Depression is not simply "a more intense version of feeling sad" — it is a complex illness affecting the brain, body, and emotions. This is the second article in the Soul Health Series. It begins by describing what depression actually looks like, then offers targeted guidance across three levels of severity (mild, moderate, severe); revisits what to do when "prayer doesn't seem to work," and uses the Psalms of Lament to affirm the legitimacy of crying out in darkness; lists five common care pitfalls in the church alongside better responses; and includes the author's own experience walking through depression, and how John 15:5 and Acts 1:8 sustained him through those days.
Speaker: Pastor Bond · Scripture: 诗42:5;王上19:5-8;赛42:3
Pastor Bond · May 2026 · Compiled with Claude's assistance · Soul Health Series, Part Two
"Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me?" (Psalm 42:5)
The psalmist does something unusual here: he speaks to his own soul. He does not hide, does not pretend everything is fine — instead, he honestly confronts the darkness deep within. This verse is repeated three times (Psalm 42:5, 42:11, 43:5), as if the psalmist is wrestling with his own anguish again and again.
If you are in that dark valley right now, or if someone close to you is going through this, this article is written for you.
If reading a long article feels too hard right now, please hold on to these few sentences:
❶ Depression is a real illness. It is not your fault, and it does not mean you are "not strong enough."
❷ Different levels of depression need different kinds of help: mild depression may respond to self-care, while moderate to severe depression requires professional intervention.
❸ You do not have to face this alone. One thing you can do right now: make an appointment with your GP (family doctor).
❹ If you are in crisis: in the UK, call 116 123 (Samaritans, 24 hours, free); in mainland China, call 12356 (National Psychological Assistance Hotline). If there is immediate danger of self-harm or harm to others, call your local emergency services or police immediately. If you are in another country, you can find a helpline for your area at findahelpline.com.
Your life has value, even if you cannot feel that right now.
Everyone experiences low moods: losing a loved one, setbacks at work, relational conflict — the grief and discouragement these bring are normal human emotions.
But clinical depression is different. It is not simply a more intense version of feeling sad; it is a complex illness affecting the brain, body, and emotions. To use an analogy: low mood is like a small cut on your finger — it heals on its own in a few days. Depression is more like a deep wound: without treatment, it rarely heals on its own, and may become infected and worsen.
A key distinction is this: ordinary grief usually has a clear cause and gradually eases with time. Depression, by contrast, often seems to make no sense — even when nothing obviously bad has happened, that heavy, grey feeling simply will not lift. Sometimes that "I don't know why, but I just can't move, can't face life" experience is precisely the most confusing and self-blaming part of depression.
Depression has multiple causes and is rarely the result of any single factor. Genetic predisposition, major life events (such as bereavement, job loss, or divorce), prolonged stress and exhaustion, childhood experiences, and even certain physical factors (such as postpartum hormonal changes or chronic illness) may all play a role. Different people may have entirely different triggers — and some people cannot identify any clear "cause" at all. That, too, is normal.
What matters is this: Depression is not a character flaw, not a sign of weakness, and not the result of having "done something wrong." It is an illness, and like any other illness, it deserves to be understood and treated.
Emotionally:
Physically:
In thinking and behaviour:
You do not need to match every item on this list. Depression looks different for everyone: some people cry constantly, others cannot shed a single tear; some lose weight, others gain weight; some spend all day in bed, others appear perfectly normal on the outside while struggling deeply within.
Depression is not a simple yes-or-no question; it exists on a spectrum. Understanding this matters, because different levels of depression call for different responses.
What it feels like: You can sense something is off — less motivation than before, a frequent grey mood, some changes in sleep or appetite. But you can still function at work, maintain relationships, and care for your family; it just takes far more effort than usual. It is like walking through shallow water: you can keep moving, but every step is heavier than it should be.
What kind of help is needed:
A risk that is easily overlooked: Because you are "still managing," mild depression is the most likely to be ignored — by yourself and by those around you. But left unattended, it can gradually deepen.
