In today’s episode, we’re going to tackle this tough but necessary topic head-on. We’ll explore depression from a biblical perspective, looking at key figures like Elijah, David, and even Jesus in His darkest moments. We’ll confront the misconception that mental struggles equate to weak faith and discuss how believers can seek help while still holding on to God’s promises.

Getting Help:

• The American Association of Christian Counselors - The world's premier & largest faith-based mental health organization
• 988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988.
• Kati Morton - YouTube - Kati covers a wide range of topics, including family dynamics, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and trauma. In her videos, Kati shares valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the complexities of mental health. She offers strategies for managing difficult emotions, coping with stress, and enhancing overall well-being. Her non-judgmental approach makes her content accessible to people from all backgrounds.
• Dr. Tracey Marks - YouTube - Learn how lifestyle factors, mental practices, and emotional regulation influence your brain to cultivate resilience. I explain the neuroscience behind these practices, showing you how to optimize your brain for a fulfilling life.
• Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist - The world’s largest publishing enterprise exclusively dedicated to human behavior. Their motto is, “Here to Help” and they do have some resources to help find a therapist
• SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - An agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - The lead federal agency for research on mental disorders
• NAMI | National Alliance on Mental Illness - The nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

References to Bible Verses:

Psalm 34:18; 1 Kings 19:3-8; 1 Kings 19:11-12; Zechariah 4:6; 1 Samuel 13:14; Psalm 42:11; Psalm 6:6-7; Job 1:1; Job 3:11; Job 3:26; Job 42:7; Lamentations 3:17-23; Jeremiah 20:14-18; Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 34:18; Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:16; Matthew 26:38; John 16:33; Colossians 4:14; Proverbs 11:14; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Romans 8:38-39; Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 119:50; Galatians 6:2; James 5:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 12:15; Psalm 23:4

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Credits:

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Introduction

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Too often, struggling believers hear messages like, Just pray more, have more faith, or true Christians shouldn't feel that way. But is that what the Bible really teaches? If you've ever felt the darkness of depression, or know someone who has, you're not alone. The reality is, is that faithful followers of Christ, both in the Bible and today, have wrestled with deep sorrow, anxiety, and despair.

Yet for many Christians, acknowledging these struggles feels like Admitting some sort of spiritual failure, but is depression really a lack of faith? Or is it possible to trust God and still battle with mental health? In today's episode, we're going to tackle this tough but necessary topic head on.

We'll explore depression from a biblical perspective, looking at key figures like Elijah, David, and even Jesus in his darkest moments.

We'll confront the misconception that mental struggles equate a weak faith and discuss how believers can seek help while still holding on to God's promises. Most importantly, we'll talk about the hope.

If you or someone you love have ever wondered where God is in the midst of depression, I invite you to lean in. This conversation might be the encouragement you need.

Disclaimer

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Jason: I want to make it abundantly clear that I am not a mental health professional, and the information contained within this episode represents my opinion based on both biblical and non biblical research.

That being said, I feel mental health is a vital part of overall health, but I also recognize that getting help With mental health issues like depression and anxiety can be challenging. So toward the end of this episode, I'm going to provide a few suggestions on where you can get started searching for help.

Understanding Depression - A Biblical and Scientific Perspective

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Jason: So if you're listening to this because you suffer from depression, anxiety, or any other mental health challenge, I do urge you to get help. And I've done my best to find credible resources for you. Now, when we talk about depression, we're not just discussing a bad day or a fleeting sense of sadness.

Depression is a real condition, recognized both medically and psychologically, that affects millions of people worldwide. Included devout Christians. It's more than just feeling down. It can involve an overwhelming sense of despair, exhaustion, and a loss of interest in life. It can manifest in physical symptoms as well.

Yet, in many Christian circles, depression is often misunderstood, dismissed as mere spiritual weakness, or even blamed on lack of faith. But if that were true, why do we see some of the Bible's most faithful servants experiencing deep sorrow and despair?

Elijah's Struggle with Despair

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Jason: Let's start with Elijah. After his great victory over the prophets of Baal, where God reveals his power in conjuring this consuming fire, you might think Elijah would have been full of confidence in God.

