Did you know:
- 1 in 4 people suffer from a diagnosable mental health struggle.
- Depression rates rose 29% in the last few years.
- 35% of adults receive no care for depression.
- Suicide rates have jumped 30% since 2000
Mental health, and depression in particular, touches every single one of us. Even if you aren’t struggling with it, someone you know and love probably is. And it's not a new issue—even in biblical times, people were impacted.
Depression in the Bible
There are numerous stories of people who struggled with different forms of depression in the Bible. We find one of the most fascinating examples in 1 Kings 19 with the prophet Elijah.
Elijah's Battle With Depression
Elijah spent his life trying to help the people of his day realize that the gods they were worshiping were fake. In fact, one of the local gods of the day was named Baal, and in chapter 18, Elijah stands in front of the followers of Baal and challenges them. He sets up a sacrifice battle, and God immediately consumes it. From that point on, it was obvious to the people there that Baal was no god at all.
The Queen at the time, Jezebel, gets word that the god she’s led her people to worship was proven to be a fake. She then threatens to kill Elijah within the next 24 hours.
In 1 Kings 19: 3-4 it reads, “Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”
Think about this description of Elijah. He was a strong, God-honoring, passionate leader, all while clearly showing the markers of depression:
- He was alone and withdrawn from others.
- He was apparently not eating (v.8).
- He was hopeless to the point of not wanting to live anymore.
And Elijah wasn’t the only one with depression in the Bible. Some of the most devoted people of faith experienced mental health struggles, including depression.
- David in Psalm 6: “All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears”
- Jeremiah in Jeremiah 20: “Why was I ever born? My entire life has been filled with trouble, sorrow, and shame”
- These words about Jesus in Isaiah 53: He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with the deepest grief.
Each of these stories shows that you're not alone in your struggle. They also offer real-life examples to learn more about depression and what to do if you're experiencing it yourself.
What does the Bible say about depression?
We can see God’s wisdom and understanding with how he treats Elijah at his lowest low. After wishing his life would end (1 Kings 19:5-9), God responds in four ways:
- God fed him
- God gave him rest
- God got him talking
- God got him walking
So, what does that tell us about how to cope with depression?
Bible-Based Tips for Coping With Depression
If you were to ask any counselor, therapist, or psychologist, it’s very likely they would tell you that these four ways God cares for Elijah are foundational pillars for mental health:
Eat a Healthy Diet
Research shows that your diet can have a bigger impact on your mental health than you think. When you're dealing with depression, it's common to lose interest in food and skip meals—or "eat your feelings" and overeat.
While a balanced diet isn't a magic fix, giving your body the nutrients it needs is a way to take care of yourself, get back into routines you may have been neglecting, and shift your mindset.
Get Enough Sleep
There are strong ties between our quality of sleep and our mental health. Depression can also affect your sleep. Getting back into a healthy sleep routine and getting quality rest can be beneficial to your mental state. Check out these tips from Cleveland Clinic for a better bedtime routine.
Move Your Body
Physical activity is another habit proven to have a positive impact on mental health. You don't have to become a marathoner or an expert body-builder—the best movement is the kind you'll do consistently. Start small with a walk around the block, dancing for 30 minutes to your favorite playlist, or doing some stretches before bed. (Plus, regular exercise improves your sleep and inspires you to eat better. It's a win-win-win!)
Talk to Someone
It's hard to overcome depression by yourself. Personal habits can help, but many cases require additional help. If you haven't told anyone what you're struggling with, the easiest place to start might be talking to a family member or close friend—someone who cares about you that you trust to be a listening ear and offer wise advice.
But don't underestimate the power of a third party perspective. Someone outside of your most intimate circles—like a pastor or counselor—can offer wisdom, perspective, and practical coping strategies you might not have considered yet.
Don't forget to talk to God, too. He surrounds us with loved ones and trained professionals who can offer practical help and support, but prayer is a valuable habit to lean into when you're facing depression. God hears when you pray to him, and he wants to be part of your healing journey (Psalm 34:17).
Consider Medication
It isn't in the Bible, but medication is a modern innovation that's worth mentioning. Everyone experiences depression differently—and everyone responds to medication differently—but for many, medication is incredibly effective at managing and treating symptoms of depression. If the above strategies don't work, or if your depression gets worse, you might consider talking to your counselor or primary care provider about your options.
There's Nothing Wrong With You
Depression doesn't feel good, and it can be one of the toughest battles we face. But you wouldn't judge someone for having the flu—and depression is just an illness that affects a different part of the body. Struggling with mental health doesn't mean you're broken. With patience, treatment, and time, you can overcome depression and experience joy and peace again.
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This article is intended to offer encouragement and practical help for everyday struggles with depression. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, we strongly encourage you to get help. reach out to a licensed mental health professional, a trusted doctor, pastor, or counselor as soon as possible. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or contact local emergency services right away.
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