The Bible doesn’t mention the word “depression.” Even so, in today’s world of sometimes overwhelming demands and a constant stream of often negative information, the feeling of depression is increasingly prevalent. The associated low mood or diagnosed mood disorder leaves individuals feeling hopeless, sad, fatigued, and, all too frequently, in despair.
How Common is Depression?
Around 21 million American adults (8.4%) reported at least one major depressive episode in 2020, with one in every six (16.6%) experiencing depression at some point. Additionally, with the condition a common comorbidity with other concerns and associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and heightened suicidal ideation, the ailment is connected with premature mortality. Those with severe forms of depression may die up to 20 years sooner than the general population.
For Christians, the story is similar. While the common impression is that those with faith should not feel or succumb to depression or despair, the reality is different. Approximately seven million US Christians experience depression annually. At the same time, however, individuals may not share their distress, denying or trying to ignore their symptoms for fear of judgment.

In contrast, those in the Bible did experience fear, anxiety, and despair. Examples include King David, who created the Psalms to transform his emotional discomfort into praise, and Jesus, who acknowledged distress in the Garden of Gethsemane. Feeling low, insecure, frightened, and sad is a human condition. Depression is real. Without help, it can affect your relationships, work, and quality of life.
What Does the Bible Say About Depression?
Throughout the Bible, God reassures us that He is with us during difficulties, offering comfort and guidance to those in turmoil. Various terms are used for those feeling sorrowful and depressed, including the “wounded spirit (Prov: 18:14), “the frail leaf” (Job. 13:25)16, “the bruised reed” (Isa. 42:1-3), and the “fainting soul” (Ps. 42:6)17. In addition, Job spoke of feeling hopeless, while Jesus spoke of experiencing “sorrow to the point of death.”
Their admission to vulnerability and fears highlights how feeling depressed is nothing to be ashamed of. Both chose to turn to God, showing how faith can help us overcome mood challenges. As in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, God is the “God of all comfort”. It is He “who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
At the same time, if symptoms are lingering and intense, seeking help from a professional and accepting and adhering to a therapy and medicine protocol will help you feel better sooner. A boost in mood will support you in coping with your problems and emotions naturally as you recover.
Lifestyle changes such as embracing regular exercise, getting enough sleep, avoiding alcohol, and enjoying a healthier diet help boost mood and prevent or reduce depressive symptoms. Also common is psychoeducation – learning about depression and ways of managing it through reading and self-help. Especially appealing and meaningful are Christian books for depression, written by Christians.

Inspirational Christian Books for Depression
According to The Psychiatry Resource, four excellent and empowering Christian books for depression are:








Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for Those Who Suffer from Depression
Zack Eswine’s Spurgeon’s Sorrows explores depression through the sermons and life experiences of Charles Spurgeon, a renowned Christian pastor. Spurgeon, who offered his ministry in the 1800s, was tremendously compassionate and encouraging, having struggled with depression himself. He and this book comfortingly emphasize that depression and suicidal ideation are part of mental health illness, not a “sin.”
- Audible Audiobook
- Zack Eswine (Author) - David Shepherd (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Uplifting and well-wishing Beautiful and poetic style Destigmatizing Reader rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars |
unJoy
This encouraging book from Christian psychiatrist Len Lantz offers scriptures, authentic stories, and real solutions to retake control. It also promotes hope for recovery and debunks the stigma surrounding depression.
- Hardcover Book
- Lantz MD, Len (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Effective suggestions Short, easy read Relatable, conversational style Engaging and humorous Reader rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars | Follows a medical treatment model |
Boundaries for Your Soul: How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies
Boundaries for Your Soul marries Internal Family Systems (IFS) psychotherapy and boundary setting with a Christian-facing approach. The insightful book helps readers learn acceptance of difficult thoughts, how to manage them, and even turn them into strengths. As highlighted by readers, “Your task is to trust neither your thoughts nor your feelings, but to lead them in step with God’s Spirit.”
- Audible Audiobook
- Alison Cook PhD (Author) - Alison Cook PhD, Kimberly Miller Mth LMFT (Narrators)
- English (Publication Language)
What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Relatable and reflective Includes exercise and a quiz Faith-based psychotherapy Reader rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars | It may be too simplistic for some Some reviewers do not agree with the models detailed. |
Overcoming Spiritual Depression
Author Arie Elshout has written a book exploring depression through different lenses based on the prophet Elijah’s experiences. It includes personal accounts of depression, offering practical, logical, and spiritual guidance from a Christian perspective.
- Elshout, Arie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 104 Pages - 07/13/2006 (Publication Date) - Reformation Heritage Books (Publisher)
What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Destigmatizing perspective Real stories Practical advice for those with depression and their carers Concise yet profound Reader rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars | It may be too simplistic for some Some reviewers do not agree with the models detailed. |
Understanding Depression
The symptoms of depression can be mild, tainting your everyday experience and enjoyment. They can also be severe, causing serious mental illness and profoundly compromising functioning and well-being. Typical symptoms include:
- Feeling low and sad
- Losing interest or joy in favorite pastimes
- Appetite changes, including weight loss or gain
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Fatigue or low-energy
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Restlessness or slowed speech or movements
- Concentration and decision-making problems
- Thoughts of dying or suicide
Depression can happen at any time, including among young children. On average, onset begins in the late teens to early adolescence.
The condition is more likely among biological females, affecting an estimated one-third over their lifetime. Symptoms can last for a few days or weeks, especially after a significant life event such as a loss. They can also occur for no apparent reason and continue for months or years.

What Causes Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that’s strongly linked to genetics, with the condition often running in families. Heritability is high (around 40%) when first-degree relations such as parents and siblings experience the ailment, with chances increasing to 70% among identical twins. Other risk factors include:
- Environment: Prolonged exposure to stresses such as poverty, neglect, abuse, or violence may create vulnerability to mood disorders.
- Personality: Those more susceptible to stress, pessimism, or low self-esteem may be more likely to develop the condition.
- Biochemistry: Too much or too little of specific brain chemicals may contribute to experiencing depression.
Depressive symptoms are expected when going through a challenging time or grieving. In this case, the condition’s cause is external and out of your control. Most people adjust to their changed situation within a reasonable time (which isn’t the same for everyone), with mood levels returning to normal. Feelings of hopelessness and sorrow become disordered when accompanied by no identifiable cause or when expected sadness doesn’t ease over time.
Additionally, certain physical medical conditions such as brain tumors, thyroid disease, and something as easy to address as vitamin deficiency can manifest as depression. In many cases, depression is treatable through managing the symptoms or, where possible, addressing the root cause.
Treatment for Depression
Statistics suggest that between eight to nine out of every ten people with depression respond to therapy, making the condition among the most treatable mental health concerns. To diagnose depression, your medical professional will first eliminate any underlying physical causes.
Then, they’ll conduct a complete evaluation, including a history, details of your environment, and a symptom assessment. To receive a formal diagnosis, your symptoms must have continued for at least two weeks, significantly disrupting your daily functioning.
Treatment can include medication such as antidepressants, which help to address brain chemistry dysfunction or imbalances. Also commonly used is “talk therapy” or psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The tried and tested, effective modality aims to address issues and help solve problems in the present by adjusting negative or distorted thinking to influence responses and behaviors positively.

A psychotherapeutic approach is often used alone in mild forms of depression or paired with drugs for more severe cases or in crises. It can be individual or include family or group therapy. Another approach, mainly in chronically depressed individuals unresponsive to drugs, is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Rely on Christian Books for Scripture-Based Understanding and Guidance on Depression
Reading Christian books about depression offers those battling with the condition biblical perspectives of the experience, spiritual guidance, and empathetic yet practical applications. Faith-based accounts offer relatable, personal connections for those who may feel alone. They also often encourage community support. So, beyond relying on compassionate publications, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Disclaimer: Last update on 2025-02-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
This content is provided solely for educational reasons and should not be seen as medical guidance. It’s important to consult with a healthcare expert prior to making any changes to your health regimen, including dietary adjustments or the use of supplements.
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