Which People in the Bible Struggled with Depression?

One of the most well-known biblical examples of depressive feelings is the prophet Elijah. After a dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), Elijah falls into a deep crisis. Queen Jezebel threatens to kill him, and Elijah flees into the wilderness.

“...while 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. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” (1 Kings 19:4)

Elijah, a man of great deeds and faith, feels empty, exhausted, and hopeless. But if you continue reading, you’ll notice how God doesn’t rebuke him. In 1 Kings 19:5-9, God sends an angel to care for Elijah’s physical needs, offering him food and rest. Once Elijah is strengthened, he has a powerful encounter with God (see 1 Kings 19:11-13). 

God understood and cared about Elijah’s pain, and was right there with him in it. 

Job is the biblical symbol of suffering. He loses his children, his possessions, and his health. His sorrow and despair run deep and long. 

Listen to his raw, real cries: 

“Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?” (Job 3:11)

“I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” (Job 3:26)

Job speaks honestly about his emotions. He questions and wrestles with God. But still, he stays in conversation with Him and remembers who God is. His story shows that suffering doesn’t always have a clear reason, but God remains present even in our darkest moments.

King David wrote many of the Psalms, and in them, we find raw, honest expressions of sorrow, fear, and despair.

For example, he says: “I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.” (Psalms 6:6)

David didn’t shy away from expressing his emotions to God. In Psalms 42 and 43, he repeats the same cry: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him.” (Psalms 42:5 and repeated in Psalms 43:5)

These words are deeply relatable for anyone struggling with depression. They show that it’s okay to approach God in your pain, that sorrow has a place, and that hope is still a path you’re invited to walk.

Jeremiah is often called the "weeping prophet." He lived during a time of great disaster and often had to deliver unpopular messages. His heart broke for his people, and he frequently felt alone.

You can hear his pain as he cries out, “Cursed be the day I was born! [...] Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?” (Jeremiah 20:14,18)

Jeremiah is deeply disappointed, even angry. His story shows that there is space for raw emotion in our relationship with God. He is not dismissed, but heard.

Even Jesus Himself experienced deep emotional pain. In the Garden of Gethsemane, just before His arrest and crucifixion, He was overwhelmed by sorrow and anguish. 

Mark 14:34 records Jesus saying to his disciples: “‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’” 

Jesus, the Son of God, knows what it is to go through emotional agony. He prayed to His Father and was strengthened. His experience makes Him a Savior who fully understands us, even in our deepest darkness.

The Bible doesn’t harshly judge those who have depressive feelings. Instead, it shows that it’s normal to experience brokenness and that God draws near to you in the middle of it. He doesn’t always offer quick fixes, but He offers presence, comfort, and hope.

For anyone feeling down today, it may be comforting to know you are not alone. People like Elijah, Job, and David walked closely with God, and still wrestled with hopelessness. It is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith; it is part of being human.

God is not afraid of our emotions. We may cry, shout, ask hard questions, and even doubt. He invites us to stay in conversation with Him, just as the people in the Bible did.

And it's important to seek human support too: a listening friend, a pastor, or a therapist can all offer support and guidance. Faith and professional help can go hand in hand. In the community of others, we can also find hope.

The common thread through all these stories is that God does not run from our pain. On the contrary, He draws near.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalms 34:18)

Let that be your encouragement: you are not alone, not in your sorrow, not in your loneliness, and not in your struggle. The God of the Bible is the same today. He sees you, hears you, and stays with you, even when you can’t feel Him.

You can also reach out and ask for a prayer. Our team would love to pray with you and over you during this time.