What it feels like: Daily life is now noticeably affected. Work productivity drops significantly; social interaction becomes a real struggle; you may start taking frequent sick days or avoiding gatherings. Insomnia (or excessive sleep) worsens, and negative thoughts become more frequent and harder to control. There is a persistent grey feeling that will not leave — like looking at the world through grey-tinted glasses: you know intellectually that the world has colour, but you simply cannot see it.
What kind of help is needed:
What it feels like: Even basic daily functioning may be severely impaired: unable to work, unable to care for yourself, unable to interact with others. It feels like being trapped at the bottom of a bottomless pit, with no light anywhere. Some people experience intense worthlessness ("Everyone would be better off without me") or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Some also experience a kind of physical "paralysis" — not unwillingness, but a genuine inability to move.
What kind of help is needed:
An important note: These categories are meant to give you a general picture of the different levels of depression — please do not use them to self-diagnose. Real assessment needs to be done by a professional. If you are unsure about your situation, booking a GP appointment is the best first step.
We touched on this in the anxiety article, but it bears special emphasis in the context of depression — because one of depression's defining experiences is worthlessness and self-rejection: "I can't do anything right," "I'm a failure." If the voice of "you don't have enough faith" is added on top of that — whether from others or from within — it can be the last straw.
Perhaps the most vivid portrait of depression in the Bible is Elijah. He had just won the confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel — the pinnacle of his spiritual life. And yet immediately after, he fled, lay down under a juniper tree, and said to God: "It is enough! Now, Lord, take away my life, for I am not better than my fathers." (1 Kings 19:4)
A man who had just experienced a great spiritual victory — moments later wanting to die. This is not a faith problem. This is the raw cry of a person utterly exhausted in body and soul.
And God's response is deeply moving: He did not lecture, did not rebuke, did not quote Scripture. He sent an angel and had Elijah eat, drink, and sleep (1 Kings 19:5–8). God attended to his physical needs first, restoring his strength. Only after Elijah had journeyed to Mount Horeb did God speak with him — and even that conversation came not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).
This passage gives us several important insights: depression can come after a spiritual high, not only during a low; God's first response was to care for physical needs, not to correct thinking; God chose to draw near with gentleness, not greater pressure.
People going through depression often say: "I prayed, but nothing changed." This may be one of the most heartbreaking spiritual experiences possible — not unbelief, but an inability to feel anything.
There is a type of psalm in the Bible known as "lament psalms" (such as Psalms 13, 22, 42, and 88). What they share in common: the psalmist cries out to God, questions him, even complains to him. Psalm 88 is the "darkest" of all — it is nothing but lamentation from beginning to end, with no turn and no word of comfort at the close:
"You have laid me in the lowest pit, in dark places, in the depths." (Psalm 88:6)
But notice: these lament psalms are included in the Bible. God did not remove them, did not append a note saying "this is an example of what not to do." Their very presence is a declaration: God has heard it all. In the life of faith, darkness and crying out have a legitimate place. You do not have to pretend to be strong before God.
If someone breaks a bone, we say "see an orthopaedist." If someone has pneumonia, we say "take antibiotics." So why do so many people hesitate when it comes to depression?
Antidepressants can help relieve symptoms so that a person can more effectively engage in psychotherapy and return to daily life. For Christians, there is an additional dimension: when symptoms ease, you may find that you are once again able to read God's Word, and to feel comfort, companionship, and strength from it. Medication is not opposed to faith — it can be a bridge that brings you back to your heavenly Father.
It is not a "happiness pill," and it will not make you into a different person. What it does is more like placing a guardrail between you and the abyss, so that you do not fall while you recover.
Medication and psychological therapy used together usually work best, particularly for moderate and severe depression. This is professional consensus, not a faith position. Trusting God and accepting the help He provides through medicine have never been opposites.
I myself went through a period that, looking back, I would now recognise as fairly severe depression.
