How does God help us with depression?

God's desire for us is to be free from pain and suffering, including depression. He feels deeply for us and loves us enough to bring light to whatever darkness we might be in. He poured out His blood on the cross for all pain, all sickness, all suffering, and all sin.

How does God say to deal with depression?

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” The Good News: Dealing with depression can be scary. But this verse reminds you that with God on your side, there's nothing to fear.

How can God help my mental health?

One of the ways that God shows us that he cares for our mental health is by providing us with the things we need - a great therapist, access to medication, time with Him, a good support system, or all of the above. Loving God with our minds can mean utilizing some of these things he provides.

How do Christians treat depression?

Through prayer, social support from Christian fellowship, taking suffering as a gift and blessing from God in disguise, hope that leads to courage to live and expectation for the coming of a better world, forgiveness that leads to healing of trauma, letting go to overcome loss, and love to overcome learned helplessness ...

How does faith help with depression?

While cognitive behavioral therapy and prescription medications work well for many people, many others may be helped by embracing a spiritual practice. A belief in a loving power greater than ourselves can help us feel hopeful, even in our darkest hours. Faith turns wishful thinking into great expectations.

God’s Work in Your Depression

Can you be depressed and still believe in God?

It is possible for believers with clinical depression to deeply believe in God and have true faith. But depression can eclipse this the same way another person's severe chronic back pain may make it difficult at times to actively feel God's presence—pain has a way of taking over.

What does God say about depression and anxiety?

Matthew 6:25

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?"

Why is depression considered a sin?

Depression is associated with sin because people experiencing depression are seen to lack some of the spiritual fruits that are regarded as evidence of genuine Christian faith: When dealing with people in the church... some see mental illness as a weakness —a sign you don't have enough faith.

Is it a sin to have anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and Depression are not Sin – and Here is Why! If you had an upbringing in the church, it is likely you have heard the message (intentionally said or not), “one only needs to pray ______ away”. While well intentioned, this can be harmful for both the individual's mental and spiritual health.

Who in the Bible had to deal with depression?

How does God feel about mental illness?

In Christ, God shares in the kinds of suffering that we call mental illnesses. Mental illness is not a failure of Christian faith; it is a challenge to Christian faithfulness.

Where is depression in the Bible?

In the New Testament, one of the best examples of depression can be found in the Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 1:3-8, Paul writes about being in complete despair and says, “burdened beyond our strength ….” The Greek word for despair in those verses literally means to be utterly at loss and to renounce all hope.

What percentage of Christians are depressed?

The National Institute of Mental Health lists the prevalence of having a major depressive episode in 2017 at 7.1%. Applying the 7.1% rate to 106.8 million Christians allows us to arrive at the number 7.6 million. So, calculating the number of Christians with depression becomes a matter of simple math, right?

Is depression a form of mental illness?

Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, it is estimated that 5% of adults suffer from the disorder. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. It can also disturb sleep and appetite.

Where in the Bible does it talk about mental health?

We see this in God's creative acts of making humans in His image (Genesis 1:26–27), of giving them each other as companions (1:27–28), and of giving them a mandate to steward the earth (1:28–30). Regarding mental health specifically, the Bible contains no one word for mental illness.

What Bible verses to read when depressed?

What does God say about feeling sad?

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). Discover the top Bible verses about Sadness from the Old and New Testaments.

How depression affects your relationship with God?

It is extremely common for example that people suffering with depression will feel that God has abandoned them since they no longer carry the sensory awareness to his presence. This is because depression and anxiety directly impact the Hippocampus; the part of the brain responsibility for feelings of connection.

Who in the Bible had mental health issues?

One thing is certain -- King Saul was a long time sufferer of mental distress, whatever its cause. David had his moral weaknesses, but mental illness does not seem to have been a problem for him (at least not until much later in his life). He did, however, feign mental illness to get himself out of a bind.

What is the prayer for mental health?

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve those challenged by serious and chronic mental and emotional illnesses. Give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What would Jesus say about depression?

Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus wants to give you rest. To get the rest from the oppressive burden of depression, Jesus tells us to take our burdens to Him. Jesus speaks of His yoke. A yoke is a device that was used in farming, where two oxen would be yoked together to pull a plow.

Do God know our thoughts?

Fifteen hundred years after Noah's great flood, King Solomon was receiving some advice from his father, King David, who said this, ” … for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts” 1 Chronicles 28:9. In other words, “Be aware of what's in your head, son. God sees it.”

What does the Bible say about mental stress?

Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Who struggled with anxiety in the Bible?

More examples of anxiety in the Bible are: Jesus (Luke 22:41-44) Martha (Luke 10:40-42) Jonah experienced anxiety in companionship with anger in the Bible (Jonah chapter 4).