Twelve Bible principles that help individuals deal with depression

While the Bible may not explicitly mention "daily habits" in the way modern self-help literature does, many of its teachings can be applied as daily practices for spiritual well-being. Here are twelve practical daily habits inspired by bible passages:

Start each day with earnest Prayer

Image of man kneeling leaning against a seat, praying earnestly

"Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you! Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!"

Psalm 102:1-2

Express your feelings honestly to God. Caste all your burdens on God

Read the Bible urgently each Day

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:9-11

Read the Bible urgently every day. An urgent plea for a life free of depression. The Bible gives you renewed minds when you read it with urgency and apply it to your minds and then live according to it daily.

Practice Gratitude

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Practice gratitude. You may not be thankful for all the circumstances you are in, but you can always be thankful for God's love for you and for your hope in eternity. Think of at least 5 things each day that you can be thankful for.

Allow yourself to Grieve

"For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning."

Psalm 30:5

Allow yourself to grieve. With honesty in prayer comes the freedom to grieve. When you are able to look ahead again, you will see the Lord restore joy to your heart.

Find a supportive Friend

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Find a supportive friend. Find someone you can be completely open and honest with. Ask them to help you be accountable to them for your well-being. Help them in return so that you both may prosper.

Serve others

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Galatians 5:13-14

Think of others and help them. While you are free to enjoy ourselves this passage teaches you to serve one another humbly in love, fulfilling the law of Christ who came to serve rather than be served.

Seek supportive fellowship

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Seek supportive fellowship. The verse emphasizes not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Others are able to encourage you and to help you detach from your depression.

Take care of your Body

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Exercise and care for your body. The passage reminds you that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and you should honor God with your body, which should include physical activity and healthy living.

Minimize stressful situations and thoughts

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

Limit exposure to stressful and negative influences. The verse tells you to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. While bad news and concerns are ever-present, you can choose to minimize their negative impact on your life by focusing on more hopeful and positive thoughts.

Seek wisdom and guidance

Image of two ladies sitting on a lounge talking

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:5

Seek wisdom and guidance. The passage encourages asking God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, for wisdom. The Bible encourages you to challenge God when you don't understand what is going on, and to seek the advice of others who have more wisdom than you do.

Discover God's purpose for your life

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Discover God's purpose for your life. God has created you for a purpose. You are here for a reason.

You need never walk alone

Image of gentle stream and flowering plants

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.

Psalm 23:1-2

Spend time in nature and with your creator. Experience the joy of appreciating God's creation and seek consciousness of His presence when you are in quiet beautiful places. You must approach God with reverence, for more understanding go to Become a Christian.