The greatest struggle during that time was the desperate wish to get better quickly, to escape that sleepwalking kind of life. But the more urgently I pushed, the more disappointment I encountered. One day would pass, another would come, the situation kept fluctuating, and I could see no end. I was full of frustration at myself, wanting to pull myself together — but it was like being stuck in a bog: no matter how I tried, I couldn't climb out.
Eventually I realised that when a person is caught in a bog, the most important thing is not to thrash about trying to survive. It is to do two things:
First, stop struggling — choose to go still. Because the more you thrash, the deeper you sink. Accept that this is where you are right now, and stop fighting yourself.
Second, call for help promptly. Lying still alone is not enough — you need to let others know you need help.
John 15 — Breaking the Pride of "I Can Do This"
Jesus said: "I am the vine. You are the branches... Apart from me, you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
This broke my previous attitude of "I can handle this." Because I thought I could, I wanted to save myself. But Jesus said that apart from him I can do nothing. That "nothing" actually brought me great comfort at the time: I suddenly realised that I truly did not have the capacity — and so I stopped straining on my own. I accepted what Scripture said: I really do not have this ability.
At the same time, this passage gave me hope: Jesus is the vine; we are the branches. If I remained connected to Jesus, this branch could still, in the end, be restored.
Acts 1:8 — Leading Me to Trust in the Spirit's Power
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." (Acts 1:8)
After his resurrection and ascension, the disciples were still largely weak and afraid. But Jesus did not immediately send them out to preach or bear witness. He told them to wait in Jerusalem, praying until they received the promised Holy Spirit — and only then would they receive power. I was in the same position: I needed to pray quietly and wait — to wait for the Holy Spirit God had promised to fill me.
Because I knew God loved me, and I knew his promises were trustworthy. I only needed to wait patiently and quietly for his Spirit to guide and fill me — and I would recover.
Of course, "going still" did not mean doing absolutely nothing. It meant following the Spirit's prompting in small things. Scripture says "he who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10), and "to everyone who has, more will be given" (Matthew 25:29). There were many things I had no capacity to do — studying, working, and so on. But whatever small thing I had energy for (getting up to eat a meal, or going to bed a little earlier), I would do that — following the Spirit's gentle nudge. What I couldn't do, I didn't force myself to attempt, because I knew I didn't have the capacity. But I trusted that the Spirit would give me the strength.
After a while of living this way, without my quite noticing it, things gradually improved — and I came through.
💡 A note: When I went through that depression, there was virtually no public awareness of depression as a concept in society, let alone access to professional psychotherapy or medication. In many places today, people are far more fortunate than I was: there are professional assessment tools, effective treatments, and accessible support resources. If you have access to these kinds of help, please actively seek them out while trusting God — his grace also comes to us through the hands of doctors and therapists.
But I also know that even today, some brothers and sisters — for various reasons (geography, finances, language, or lack of local resources) — are temporarily unable to access professional help. If that is where you are, I want you to know: you are not without hope. When I came through that time, I also had none of these resources around me — but God was still there, his Word still had power, and his Spirit was still at work. The companionship and prayer of fellow believers in the church is also a real form of support. God's hand is never bound by the limitations of our circumstances.
In the church, the way brothers and sisters respond to depression is often an area where there is room to grow. Many times, well-meaning care ends up adding even more pressure to someone who is already struggling. Let us honestly examine the common pitfalls, and what to do instead.
Why this is problematic: This reduces depression to a purely spiritual problem, implying that "the reason you are depressed is because your devotional life is insufficient." For someone already drowning in worthlessness, this is effectively saying "you can't even get faith right." Moreover, someone with severe depression may be unable to take in words at all — not because they don't want to, but because they genuinely cannot.
A better approach: Don't prescribe. If the person is willing, you could say: "Would you like me to read a short passage of Scripture aloud for you?" or "We could just sit quietly together for a while." The key word is "together" — not assigning a task, but offering presence.
