God’s presence amidst feelings of abandonment as he cries out, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” David’s experiences teach us that acknowledging our sorrow and reaching out to God can be the first steps toward healing.

David is quite the biblical celebrity. He was the eighth and youngest son of Jesse from the kingly tribe of Judah. He was also a direct descendant of Ruth the Moabite. David began his life as a shepherd in Bethlehem. One day, the prophet Samuel called him out of the field and anointed him without the knowledge of the current king, Saul.

David, his life, and his story are told in many of the books of the Bible, including Samuel, 1 Chronicles, and most notably, perhaps, the Book of Psalms. David says in Psalm 42:11, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.

Psalm 42:11 (ESV)

We know that David experienced loneliness and grief over sin and that he felt particularly depressed after the death of his sons. I think it’s safe to say that most of us have experienced sadness and maybe even depression during times of grief and loneliness. Can we say that his depression is a result of chemical imbalances?

We can’t, but we certainly can’t say a lack of faith caused it. David’s transparency and honesty about how he was feeling gives hope that even as King and a man after God’s own heart, depression is real and that he, and we,  can overcome it.

Elijah

Another significant figure is the prophet Elijah, a powerful prophet who, after experiencing one of the greatest triumphs of his ministry on Mount Carmel, found himself fleeing into the wilderness, wishing for death. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4).

Elijah’s despair under the broom tree is a stark reminder that even the strongest among us can experience overwhelming sadness. Yet, in this moment of vulnerability, God meets Elijah, not in grandiose displays but in a gentle whisper, emphasizing that God is present in our pain and offering comfort and strength to move forward.

Elijah was discouraged, weary, and afraid. After his great, bold, and courageous victories over the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), this mighty man of God feared and ran for his life, far away from the threats of Jezebel. And there in the desert, he sat down and prayed, defeated and worn: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 1 Kings 19:4  Elijah seemed to have given up all hope and just wanted to die.

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”

1 Kings 19:4 (ESV)

Job

Lastly, we look at Job, a man who lost everything—his children, his wealth, and his health. Job’s story profoundly explores suffering and faith as he wrestles with deep questions about God and human suffering. Despite his friends’ attempts to explain his suffering, Job’s faith is ultimately what sustains him. Through Job, we learn that it’s okay to question and feel deep despair, but holding onto faith can guide us through the darkest valleys.

These biblical characters, with their stories of depression and despair, remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. Their journeys encourage us to acknowledge our feelings, seek support, and find comfort in the knowledge that, just as God was with them, He is with us in our darkest moments.

In recognizing the depth of human emotion depicted in the Bible, we can find a source of hope and strength, knowing that our struggles, including depression, are understood and that recovery and redemption are always possible.

For more examples of Bible figures who faced depression, see this article from Crosswalk.com

Transformed Through Trials – 21 Day Devotional

My Story 

Have you ever felt that way? Sadly, I have experienced severe depression nearly my entire life. Since I was a teenager, I have struggled with my own depression on and off. After the death of my mother in 1999, I was prescribed an antidepressant by my family doctor. For sixteen years, I took that daily “happy mommy pill,” as I called it.

There were still times that I felt depressed, though. At some points, I had even considered how much better off my family would be without me. Those in my circle of friends and family who didn’t understand depression or have never experienced it offered advice: “Just be happy.” They said, “Being happy is a choice”. “You have to pray about it” or “give it to God,” they opined.

I was diagnosed with clinical depression. That’s not something that can easily be waved away. It requires professional help, as do all mental health issues.

During these periods of depression, I withdrew from friends and family. I didn’t want to go anywhere or do anything. I felt worthless and overwhelmingly sad. I cried – a lot. I cried out to God, too, asking him why I had to go through this. Sometimes, my depression resulted in sin.

My faith never waivered during these times, though. I still loved the Lord with all of my heart. I still attended church and prayed daily, but I was depressed. 

After losing my health insurance in 2015, my doctor prescribed a cheaper, generic antidepressant. The side effects were pretty awful, including nausea, restless leg syndrome, and wild mood swings. I made a decision without consulting my doctor (I strongly recommend that you do not do as I did) and stopped taking the antidepressant completely. Then, instead of side effects, I had withdrawal symptoms.

After sixteen years of being medicated for depression, my body was rebelling. For nearly a month, the withdrawal caused sleep problems, nausea, headaches, shakiness, dizziness, other physical ailments, violent mood swings, and anger – even suicidal thoughts – out of nowhere. It was truly one of the worst months of my life.

My boyfriend at the time (now husband) stood by me, helped me through, and let me talk and scream when I needed to. Eventually, the symptoms subsided, and I entered my new normal. I’ve not been on any medication for depression since then. Occasionally, I do feel depressed and, more often, anxious, but I’m better able to manage it on my own.

I still have ups and downs with depression since my colon cancer recurred late last year, and this year has been filled with Dr. appointments, chemo, side effects, surgery, pneumonia, and now more chemo. The anxious thoughts can be overwhelming. I am back to taking a light anti-depressant to get me through, but no doubt, it is God who is walking beside me. I feel God’s presence daily.

When I am feeling down or in a rough emotional state, I share it with my husband, and we pray about it and over it. I read my Bible and write scripture in my journal. One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:6: 

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

 or Psalm 34:17-18 ESV  

“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
    and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV)

Depression will always be a part of me. It is how I am wired. How God created me. But it no longer defines me. I am defined by God as His creation and his daughter. Depression, I believe, comes from Satan, and I know that my God is bigger than depression.

Christians and depression. It’s not an oxymoron but a reality, and it’s ok. The Bible shows us many examples of Christians and depression. God led them out of it, and he can lead me out of it, too. He can walk with you through it, too, my friend.

For more resources on Christian depression, consider these recommended books:

I’m Not Supposed to Feel Like This: A Christian Approach to Coping with Depression and Anxiety by Chris Williams,‎ Paul Richards,‎ Ingrid Whitton

Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression by Zack Eswine

Because of Him,

Sue

ESV – “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”