He had just experienced one of the most dramatic displays of divine intervention recorded in scripture, calling down fire from heaven, and proving beyond any doubt that Yahweh alone Is God yet immediately after this miraculous event Elijah receives a death threat from Queen Jezebel and instead of standing firm in the confidence of God's power, he he panics, he flees for his life and sinks into despair and first Kings 19 verses 3 through 4.

We see the raw reality of his suffering. Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. He came to a broombrush, 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. This moment is kind of powerful. Elijah has been zealous for God, standing alone against hundreds of false prophets, yet now he sits down in isolation, exhausted and broken, asking God to just end his life.

How did he go from triumph to despair so quickly? Elijah's story is a reminder that spiritual victories don't make us immune to emotional struggles. Even the strongest believer can reach a point where they feel overwhelmed, discouraged, hopeless. His plea, I have had enough, Lord, resonates with anyone who has ever felt they simply couldn't keep going.

This wasn't a moment of doubt in God's existence, it was a moment of deep, personal weariness. Where the burden of fear and exhaustion clouded his perspective. But notice how God responds. He doesn't rebuke Elijah for his despair. He doesn't tell him just have more faith or dismiss his pain as a lack of trust.

Instead, God meets Elijah in his weakness. First, he provides for Elijah's basic needs, sending an angel with food and water. Allowing him to rest in first Kings 19 5 through 8 Then after Elijah's strength is restored God leads him to Mount Horeb where he speaks to him not in a dramatic display of power But in a gentle whisper in first Kings 19 We read the Lord said go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord for the Lord is about to pass by Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountain apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord.

But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake came fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. We often look for the Lord in these great manifestations of His power, in gale force winds and earthquakes and fire, yet in Zechariah 4, verse 6, we're reminded Not by mighty nor power but by my spirit says the Lord Almighty and we see that at we see that at the end in His final manifestation God comes to Elijah in what a gentle whisper I mean, this is an amazing lesson.

God doesn't abandon us in our depression He sustains us he nourishes us and speaks to us in ways that bring comfort Rather than condemnation and he we don't have to look for grand forms of his presence a mere whisper is more than enough So does Elijah's despair mean that he lacked faith not at all?

It means he was human and if a prophet is devoted as Elijah could struggle with deep sorrow Then surely we can acknowledge that depression is not a sign of spiritual failure, but a part of the human experience, even for those who walk closely with God.

David's Emotional Turmoil

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Jason: And then there's David, described in scripture as a man after God's own heart in 1 Samuel 13, 14.

If anyone exemplified deep faith, it was David. Yet throughout his life, he experienced intense emotional turmoil. Many of his psalms are filled with these raw expressions of grief, anxiety, and despair. Look at Psalms 42. 11, where David cries out, Why, my soul, are you downcast, so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Here, David speaks to his own soul, acknowledging the deep sorrow and relentlessness within him. The Hebrew word for downcast conveys this idea of being bow down, overwhelmed by the weight of distress. This is not a passing sadness, it's an intense internal struggle, a wrestling between his emotions and his faith.

David was no stranger to hardship. He faced relentless pursuit and persecution from King Saul, betrayal from those closest to him, the grief of losing a child, and the burden of his own moral failings. Yet despite his struggles, he never hid his pain from God. Instead, he brought his sorrow before the Lord with honesty and vulnerability.

This is one of the more powerful aspects of David's example. Faith and lament can coexist. Too often Christians feel pressured to suppress feelings of depression, as if acknowledging them is some sign of weak faith. But David shows us that expressing sorrow is not a failure. It's an act of trust. By pouring out his heart before God, David demonstrates that true faith is not about pretending to be okay.

It's about bringing our struggles before the one who can carry them. Notice, too, how David preaches to himself. Put your hope in God for I will yet praise him. He doesn't deny his feelings, but he also refuses to let them have the final word. This verse reveals a profound spiritual discipline. David acknowledges his pain, but he also chooses to remind himself of God's faithfulness.

And this is a pattern that appears throughout the Psalms. Psalm 6, verses 7 and 8, David laments, I am worn out from my groaning. All night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow. They fail because of all my foes. David is utterly exhausted. His sorrow is consuming him, yet time and time again, we see him turn to God in the midst of suffering.