Why this is problematic: This is a version of "gratitude therapy." It is essentially saying "you shouldn't be depressed, because your life is actually pretty good." But a defining feature of depression is precisely this: you can know intellectually that you should be grateful, yet feel absolutely nothing of it. That gap causes even more self-blame: "I can't even be grateful — what is wrong with me?"
A better approach: Acknowledge that their pain is real. Do not try to "correct" their feelings with reasoning. You can say: "I know you're hurting right now. This is not your fault."
Why this is problematic: Well-intentioned believers sometimes spiritualise depression — attributing it to demonic attack or spiritual oppression, and seeking to resolve it through spiritual warfare. Not only does this lack medical grounding, it may lead the person to refuse or delay getting genuinely effective professional treatment.
A better approach: Praying for them is good — but encourage them to seek professional help at the same time. "I'll be praying for you, and I'd also suggest you talk to your GP — both together" — that is holistic care.
Why this is problematic: If you have not experienced depression yourself, saying "I understand" can actually make the other person feel that their pain is being diminished. "You don't know what this is like" may be their honest inner response.
A better approach: Say honestly: "I haven't been through what you're going through, and I wouldn't dare say I fully understand. But I want to listen. I want to be here with you." Admitting that you don't know is actually more powerful than pretending you do.
Why this is problematic: Some brothers and sisters, out of genuine care, will send daily messages, frequently invite the person to meals, and keep sharing devotional content. But for someone in depression, every message can feel like pressure: "Now I owe someone again," "I've let someone down again."
A better approach: Keep contact steady but light. For example, one brief message per week: "Thinking of you — no need to reply." Let them know you are there, without creating a demand for response. When they are ready, they will come back.
First, be a safe person. Let them know they can be weak in front of you, can say "I'm not okay," and you will not think less of them, judge them, or rush to "fix" them or lecture them. Safety is the foundation of true companionship.
Second, help them take one practical step. For someone in depression, "going to see a doctor" can feel like facing a mountain. You can help break it down: look up the GP's contact details for them, sit with them while they make the appointment call, or even go along with them. One step at a time.
Third, be present consistently, without drama. You don't need a deep conversation every time you meet, or a spiritually charged message every time you write. Sometimes just having a cup of tea together, going for a walk together, sitting together in silence — these moments that seem like "not really doing anything" are often the most healing form of companionship.
Fourth, know your limits. You are not a professional therapist, and you do not need to be. Your role is companion, not rescuer. If the person's situation is beyond what you can handle (for example, if they mention self-harm or suicide), do not try to manage it alone. Guide them toward professional help, and if necessary, contact a professional service. Also: being a long-term companion to someone in depression is depleting. Caregivers need their own support system too — a friend to talk to, a pastor or counsellor you can consult. Take care of yourself so you can keep showing up for others.
If someone around you expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, these steps can help you respond in that critical moment:
① Stay calm — don't panic, and don't avoid it. Take it seriously. Do not say "You don't really mean that, do you?" or "Stop joking."
② Ask directly, but gently. "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" Asking directly does not "plant the idea" — this is a common misconception. In fact, people who are asked directly often feel a sense of relief, because someone has finally seen their pain.
③ Listen — don't rush to give advice. Let the person finish what they are saying. You don't need to provide a solution; your listening itself is the help.
④ Don't promise to keep it secret. You can say: "I'm grateful you trusted me with this. But because I care deeply about your safety, I may need to let someone who can help you know about this."
⑤ Stay with them and help them access professional support. Sit with them while they call a crisis line (UK: 116 123; mainland China: 12356), accompany them to see their GP, or in an emergency, take them to A&E. Do not leave them alone.
⑥ Care for yourself afterwards. A conversation like this can affect you too. Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling — this is not weakness; it is necessary.
