Do you wonder how to not be depressed as you encounter the personal pressures, polarization, and news stories of everyday living?
The Definition of Depression
Depression—one of the most common mental health issues—is a mood disorder that negatively affects how you think, feel, and conduct your daily routines. Also identified as major depressive disorder, clinical depression, or chronic depression, the symptoms of depression can be subtle or obvious.
Prominent philosopher and professor J.P. Moreland experienced depression in its various forms and explains how to not be depressed in his book Finding Quiet: My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace (Zondervan, 2019).
[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, How to Overcome Anxiety and Depression: An Interview with J.P. Moreland]
The Signs of Depression
Ongoing and progressive depression—for a period of two weeks or longer—can disrupt your everyday life. The symptoms of being depressed include:
- a loss of interest or pleasure in something you once enjoyed
- feeling sad, anxious, indifferent, or hopeless
- feeling irritable, frustrated, or restless
- feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
- overcome with pessimism
- persistent fatigue
- sleep problems
- loss of appetite or other eating issues
- unplanned weight changes
- lack of energy
- loss of concentration
- difficulty remembering or making decisions
- problems with self-image or confidence
- ongoing thoughts of death or suicide.
Another experience of depression is seasonal affective disorder, where you find yourself feeling oppressed or moody, typically starting in late fall and early winter and ending during spring and summer. Being depressed can be debilitating and depleting.
Severe depression should be treated with professional care.
How to Not Be Depressed
You may be surprised to know the Bible covers a variety of the moods and feelings we face every day. You are not worthless. God loves you and built you to love. Learn more with the free 5-day Bible study, You Are Built to Love.
The following chart (click to enlarge) depicts the negative and positive sentiment storyline of the Bible—chapter by chapter in chronological order:
Rather than being depressed obsessively and pessimistically worrying, fearing, or focusing on adverse conditions in the world today, the Bible offers counsel that redirects our attention to God, our heavenly Father, as the way to live larger than ourselves. Here are Scripture verses with associated commentary (available to Bible Gateway Plus members) to that end:
Psalm 34:17–18 ESV
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
The “ears” of the Lord hear the cry of the righteous. His “face” is close to the “brokenhearted” and “crushed.” They need not be overcome by their troubles. The way of wisdom assures those who walk by it that God is present, even when they suffer “many troubles.” But they do not need to be afraid, because the Lord will deliver his own.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament
Isaiah 49:13 NIV
Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
We find a constant reminder of God’s mercy, mercies that are new every day. We are encouraged by his provision as we see over and over a God who is able to be more than we need in every situation. While the Old Testament serves as a reminder that our effort will never be enough to make us acceptable to God, it still invites us to draw near to God. The Jesus Bible
Lamentations 3:22–23 CSB
Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!
God’s steadfast love never ceases…. Each day presents another opportunity to experience God’s grace. God’s constant goodness and personal integrity remain intact no matter what happens. ESV Global Study Bible
Proverbs 3:5–6 NIrV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways obey him. Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.
In the original Hebrew, “in all your ways submit to him” is more literally “in all your ways know him.” This fundamental statement of how to relate to God implies more than mere reverence. Nodding in God’s direction is not enough: You must know him by living closely with him, relating to him personally in every aspect of your life. NIV Student Bible Notes
Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Paul’s choice of a military term (“will guard”) implies that the mind is in a battle zone and needs to be “protected by a military guard.” Since the purpose of such a guard in a wartime situation is either to prevent a hostile invasion or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from escaping, the peace of God operates in the same way: to protect the mind from external corrupting influences and to keep the mind focused on God’s truth. NKJV Study Bible
Isaiah 41:10 NET
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be frightened, for I am your God! I strengthen you—yes, I help you—yes, I uphold you with my victorious right hand!
When we try to carry our burdens alone, we crumble. Only when we give our troubles to God can we truly rest and enjoy all that comes with God’s grace. NKJV Lucado Encouraging Word Bible
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