So what, what can we learn from David? I mean, first of all, it's okay to feel downcast. Even the faithful believers experienced deep sorrow. It's, I mean, it's okay to have honest lament. It's not a sign of weak faith, but a strong relationship with God. And finally, we must remind ourselves of God's faithfulness, even when we don't feel it.

Maybe especially when we don't feel it. David's life shows us that depression It doesn't disqualify us from God's love, nor does it mean our lack, our faith is lacking. Instead, like David, we are invited to bring our pain to God, trusting that he is our refuge and our strength, even when our souls feel downcast.

Job's Profound Suffering

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Jason: We also see this struggle in Job, a man whom scripture described as blameless and upright in Job 1 verse 1. Yet, he endured unimaginable suffering. Job lost his children, his wealth, his health, his sense of stability. All in rapid succession. His grief was so profound that he cursed the day of his birth, crying out in Job 3, verse 11, as well as 26.

Why did I not perish at birth and die as I came from the womb? And then later says, I have no peace, no quietness, I have no rest, but only turmoil. Now these are not the words of a man who merely feels discouraged. They are the cries of someone drowning in sorrow. Job reached a place where he Question the very purpose of his existence.

He was not just experiencing sadness. He was deeply broken mentally and emotionally crushed under the weight of his suffering. Yet what's kind of interesting here is about Job's story is that God never rebukes him for expressing his pain. Job's friends, however, take a different approach. They assume that suffering must be the result of sin or lack of faith, offering empty platitudes and misplaced accusations.

The words echo the mistaken belief that if someone is struggling mentally, they must have failed spiritually, but God rejects their faulty reasoning. In Job 42 verse 7, he says, I am angry with you and your two friends because you have not spoken the truth about me as my servant Job has. Wow. Despite all of Job's laments, God affirms that Job was honest in his grief.

This is a powerful truth. Pouring out our pain before God is not faithlessness, it is faithfulness. Job never turned away from God. Instead, he brought his anguish directly to him. Another key takeaway from Job's story is that God doesn't Remain silent forever. Though Job endured a long period of suffering and confusion, God eventually speaks.

Not with condemnation, but with the reminder of his sovereign presence. In Lamentations 3, verses 17 through 23, we see a similar theme. I have been deprived of peace. I've forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, my splendor is gone, and all that I had hoped from the Lord. I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.

I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail, they are new. Every morning, great is your faithfulness. Just as Job was not abandoned in his suffering, neither are we.

His story reminds us that suffering and faith are not opposites. They often exist side by side. Job's grief was real, his questions were raw, but God was present through it all. If a man as righteous as Job can wrestle with despair, then struggling with depression is clearly not a sign of weak faith. It is a human response to deep pain.

And just as God met Job in his suffering, he meets us in ours, offering compassion, understanding, and the promise of his faithfulness.

Jeremiah: The Weeping Prophet

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Jason: And finally, there's Jeremiah, often called the Weeping Prophet, because of the deep sorrow and anguish he expressed throughout his ministry. Jeremiah's life was marked by hardship.

He was given the heavy burden of proclaiming God's coming judgment to a rebellious people. A message that brought him rejection, isolation, and intense suffering. He was, he was beaten, imprisoned, and mocked, all while witnessing the destruction. Of the nation that he loved his pain reaches a breaking point in Jeremiah 20 verses 14 through 18 where he cries out Cursed be the day.

I was born. May the day my mother bore me not be blessed Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame? I don't know about you, but these are not the words of someone who merely had a bad day They reveal the heart of a man who felt rushed beneath the weight of his calling.

Jeremiah's grief was so deep that he regretted his own existence, lamenting that he had been born at all. This passage echoes the cries of Job, who questioned the purpose of his suffering. Yet here's what we probably need to recognize. Jeremiah was chosen by God before he was even born. Look at Jeremiah 1 verse 5.

Set apart as a prophet of the nations, if depression were simply a sign of weak faith, how could we explain the suffering of a man so clearly? called by God. Jeremiah's life remain, reminds us that faithful obedience to God doesn't shield us from sorrow. He remind, remained steadfast in his calling despite his pain, proving that suffering and devotion are not mutually exclusive.

