Depression is a major mental health illness that affects someone’s mood and behavior. Several of its symptoms include lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness, loss of appetite and desire to do formerly enjoyable hobbies, and suicide ideation, per Psychiatry. The condition can affect people of all ages and genders, but is more common in women, per the National Library of Medicine. The causes of depression can be hereditary, major life stressors, a chemical imbalance in the brain, or a traumatic upbringing.

About 17 million Americans are affected with depression, per the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. It’s a very common health condition, which begs the question, how long has it been around? Per Very Well Mind, cases of depression have been reported since the second millennium B.C. They didn’t have a word for it then, and symptoms of it were often blamed on bad spirits or a more internal health problem. In modern day, it is recognized as a valid condition and people diagnosed with it often seek medication or therapy to manage their symptoms. And there are also those who turn to faith. So what does one of the most famous religious texts of that time, the Bible, say about the illness?

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact theCrisis Text Lineby texting HOME to 741741, call theNational Alliance on Mental Illnesshelpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit theNational Institute of Mental Health website.

The Bible on depression

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