Table of Contents
- Scripture Passages For Depression, Loneliness and Anxiety
- What are Some Bible Verses For When Feeling Depressed and Anxious?
- For Mental Health: Bible Verses To Read When You Feel Depressed and Hopeless
- Bible verses to overcome mental breakdowns and suicidal thoughts
- Depression isn't a death sentence because The Lord Jesus Is The Relief and Comfort We Seek.
- Our Prayers for You To Overcome Depression and Improve Your Mental Health
Today, we have KJV bible verses for depression for you.
Whether it's melancholy, anxiety sadness, poor mental health, a mental breakdown or clinical depression, we want to share with you what the bible says about depression. Doctors and clinicians have their place, but we want God to have His place.
Today, we have some scriptures on depression that we know will inspire and empower you to overcome depression because of the work of the Lord Christ Jesus.
Each Bible verse about depression has been selected with you in mind to bring about strong mental health as situations in life can be debilitating.But God is a good God and His Holy Spirit leads us to green pastures. It is our prayer that these powerful bible passages for depression will lift you out of sadness and into the joy and comfort of the Lord for your life. Enjoy our KJV bible verses about depression below.
Scripture Passages For Depression, Loneliness and Anxiety
What does God say about depression?
Psalm 34:17-18
- The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psalm 30:11
- Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
Depression Verses in The Bible
Philippians 4:8
- Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
What are Some Bible Verses For When Feeling Depressed and Anxious?
Psalm 9:9
- The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 6:6-9
- I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.Bible
Psalm 27:1
- The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 143:7-8
- Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
Isaiah 41:10
- Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Deuteronomy 31:8
- And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Psalm 23:4
- Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Scientific Table: Benefits of Faith for Depression
| Benefit of Faith / Spirituality | Key Scientific Findings | Notes (Mechanism / Evidence Strength) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Reduced Depression Severity | Multiple meta-analyses (Koenig 2012; Smith 2020) show that religious involvement is associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. | Mechanism: Spiritual practices reduce rumination, provide hope, and create meaning. Evidence Strength: Strong (hundreds of studies, consistent findings). |
| 2. Lower Risk of Developing Depression | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2016) found that individuals attending weekly services had a 30% lower risk of developing depression. | Mechanism: Rituals regulate lifestyle, promote emotional stability. Evidence Strength: Strong (longitudinal cohort studies). |
| 3. Faster Recovery From Depressive Episodes | Mayo Clinic: religiosity predicts faster remission from major depressive disorder. | Mechanism: Increased resilience, improved coping, prayer-induced calm. Evidence Strength: Moderate–Strong. |
| 4. Reduced Suicide Ideation & Attempts | A 2016 Harvard Nurses Study of 89,000 women showed a 5-fold reduction in suicide among weekly religious attenders. | Mechanism: Community bonding, strong meaning framework, protective moral beliefs. Evidence Strength: Strong. |
| 5. Improved Stress Response & Cortisol Regulation | Neuroendocrine research shows prayer/meditation reduces cortisol, improves stress resilience, and enhances emotional regulation. | Mechanism: Activates prefrontal cortex, reduces amygdala hyperactivity. Evidence Strength: Strong (brain imaging + physiology). |
| 6. Increased Hope & Optimism | Positive psychology studies (Snyder, 2010) show faith boosts hope, a core predictor of depression recovery. | Mechanism: Faith instills purpose, future orientation, divine trust. Evidence Strength: Moderate–Strong. |
| 7. Improved Social Support & Reduced Loneliness | Religious engagement is correlated with greater social support, which significantly protects against depression. | Mechanism: Faith communities reduce isolation and increase belonging. Evidence Strength: Strong. |
| 8. Greater Emotional Resilience | Spiritual coping strategies predict higher resilience under stress, loss, trauma, and illness. | Mechanism: Reframing suffering through meaning, surrender, trust in God. Evidence Strength: Moderate–Strong. |
| 9. Healthier Lifestyle Behaviors | Studies show religious individuals display lower substance use, better self-regulation, and healthier habits. | Mechanism: Community norms, moral guidance, improved self-control. Evidence Strength: Moderate. |
| 10. Enhanced Brain Connectivity | MRI studies show long-term faith practices thicken the anterior cingulate cortex, associated with mood regulation and decreased depression. | Mechanism: Strengthens circuits for discipline, compassion, and calm. Evidence Strength: Moderate (neuroscience imaging) |
Bible Verses To Read When Depressed
Psalm 13:2-3
- How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Deuteronomy 31:6
- Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
1 Peter 5:7
- Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Psalm 3:3
- But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Psalm 34:17
- The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
For Mental Health: Bible Verses To Read When You Feel Depressed and Hopeless
Psalm 30:5
- For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalm 42:5
- Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Psalm 34:4-5
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
Psalm 42:11
- Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Matthew 11:28
- Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Scriptures To Give You Hope:
Isaiah 40:31
- But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Psalm 40:1-3
- I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
Psalm 56:8
- Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Scriptures for stress and depression:
Jeremiah 29:11
- For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
John 10:10
- The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Great healing Scriptures for depression:
Psalm 69:1-3
- Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.