In fact, Jeremiah's honest lament is a testament to his relationship with God. He brought his pain directly before the Lord rather than turning away in silence. Even in despair, Jeremiah clings to hope. His circumstances had not changed, but he chose to remind himself of God's faithfulness. This doesn't mean his sorrows just suddenly disappear, but it reveals an important truth.

Hope in God does not erase suffering, but sustains us through it. So what can we learn from Jeremiah? Well, being called by God doesn't exempt us from deep sorrow, that's one. It's okay to lament. God invites us to bring our pain to him. And finally, even in despair, we can remind ourselves of God's faithfulness.

Jeremiah's story reminds us that Depression and faith coexist. His life was marked by sorrow, yet his trust in God remained, just like the others we've talked about. If someone as faithful as Jeremiah could experience such anguish, we should never assume that struggling with depression is a sign of weak faith.

Misconceptions About Faith and Depression

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Jason: Instead, like Jeremiah, Job, Elisha, and many others, we are called to bring our pain before God, trusting that His compassion Never fail and his mercies are new every morning I think one of the biggest misconceptions in christian communities is the belief that if you truly have faith You shouldn't struggle with depression.

But as we've already seen scripture shows us something very different many of god's most faithful servants

Look guys, depression is not something to be ashamed of. The Bible shows us that even the most faithful followers of God have walked through the darkest valleys of despair. That's the point I've been trying to get. What matters is not pretending those struggles don't exist, but instead, bring them before God knowing that he is near the broken hearted.

Psalm 34, 18 reminds us of this. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. If you're struggling today, know this God is not disappointed in you. He's not distant from you. He is near ready to hold you through your darkest moments. And as we continue this conversation, I'll try to explore what it means to seek help, support one another and find hope.

Even when we feel. Life is unbearable. So as I've mentioned, one of the greatest struggles for Christians facing depression is this misconception that their suffering is a sign of weak faith. So let's drill into that a little bit. Many well meaning believers assume that if someone just prayed more, trusted God more, had more joy, their depression would dissipate.

And this idea, though common, is not biblical. And it places an unbearable burden on those This misunderstanding sometimes often comes from a misuse of some Bible verses. For example, Philippians 4 verse 6 tells us, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.

Well, some take this verse to mean that if a Christian is struggling with anxiety or depression, they must not be praying enough. That's not what Paul was saying. He's encouraging believers to bring their worries before God, not condemning them for having struggles in the first place. Nowhere in the Bible that I've found does it say that faith eliminates all suffering.

And then we have 1 which instructs us to rejoice always. And this verse often is used to suggest that Christians should be happy all the time, no matter what. But biblical joy is not the same as a constant happiness. Joy is a deep rooted trust in God's goodness, even in suffering. Jesus himself, the perfect example of faith, experienced sorrow and distress.

On the night before his crucifixion, he told the disciples in Matthew 26 verse 38, My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. I want you to think on that for just a moment. Jesus, the Son of God, felt overwhelmed to the point of death. If experiencing deep sorrow meant a lack of faith, then how could this be true of Jesus?

In John 16, 33, Jesus tells his followers, In this world you will have troubles, but take heart, I have overcome the world. Jesus doesn't promise a life free of hardship. Instead, he acknowledges that suffering is a part of this world. But he also assures us that He is with us in it.

Seeking Help and Support

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Jason: Some Christians actually believe that seeking help, whether through counseling, therapy, or even medication, is a sign of a lack of faith and trust in God.

But scripture actually supports the use of wisdom, counsel, and even I would say medical care in times of need. Consider Luke, the writer of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. In Colossians 4, 14, Paul refers to him as our dear friend, the doctor. Luke was a physician, and his profession was acknowledged and respected in the Bible.

If seeking medical help was a lack of faith, why would one One of Paul's closest companions be a doctor. Proverbs also speaks of the wisdom of seeking guidance. Proverbs 11 14 tells us, for lack of guidance, a nation fails, but victory is won through many advisors seeking help, whether through Christian counseling, therapy, medication, whatever.