In many churches, the Sunday sharing time always sounds like "Praise God, I'm doing well." Brothers and sisters have learned to present only the victorious side of their faith, with little space to admit "I really struggled this week" or "Scripture has felt completely flat for me lately." When someone gathers the courage to speak of their low feelings — and the response is silence, awkwardness, or a spiritual slogan — they will not speak of it again.
A church can intentionally cultivate an atmosphere where it is okay not to be okay here. Pastors and leaders can, at appropriate moments, share their own struggles (nothing dramatic — just genuine) — this dramatically lowers the barrier for others to open up.
Care cannot depend on a few "enthusiastic people." A church might consider equipping a group of brothers and sisters with basic knowledge of mental health (much like what this article series is attempting), so they understand when to listen, and when to refer someone for professional help. The goal is not to make them experts, but to help them know "what I can do" and "what is beyond my capacity."
Some brothers and sisters may need a very long time to recover: months, or even years. During that time, they may be unable to attend gatherings, serve, or even reply to messages. The church needs to give them space, not pressure. Do not start "chasing after" someone because they haven't attended for a long time, and do not mention their situation publicly in a small group (unless they have agreed). Leave a light on — do not rush them to come back, but let them know the light is always on.
In public worship and intercessory prayer, you can naturally include prayer for the mental and spiritual wellbeing of brothers and sisters — no need to name individuals, but let this topic appear in the church's prayer life. When depression and other mental health struggles are no longer "things we don't talk about," the whole community's sense of safety grows.
| Resource | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NHS 111 | Call 111 | Non-urgent medical advice, 24 hours |
| Samaritans | Call 116 123 (free) | 24-hour emotional support line |
| SANEline | Call 0300 304 7000 | Mental health support, daily 16:30–22:30 |
| NHS Talking Therapies | Via GP referral or self-referral | Free talking therapy, can self-refer |
| Mind | mind.org.uk | Mental health information and support |
| Chinese Mental Health Association | chmha.org.uk | Support for the Chinese community, services available in Chinese |
| Emergency | Call 999 or go to A&E | If someone is in immediate danger of self-harm or harm to others |
| Resource | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12356 National Psychological Assistance Hotline | Call 12356 | National unified mental health hotline; hours may vary by region |
| Beijing Crisis Research and Intervention Center | Call 010-82951332 | 24-hour crisis intervention line |
| Hope 24 Hotline | Call 400-161-9995 | 24-hour mental health support line |
| Emergency | Call 120 or 110 | If someone is in immediate danger of self-harm or harm to others |
If you are outside the UK or mainland China — or if a number above does not connect — you can find a verified helpline for your country at Find A Helpline or the IASP crisis-centre directory. Phone numbers can change; these directories are kept up to date.
If you are in the dark valley of depression right now, I want to say a few words to you.
What you are feeling is real. Your pain is not self-indulgence. Your struggle is not weakness. You do not need to apologise for it, or pretend everything is fine.
Perhaps right now God feels distant — prayer feels like talking to the ceiling, and the words of Scripture go in without touching you. That is okay. God's presence does not depend on what you feel. Just as the sun does not cease to exist because clouds are covering it, God does not leave you simply because you cannot feel him for a season.
Psalm 23 says: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." Perhaps right now you feel as though you are in the eye of the storm, with darkness and waves on every side. But the storm will pass — and the God who is with you will not leave.
Your life has value. You deserve help. You do not have to walk this alone.
As a church, may we learn to be true companions — not filling another person's darkness with explanations, but willing to walk into that darkness with them, and quietly sit with them a while, until the light slowly returns.
"He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench a dimly burning wick." (Isaiah 42:3)
This article is for educational reference only and cannot replace professional medical advice. If you or someone around you is experiencing symptoms of depression, please contact your GP or call a relevant support line as soon as possible.
💬 If you have any thoughts or questions after reading this article, you are welcome to ask Pastor Bond:
- "When prayer feels useless during depression — what do I do?"
- "What comfort do the Psalms of Lament offer to someone in darkness?"
- "How can I care for someone who is depressed without saying the wrong thing?"