Faith Resources
Faith & Depression
Learn. Listen. Be a Help.
Many Christians struggle with depression. It isn’t something a person can just “get over.” Stress and other factors can cause a chemical change in the brain that effects a person’s mood, outlook and overall health.
Learn how people of faith can provide support and hope for someone feeling overwhelmed by depression.
Article
4 Myths Christians Should Stop Believing About Depression
This article explores four common myths about depression that Christians often believe and perpetuate which stem from the myth that “true believers don’t suffer from depression.”
How To Care For A Depressed Loved One
This article examines the caregiving approaches given to some major historical figures in the Church, including Martin Luther and Charles Spurgeon, and offers three key pieces of advice based on the care they received that we can apply today when depression affects those we love.
You Are Not Your Disorder
Speaking from lived experience, author Andrew Voigt encourages those with mental health struggles to find their worth, hope and healing in their God-given identity.
An Open Letter to the Depressed Christian
Licensed counselor Debra Fileta explores three common false ideas about depression and mental illness that are frequently perpetuated among believers and encourages people to find hope and healing through a multi-faceted approach which includes holding to Biblical truths.
Tools for the Struggle Days
Everyone experiences time in life when they struggle to feel seen, known, and loved. We live in a world where we're told we have to be the best or do it all — and it can very easily wear on our souls. It's an exhausting and lonely world sometimes. These are some ideas and suggestions to combat these exhausting feelings and the circumstances that surround them.
Helping a Friend through the Darkness of Depression
Your friend is in the emotional crisis of depression. This is their darkest moment. What do you do? How can you help?
Depression Self-Care Action Plan
Depression can make it difficult to practice healthy self-care. Building an Action Plan gives you quick, do-able steps each day.
4 Things That Relieved My Depression and Restored My Faith in God
If you have mental illness, you don't get a casserole. What's the equivalent of a casserole for people with mental illness?
Youth Bible Study: Light in the Darkness
Depression, like other illnesses, was not part of God’s original plan. Instead it is the result of sin entering the world through the Fall. Sin affects Christians and non-Christians alike on a daily basis. No part of our life is immune.
I Trust When Dark My Road: A Lutheran View of Depression
This free downloadable book offers a rare glimpse into one LCMS pastor's personal journey through depression while remaining reliant on God's grace.
Podcast
Shining a Light on Depression
Receive information from experts in this podcast from Focus on the Family that helps clear up misconceptions about depression as they highlight some circumstances that can lead to depression, the symptoms of depression, and how it can be treated.