It's not a failure of faith, but an act of wisdom. God often works through people, including doctors and therapists, to bring healing. For those Who feel their depression makes them less of a christian god God's word offers comfort and assurance and isaiah 41 10 god promises So do not fear for I am with you do not be dismayed for I am your god I will strengthen you and help you I will uphold you with my righteous hand god never Abandons his children and suffering even when we feel weak when we feel weak.

He's still there his grace sustains us Paul reminds us of this truth in 2nd Corinthians 12 verse 9. But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. Our struggles do not separate us from God.

Or God's love, no amount of depression, anxiety, or suffering can remove us from his presence. In Romans 39, Paul declares, For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the presence nor the future, nor any power, neither height nor depth, nor anything else, in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God.

That is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Depression does not mean you lack. Depression does not mean God is disappointed in you. Depression does not mean that you are alone. Instead, the truth is this. God's love remains constant. His grace is sufficient and his presence is unwavering even in the darkest valleys, like seeking help, leaning on others, and trusting in God are all acts of faith, not signs of weakness.

Christians can struggle with mental health and still have unshakable faith in Christ. If you're struggling with depression, and I can't emphasize this enough, know that you are not alone and you are not beyond God's reach. God sees you right where you are. He loves you right where you are. He walks with you right where you are.

Depression can feel like an unshakable weight, but scripture reminds us that hope is never lost. In Matthew 11, 28 through 30, Jesus extends this invitation. Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and your will Find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy and my burden is light Jesus doesn't demand that we have it all together before coming to him instead He calls the weary the burdened and the brokenhearted to find rest in him.

So, how do we find? Practical support while holding on to this promise In the depths of despair, it can be difficult to pray or even open a Bible, but God's Word offers comfort and renewal, even when we don't feel it immediately. Psalms 119 verse 50 declares, My comfort in my suffering is this, your promise is, your promise preserves my life.

God's promises remain true no matter how we feel even if it's just one verse a day Immersing yourself in scripture can remind you that his presence when everything else seems overwhelming is still there It probably won't solve your depression But prayer and scripture will help to remind you that God is present while you seek And then, God doesn't design us to struggle alone.

The Bible encourages us to lean on one another, because healing often comes through the love and support of others. Galatians 6 verse 2 says, Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. This means sharing our struggles with trusted friends, pastors. Christian counselors.

Depression can be isolating, but community brings light into the darkness. Additionally, James 5 verse 16 reminds us of the power of confession and prayer. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Now this doesn't mean depression is tied to sin. I wasn't saying that. It's simply in an encouragement that honesty and prayer. Within a loving community can bring comfort and healing and then many Christians feel guilty about prioritizing their own well being as if Self care is selfishness But scripture teaches us that our bodies and our minds are gifts from God, meant to be cared for.

1 Corinthians 6 verses 19 and 20 tells us, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. This includes getting enough rest, eating well, exercising, setting healthy boundaries.

Taking care of your body and mind is a stewardship of what God has entrusted to you. Selfishness is when that's the only thing you think about, but it's okay to stop and take care of yourself once in a while. If you are in a leadership position at your church, I want you to pay close attention to this next part.

As believers, we must create An environment where those struggling with mental health feel safe to share their burdens. The church should be a place of refuge, not judgment. Romans 12, 15 gives us this simple but powerful command, Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Instead of offering quick fixes or dismissing someone's pain, we are called to Sit with them.

Listen to them. Offer some love. Likewise, Psalms 23 verse 4 reminds us that God walks with us through our struggles, not just around them. Even though I walk through the darkest valleys, I will fear no evil for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. The church should reflect the same truth.

Walking with those in pain rather than ignoring or minimizing their struggles. Depression does not define you. Your worth is not based on how you feel today. Or tomorrow, but on the unchanging truth that you are loved by God, all of this that I've talked about is helpful to support someone experiencing depression.

But the bottom line is this. Sometimes we need professional help and even medication to manage depression. There is nothing wrong with that. There is nothing wrong with seeking help. God gifted people with the talents and wisdom to counsel and to treat others into a better place. God gifted people with the talents and wisdom to design medications that can stabilize people who suffer depression.

