Are There Famous Christians Who Have Struggled with Depression?
When you think of people of faith, you might picture strong, hopeful individuals who move through life with unwavering confidence. But what if we told you that even devoted Christians can struggle with depression?
Many well-known Christians, both past and present, have spoken openly about their experiences with depression. Faith does not shield you from pain, but it can give you strength during your darkest moments.
This article introduces you to well-known Christians who have experienced depression and what we can learn from their stories.
Depression is not a sign of weak faith
Many people feel ashamed of their depression. Especially within religious circles, there can be a misconception that “a true believer should always be joyful.” But this image doesn’t match reality, and certainly not the Bible. Christians can experience depression, too.
Even major biblical figures such as David, Elijah, and Job wrestled with despair, sorrow, and the feeling that God had abandoned them.
David writes in Psalm 42:5: "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
These words sound surprisingly modern. They could easily come from the journal of someone struggling with depression. Depression is not new, and it is certainly not rare among believers.
Well-Known Christians who struggled with depression
C.S. Lewis, Author of The Chronicles of Narnia
Martin Luther, Leader of the Reformation
Kirk Franklin, Gospel singer and producer
Lauren Daigle, Christian singer
C.S. Lewis, Author of The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis was a brilliant Christian thinker and writer. His books are read around the world. But after the death of his wife Joy, he fell into deep depression. In his book A Grief Observed, he describes his raw and honest struggle with grief, doubt, and even anger toward God. Lewis shows us that even the most devout believers can have hard questions, and that depression does not mean you’ve lost your faith.
"The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, God's love for us does not." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Martin Luther, Leader of the Reformation
Martin Luther, one of the most influential figures in church history, experienced severe episodes of depression. He called them his "anfechtungen" (spiritual assaults) and described feelings of utter despair. Yet he clung to the promises of God’s grace. His inner battles did not make him less faithful; they revealed his humanity.
Kirk Franklin, Gospel singer and producer
Kirk Franklin, known globally in the gospel world, has been candid about his mental health. In interviews, he has shared his experiences with depression and how he sought professional help. He emphasizes that depression is not weakness and that faith and therapy can work together. His story gives hope to a younger generation of Christians who want to be honest about their mental health. His real and raw emotion is evident throughout his music.
Lauren Daigle, Christian singer
Lauren Daigle spoke out about how her third album in 2023 was inspired by her mental health struggles. The pandemic and other factors led the artist to reach rock bottom… and dig deep into her faith in God. She channeled both her pain and her hope in Jesus into her music, offering encouragement to others who experience times of anxiety and depression.
Other singers, like Selena Gomez, have also spoken out about how faith has helped their mental health. While she doesn’t create specifically Christian music, Gomez has often shared about therapy, prayer, and the importance of community. Her example shows that faith and mental health can coexist, even in the world of modern pop culture.
Depression is real—we should acknowledge it
Too often, depression is hidden. Especially in churches, fear and misunderstanding make us rarely speak about it. But silence doesn’t help. Acknowledging depression, even among Christians, opens the door to emotional and spiritual healing.
Famous people often can’t keep it a secret because they’re in the spotlight. News spreads quickly. Strangely enough, this also has its advantages. Because it draws more attention, it becomes easier to talk about. The taboo fades.
The stories of these well-known people struggling with depression can help you because you see you’re not alone. And in the end, you can also use your own story to help others!
You are not alone in your depression
If you’re reading this and struggling with depression, know that you are not alone. Not in the world, and not in your faith. There are people who understand, and there is a God who does not reject you in your weakness, but draws near.
You might not feel God right now. You might be angry, confused, or empty. Still, He wants to be there. As Psalms 34:18 says: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Faith and mental healthcare
Depression is an illness. Just as you would see a doctor for a broken leg, it is perfectly okay to seek help for depression. Faith and professional support are not mutually exclusive; they can complement each other beautifully.
Many well-known Christians who have battled depression have gone through therapy, taken medication, and prayed. And through that combination, they gradually found their way back to hope, peace, or acceptance.
Faith doesn’t guarantee a life free from depression, but it offers something to hold onto in the darkness. Well-known Christians like C.S. Lewis, Martin Luther, and Kirk Franklin show us that depression is not the end. Their stories are honest testimonies of pain, but also of hope. And perhaps that’s what makes faith so powerful: not that it fixes everything, but that it carries you when you can’t carry yourself.
You can also reach out and ask for a prayer. Our team would love to pray with you and over you during this time.
Find Hope
If you want to dive deeper into resources that can offer support in times of worry, anxiety, and depression, check out the Hope Encountered 21-day audio guide!
