What person in the Bible was depressed?

Many biblical figures experienced deep sadness, despair, and what we'd call depression today, including King David (Psalms), the prophet Jeremiah (Lamentations), Elijah (wished to die), Job (loss and suffering), Jonah (anger/discouragement), and Moses, showing that even faithful people face severe mental struggles, often seeking God in their darkness.

Who has depression in the Bible?

Yes, many people in the Bible experienced depression just like we do today. Some were even suicidal, such as Moses, Elijah, Jonah, Jeremiah, Judas, and King Saul. Others who experienced depression include David, Naomi, Martha and Mary, Ahab, and even one very surprising Individual.

What man was depressed in the Bible?

During this time hiding in the wilderness, Elijah falls into deep depression and expresses a desire to die: 1 Kings 19:4 “But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said.

How did Elijah get over his depression?

God allowed Elijah to sit in his depression just so long. Then He told him to get up and return to his way, his life, and get to work again. There is no medicine so powerful as a new task. Sometimes the best way out of depression is to get our focus off of ourselves and onto a new purpose, a new mission.

What famous Christians struggled with depression?

Depression widely affects humanity. Those who suffered from depression include giants of the Christian faith: Moses, Elijah, David, Hannah, Charles Spurgeon, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Henri Nouwen, C.S. Lewis, John Piper, and countless others.

God's #1 Remedy For Depression and Anxiety | Pastor Gregory Dickow

Was Hannah depressed in the Bible?

Misery and depression threatened to consume Hannah and draw her away from the Lord. Instead, she poured out her pain and anguish before Him in one of the most emotionally charged scenes in Scripture: “In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD” (1:10 NIV).

Can a true believer suffer depression?

Biblical Figures and Depression: Acknowledging the Struggles of the Faithful. The Bible shows that even people who loved God most sometimes felt very unhappy or worried. Feeling this way does not mean they had weak faith. Seeing these samples can help people today know that depression is common and not shameful.

Who struggled with their mental health in the Bible?

Many biblical figures struggled with what we'd call mental health issues, including Job (extreme grief/despair), David (depression, anxiety in Psalms), Elijah (burnout, suicidal ideation), Jeremiah (melancholy, loneliness), Jonah (anger, depression), and King Saul (mood swings, rage, possibly psychosis). Even Jesus experienced intense anguish in Gethsemane (Luke 22). These stories show universal human struggles, demonstrating that faith and community support (or lack thereof) played roles in their experiences. 

Which prophet suffered from loneliness?

Jeremiah was a man appointed and chosen by God as prophet of Nations (Jer. 1:5) and is known as the weeping prophet. He wrote a whole book called Lamentations! He experienced intense feelings of sadness, what I would even consider depression, which was triggered by loneliness.

What does it mean when Mary pondered in her heart?

When Mary "pondered in her heart," it means she deeply meditated, treasured, and mentally replayed significant events and divine messages about Jesus, like the angel's announcement and the shepherds' visit, holding them close to understand their meaning over time through quiet reflection, faith, and deep thought, rather than immediate full comprehension. It signifies a spiritual process of collecting divine truths, allowing them to shape her faith and understanding, serving as a model for trusting God's unfolding plan. 

What is the sin of depression?

Christians can be depressed. There is no sin in being sad. However, the Bible does say, “Let not your hearts be troubled,” John 14:1 ESV. Also, 1 Peter 5:7 states, “Casting all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you.” To be sad for a time is alright, even normal.

Was Peter depressed in the Bible?

Nevertheless, because Peter walked with feet of clay like we all do, he was prone to bouts of fear (Luke 5:10), insecurity (John 16:16-18), lapses of faith (Matt 14:31), panic-attacks (Matt 16:22-23), delusion (Matt 26:33), and even depression.

What was David's only sin?

For the most part, he was faithful to the covenant of God. However, though he was for the most part faithful, he still sinned and had to repent of sin continuously (1 John 1:8-10). Moreover, he committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband, Uriah the Hittite.

Which apostle was depressed?

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 was King David's mental illness?

Evaluation of the passages referring to King David indicated that he was afflicted by some mental disorder, and among the many possibilities major depression, dysthymia and minor depression are the most likely. Of these diagnoses, major depression seems the most acceptable.

What does God say when you're depressed?

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to those who are brokenhearted and saves to sad.” Thinking about God's love and promises can offer you hope. You can also learn short verses from the Bible or say things like, “God is with me” or “He will support me” to feel supported.

Who is the most depressed person in the Bible?

He had low self-esteem and wanted to die. He wanted to sleep and had to be encouraged to get up and nourish himself. Elijah, a prophet, Biblical hero, and person of faith, was seriously depressed.

Why does God allow depression?

From a faith perspective, God allows depression as part of human suffering in a fallen world, seeing it as a trial for spiritual growth, a test of endurance, or a natural part of life, not necessarily a punishment or sign of lacking faith; biblical figures experienced deep despair, and faith offers hope, comfort, and purpose, emphasizing God's presence even in darkness, encouraging prayer, reliance on scripture, and seeking support for healing. 

Which Bible character was lonely?

Many Bible figures experienced loneliness, including David, who cried out for God's presence amidst affliction; Elijah, fleeing from Jezebel; Moses, isolated on the mountain; and Jesus, who felt utterly forsaken on the cross, demonstrating that even righteous people faced profound isolation, often finding God in those moments. Other examples include Hagar, Job, and Jeremiah, showing loneliness as a common human experience in scripture.
 

Who in the Bible suffered from severe depression?

Several figures in the Bible experienced severe depression, with the most prominent examples being the prophet Elijah, King David, and the prophet Jeremiah, all showing deep despair, hopelessness, and wishing for death at points in their lives, alongside others like Job, Jonah, and Hannah. 

Did anyone in the Bible suffer from mental illness?

Yes, the Bible contains numerous accounts of individuals experiencing profound emotional distress, trauma, and behaviors that modern psychology would recognize as symptoms of mental health struggles (like depression, anxiety, PTSD), even though the Bible doesn't use modern clinical terms like "depression" or "bipolar disorder". Figures like King David (deep sorrow in Psalms), Elijah (severe crisis/burnout), Job (trauma), and even Jesus (intense Gethsemane anxiety) show deep human struggles, suggesting mental health challenges aren't new. 

Is depression considered a sin?

No, depression is generally not considered a sin; it's a recognized medical illness, not a moral failing, though faith traditions often see it as a struggle where one needs God's help, emphasizing seeking professional treatment alongside spiritual support, as it's seen as a mental health condition requiring care, not condemnation. 

What book of the Bible should I read when struggling?

When struggling, the Book of Psalms (for comfort and raw emotion), the Gospel of John (for seeing Jesus' compassion), Job (for enduring deep trials), or 1st Peter (for hope in suffering) are excellent choices, focusing on themes of God's presence, enduring hardship, and finding strength in faith. Many find comfort in Psalms' honest prayers, while John shows Jesus interacting with people in need, offering perspective. 

What habits help with depression?

New evidence shows that people who maintain a range of healthy habits, from good sleep to physical activity to strong social connections, are significantly less likely to experience depression.