I've said over and over throughout this episode that your faith is not tied to your depression because I really want to drive that point home. In fact, if you choose to get help, I commend your strength and dedication to God. That's right, if you're out there treating your depression or considering it, I really have the utmost respect for you.

I also want to make it clear that you should Seek help from a medical or mental health professional and look, I think there are some really amazing well intentioned pastors out there doing great work and supporting the parishioners, but pastors generally aren't a licensed professional and mental health.

I encourage you to talk to your pastor to talk to your friends, your family and whatever as you feel comfortable doing so, but when it comes down to really focusing in. On improving mental health at a granular level. You just need someone professionally trained in a particular discipline.

Get Started Finding Help

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Jason: Now, before I finish up this episode, I did promise to provide some suggestions about where to go to start looking for help.

I understand that many people run into challenges finding professionals and even paying for professional help. And I wish I had the perfect answer. I don't, but what I can do is let you know what credible organizations I've found through my own research and referrals from people I know in the medical or mental health field.

But here's what I came up with and keep in mind, I only went searching for resources in the United States of America. As it gets for majority of my audiences. But the first on the list is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Um, their website is nami. org. They kind of market themselves as the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Now, there is a toll free number on their website. You can call for help. They also have tons of research, resources and information available. The next one is the National Institute of Mental Health, NIMH, and their website is nimh. nih. gov. These guys are supposed to be the leading federal agency for research on mental disorders.

But the website has some information about how to get help that could be a really good resource or starting point for your search. The next one I got was the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or S-A-M-S-H-A. Uh, the EURL is S-A-M-S-H a.gov. This is another government agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance abuse disorders, a as well as their families.

They have a whole section on how to find help and support for mental health and substance abuse challenges. Um, another resource I got was Psychology Today, that's just psychologytoday. com. Um, they are the world's largest publishing enterprise exclusively dedicated to human behavior. Now they claim their motto is help, here to help.

And they do have some resources to find help, to find a therapist. And you can filter on that search by faith as well as price. And location. So that might come in handy. So definitely check that out. Um, I also got a couple suggestions for YouTube channels. Uh, the first one is Dr. Tracy Marks on YouTube.

She's, uh, got a number of playlists on mental health, um, that seem very helpful. It's youtube.com/at Dr. Tracy, T-R-A-C-Y-M, marks, M-A-R-K-S. I also received a suggestion, uh, for Katie Morton, that's K A T I Morton, M O R T O N on YouTube. Uh, she focuses on mental health challenges as well, uh, youtube. com slash at K A T I M O R T O N.

Um, all of these organizations and their links will be in my show notes, so definitely check that out. Now many of these organizations also reference 9 8 8, which is a, the suicide and crisis lifeline. A number that you can call or text if you're in crisis, and I believe they have both English and Spanish options.

Um, you can also try going to your city, state, or even country's main website and searching for mental health resources or providers. Um, there's a variety of government support programs that are available all across the world. I do caution you against doing a google search for these things because it's it's really hard to authenticate the sources so You can google search, uh, just be very very cautious Uh, but I do advise you you don't do that go to your local state country county, whatever website And look there.

And finally, ask around. You'd be surprised who else may have struggles of their own that are similar to yours, and they may have some great resources or suggestions that can help. All of this information, like I said, will be in the show notes. Please go look into these resources if you feel like you need a little extra help.

Conclusion

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Jason: God loves you. He wants you to feel better. Depression is not a lack of faith. Depression does not define you. Your worth is not based on how you feel today. On the unchanging truth that you are loved by God. It is a reality that many faithful believers, including Biblical figures, have faced. The key is not to suppress or deny our struggles, but to bring them before God.

Seek help when needed, and trust that His grace is sufficient. Faith and depression can coexist, and God remains near to the brokenhearted. Even in the lowest moments, God has not abandoned you. He is near. He hears your cries. For And he is faithful to walk with you through the darkness into his marvelous light.

Hold on to hope. It's stronger than the pain you're feeling. Until next time, keep loving your neighbors, dive into God's Word daily, and may the Lord bless you and keep you and fill you with his peace. Take care and God bless, and I'll see you in the next episode.