Psalm 46:1-3
- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Matthew 11:28-30
- Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
| Church Father (Years) | Institution / Affiliation | View on Overcoming Depression / Despair |
|---|---|---|
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430) | Bishop of Hippo, North African Church | Advised prayer and reflection on God’s grace to overcome spiritual anguish. (Psalm 34:18) |
| John Chrysostom (347–407) | Bishop of Constantinople, Antiochene School | Encouraged persistent prayer and seeking God’s word as an anchor in distress. (Philippians 4:6–7) |
| Gregory of Nyssa (335–395) | Cappadocian Father | Taught that meditation on God’s eternal promises lifts the soul above temporal sadness. (Isaiah 41:10) |
| Basil the Great (330–379) | Bishop of Caesarea | Urged reliance on communal prayer and support to combat despair. (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10) |
| Ambrose of Milan (340–397) | Bishop of Milan | Advocated praise and worship as antidotes to discouragement and sorrow. (Psalm 42:11) |
| Clement of Alexandria (150–215) | Catechetical School of Alexandria | Advised contemplation of divine truths and virtue to overcome melancholy. (Romans 15:13) |
| Origen (184–253) | Catechetical School of Alexandria | Taught that turning the mind to God’s Word redirects thoughts from despair. (2 Corinthians 10:5) |
| Cyprian of Carthage (200–258) | Bishop of Carthage | Encouraged endurance, prayer, and hope in God’s providence in times of sorrow. (Psalm 42:5) |
| Jerome (347–420) | Latin Church, Translator of the Vulgate | Recommended scriptural meditation and self-examination to confront spiritual despondency. (Lamentations 3:22–23) |
| Ignatius of Antioch (35–110) | Bishop of Antioch, Apostolic Father | Urged steadfast faith and trust in God to face affliction and fear. (Romans 8:38–39) |
Bible verses to overcome mental breakdowns and suicidal thoughts
Proverbs 3:5-6
- Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Philippians 4:13
- I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Psalm 32:10
- Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.
Bible Verses for the depressed and suicidal
Psalm 40:2
- He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
Psalm 69:16-18
- Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
- Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
Romans 8:38-39
- For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
| Church Father (Years) | Institution / Affiliation | View on Overcoming Depression / Despair |
|---|---|---|
| Athanasius (296–373) | Bishop of Alexandria | Taught reliance on Christ as the source of joy and victory over spiritual gloom. (John 16:33) |
| Gregory of Nazianzus (329–390) | Cappadocian Father | Encouraged ascetic discipline and contemplation of God’s mercy to heal sadness. (Psalm 94:19) |
| Leo the Great (400–461) | Bishop of Rome (Pope), Western Church | Advocated turning to Christ in prayer and service to others to overcome melancholy. (Philippians 2:14–15) |
| Polycarp (69–155) | Bishop of Smyrna, Apostolic Father | Urged courage and perseverance in faith, trusting God’s providence. (Psalm 55:22) |
| Ephrem the Syrian (306–373) | Syriac Theologian & Hymnographer | Recommended hymns, prayer, and meditation to uplift the soul. (Psalm 100:1–2) |
| Maximus the Confessor (580–662) | Byzantine Monk & Theologian | Taught detachment from worldly anxiety and union with God as the path to inner peace. (Philippians 4:7) |
| Irenaeus of Lyons (130–202) | Bishop of Lyons, Early Apologist | Encouraged hope in God’s promises to overcome spiritual despair. (Romans 8:28) |
| Tertullian (c. 160–225) | North African Apologist | Advocated endurance, prayer, and trust in God’s justice to counter sorrow. (Psalm 34:17–18) |
| Bede (673–735) | English Monk & Theologian | Recommended labor, prayer, and study of Scripture to overcome discouragement. (Psalm 42:5) |
| Augustine of Canterbury (d. 604) | Archbishop of Canterbury | Urged reliance on God’s guidance and communal worship to combat melancholy. (Psalm 23:4) |
John 16:33
- These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Psalm 143:7-9
- Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
Psalm 77:1-2
- I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.
More Scriptures for people with depression
John 14:27
- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Psalm 36:9
- For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
1 Peter 5:6-7
- Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Depression isn't a death sentence because The Lord Jesus Is The Relief and Comfort We Seek.
If you live long enough, you will face hard times. But hard times don't have to get the best of you.
Hard times don't have to deteriorate your mental health.
By the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, You can overcome and live a victorious life free from depression, free from mental illness, free from the issues that may plague the heart because whether or not it's deep depression, or it is mild depression, The Lord has made provisions for you.
We've prepared our overcoming depression scriptures because of this.
God's Love and God's Grace Will Overcome Any Depression and Give You Comfort
- By His stripes you were healed and so it is for us to understand the Bible verses that are pertinent to the situation and seek to bring about the understanding that we need in order to live by God's love.
- It is our prayer that you will not lean unto your own understanding by recognizing that His steadfast love is perpetual and will never ever leave us. We're going to get to that in fact through our bible verses on depression below.
Our Prayers for You To Overcome Depression and Improve Your Mental Health
- May the righteous right hand of the Lord lead you to green pastures and may mental illness and deteriorating mental health never be your portion again in Jesus' mighty name.
- May God bless you and may He keep you; may He make His face to shine upon you and be merciful unto you. May He give you comfort, and perfect peace in Jesus' mighty and precious Name. Amen.
- May your faith rise to new levels and may you believe and trust God that by His grace, you will overcome.
Use the overcoming depression scriptures we've provided to stir faith in your heart.
We have a wonderful, loving Heavenly Father.
We can trust Him and it's my prayer that you will grow in faith, trust God and overcome depression in Jesus' mighty name.
References:
Koenig, H. G. (2012). Handbook of Religion and Health.
Smith, T. et al. (2020). Journal of Affective Disorders.
VanderWeele, T. (2016). Harvard School of Public Health — Religious Service Attendance & Suicide.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings (2012). “Religion, Spirituality, and Depression Outcomes.”
Harvard Human Flourishing Program (2018–2022 studies).
Pargament, K. (2011). Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy.
Snyder, C. R. (2010). The Psychology of Hope.
Newberg, A. (2010). MRI studies on prayer & brain modulation.
